Computer Science Portfolio

Journey Through My Life

Hi there! My name is Yahzir Hood, and I’m a high school senior excited to be applying to college. My journey has been shaped by curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, and a love of learning. Life hasn’t always been easy; my family, including my mom and younger brother, experienced a tough period of homelessness when I was younger. Yet, throughout these challenges, I had remained captivated by the intricacies of how things function. That curiosity sparked my passion for technology, especially when I got a Raspberry Pi for my 10th birthday. From that moment, I dove into programming, teaching myself through online resources and creating small projects that made me love coding even more.

High school provided me with incredible opportunities to nurture my passion for technology. Through a dual-enrollment course that I take at a college for transfer credits, I became a part of the school’s STEM club. In this program, I explored Arduino boards and learned C++, gaining a deeper understanding of how hardware and software work together. This hands-on experience, combined with the rigor of earning college credits, has strengthened my programming skills and further prepared me for a future in computer science.

Outside of academics, I’ve found joy in giving back to my community through volunteering at a food bank and serving as a midshipman with the Navy Sea Cadets. These roles have taught me the value of service, teamwork, and community support. At home, I balance these commitments with helping care for my disabled mother, assisting her with daily tasks she cannot manage independently. I also play an active role in raising my two young nieces, supporting their growth and development while juggling my other responsibilities. These experiences have shaped me into a compassionate, resilient, and driven individual, always striving to make a positive impact.