Hey everyone, I’m Luna, a current student at the University of Washington and a hackNY 2024 fellow. I had an amazing time in the fellowship this past summer, and I especially loved the community. A few of us even had a mini reunion at Hack The North! I wanted to share my application for hackNY in hopes of helping any aspiring applicants. Even if you don’t feel qualified, you should always apply! I personally didn’t think I’d get in but decided to go for it anyway. The most important thing is to be yourself and let your voice and passions shine through in your application. While my application definitely isn’t perfect, I hope it can provide some guidance, encouragement, and a bit of insight into the process for anyone considering applying. Good luck and if you have any questions feel free to reach out!

Being a hackNY Fellow last year was a lifechanging experience for me. The mentors, friends, and alumNY I met through the program shifted my world in various little ways, and I can’t imagine who I’d be now if I hadn’t gone through the program. Last year, I wrote this application trusting that HackNY would see my passion for using technology to serve my community, but I also really benefited from reflecting on my own experiences and values. I hope my essays help you in your own process of self-reflection! Best of luck!