FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello, my name is Destinee! As a part of Lamar Institute of Technology's dual credit program, I graduated with my high school diploma (Magna Cum Laude) and Associate of Arts in General Studies (Summa Cum Laude). I participated in the Art club and Gaming & Coding club at my school.
To name some of my achievements, I have put in over 100 hours of community service, from helping out teachers at my old middle school to assisting the local art studio. I was also invited to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society my sophomore year, and my high PSAT/SAT scores earned me a spot in the National African American Recognition Program. When I'm not doing schoolwork or volunteering, I love to play video games, draw, and make my own music. I am always more than happy to participate in anything that allows me to be creative!
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
Ever since I was little, I've had a passion for computers. I loved playing video games and I wanted to learn how to create my own. From freshman year, I started to research more about what went into making a game and the rest was history. Being behind the scenes of a future player's favorite game sounds very exciting to me, and so does coding an app that will benefit society.
As a bisexual Black young woman, I want to be a role model for the multiple communities I am a part of. I want my little siblings to look up to me and believe that the color of their skin does not dictate what they can achieve. The STEM field mostly consists of white men, and I will change that. Also, I will be the first person in my family to go to a 4-year university. I believe pursuing such a field will inspire others to follow in my footsteps.
FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?
Receiving the FOSSI scholarship is very important to me because college is expensive. I wasn't raised in a rich household, so I had to rely on financial aid to cover most of my expenses. However, with my academic and personal attributes, I persevered and was able to raise enough money to cover the cost of attending XULA. I am very proud of myself for working hard enough to be nationally recognized for what I have achieved.
FOSSI: Who is a role model that has influenced you?
Though I can say many people in my life have influenced me, my biggest role model is my mom. She has been with me since I was in the womb, and has always made sure I had a roof over my head and food to eat even when times were tough. When I was in 8th grade, I planned on majoring in English as I wanted to be an author.
I remember when she would claim that eventually, I would end up in STEM. Well, she was right. She is the main person who helped me research colleges and utilize my resources. It is common knowledge that I am a very forgetful person, so she's the one who reminded me to apply for this scholarship! I admire her confidence, strength, and patience, and my main goal in life is to pay her back for everything she has done for me and make her proud. Hi, Mommy! My beautiful best friend, I love you.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
For one, I am a HUGE K-pop stan. Besides BTS, I love TOMORROW X TOGETHER, TWICE, BVNDIT, and ENHYPEN (I'm not yelling, that's how their names are stylized!). Also, remember when I said I made music? I have music on streaming platforms under my name, Destinee Bennett. I won't force anyone, but it is available to be checked out sometime! Last ones: my favorite candy is Junior Mints and I love cookies-and-cream ice cream.