Jarrod Mason graduated from Merancas Middle College High School in Huntersville, North Carolina, with a 4.57 GPA and an Associate in Arts degree. Jarrod is a dedicated leader who values perseverance, integrity and supporting others. He participated in various extracurricular activities that supported his passion for solving problems, whether in the classroom, on the football field, or in life.
As the president and founder of the Mercancas Black Student Union, he learned a lot about what it takes to lead a team. He has had the privilege of serving as a leader with the National Honor Society and his National Student Council at his high school. He was also football captain of his nationally ranked football team, and participated in several internships such as the Bank of American Student Leaders Program. Jarrod enjoyed participating in summer programs at The University of Virginia and The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.
Jarrod will major in computer science (cybersecurity certification) and minor in finance at North Carolina A & T State. The cybersecurity field is in dire need of skilled workers interested in solving new problems and creating solutions. A foundation in computer science can expand to other areas and allow him to build the capital and knowledge to impact his field and the community.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
The knowledge, dispositions, and mindsets of engineering can significantly impact the world. I enjoy problem-solving, analyzing issues, and interrogating ideas. Numbers, math, and sequences have intrigue me, whether in the classroom or on the football field. I am also passionate about helping the community, and I ultimately want to determine ways to create affordable housing and solve significant environmental issues.
I want to design a program and build a robot that identifies and destroys waste. This robot could sweep for trash at any time. City streets would be much cleaner. Pursuing a career in computer science and finance would allow me to build capital and gain the knowledge necessary to impact my field and the community. I want to continue with my passion for community and public service. In addition, I desire to engage with a group of people who are motivated to improve the community.
FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?
I have always been a strategic thinker and planner. Receiving the prestigious FOSSI scholarship will support my academic goals and long-term future plans. My goal is to complete my undergraduate degree in computer science and pursue an advanced degree in computer science and/or an MBA concentration that supports my passion for problem-solving and finance. I would like to participate in a number of internships that will provide me with experiences to support my future endeavors.
FOSSI: Who is a role model that has influenced you?
Perseverance is my favorite word and it describes my life. My father has always told me that it is not how you start, but how you finish. One athlete that comes to mind who exemplifies perseverance is Muhammad Ali. Mr. Ali was one of the greatest boxers of the 20th century who was known to speak his mind and back up his statements in the boxing ring.
One of Mr. Ali’s personal challenges that resonated with me was his commitment to advancing racial equality for all Americans. In fact, Mr. Ali won a Liberty Medal for his role in religious freedom and civil rights and he has also coined the “Champion for Freedom.” Muhammad Ali received a significant amount of hate for his actions from the white community. If Mr. Ali simply just stopped his fight for freedom, the sports world and other men and women would not have had improved conditions as a result of Mr. Ali’s efforts.
FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?
I want to pursue a career in cybersecurity as a cybersecurity analyst, particularly in banking, to combine my interest in computer science and finance. I enjoy mathematics and creating codes that can complete whatever task is at hand. The field is in dire need of skilled workers interested in solving new problems and creating solutions.
I also recognize that a foundation in computer science can also expand to other areas. I realize that I want to impact my profession, but I also desire to impact my community. I expect to diversify my income through real estate and electronic currency investments. My varied experiences in supporting the community have inspired me to create more affordable housing, particularly in my hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. I know that “to whom much is given, much is required.”
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- I know a significant number of details about sports and athletes, such as where most football and basketball players attend college.
- I enjoy trading stocks and cooking.
- I am currently learning how to play the piano.
- During my football career, my team went 25-2 as a starter for the offensive line.