“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

When my family and I moved from Lagos, Nigeria, to Houston, Texas, in 2017, we carried with us more than just suitcases. We carried dreams—hopes for a future shaped by education and opportunity! My parents had uprooted everything, leaving behind familiarity and family in Nigeria. They believed in the power of learning, and because of them, so did I.

But what I didn’t know then was how one simple discovery, one line of code, would change my life forever.

The Moment Everything Shifted

I still remember my first computer science class, staring at a screen filled with strange symbols and commands. I was one of only three girls in a classroom of twenty, unsure of what to expect. But as I typed my first lines of code, something clicked.

For the first time, I wasn’t just using technology—I was creating it.

Coding gave me a new way to think, to solve problems, to build something from nothing. It was more than just a skill; it was a tool for change. I saw how technology shaped the world around us—how it influenced everything from the apps on our phones to the algorithms behind major decisions. But I also saw something troubling: too many students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, never had the chance to learn what I had just discovered.

They weren’t lacking interest. They were lacking access.

CTRL Code: Turning Access Into Opportunity

That realization led me to start CTRL Code (ctrlcode.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to breaking down the barriers that keep students—especially those from underserved communities—from exploring technology. What began as a few small coding workshops quickly grew into something much bigger. Today, CTRL Code, with the support of Google & Code.org, provides free coding education, mentorship, and opportunities to students across multiple countries.

But access isn’t just about having a laptop or a Wi-Fi connection—it’s about belonging. Too often, young people (especially girls and students of color) don’t see themselves represented in

the world of tech. They don’t have mentors who look like them. They don’t hear stories that reflect their own.

Through CTRL Code, I want to change that. I want students to see technology as something they can shape, something they belong in.

That’s why I also wrote Coding Unplugged: An Offline Guide to Python Programming, a book designed to teach coding without requiring internet access. Because knowledge shouldn’t be locked behind privilege. It should be available to anyone who dares to dream.

The Role of Laurel Springs in My Journey

My education has played a key role in my ability to pursue my passions, and attending Laurel Springs School has given me the flexibility and support to do just that. As an online student at LSS, I’ve been able to balance my academic coursework with my work in tech education, nonprofit leadership, and curriculum development. LSS’s emphasis on independent learning has empowered me to explore opportunities beyond the classroom, from working on educational research to leading more coding initiatives/STEM Fairs that reach students worldwide.

To any LSS students who may be reading this, I want to emphasize that you, too, have the power to shape the future. The same amazing school that has given me the flexibility to build CTRL Code, write a book, and advocate for equity in technology is the same education available to you. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that curiosity and initiative can open doors to limitless opportunities—no matter where you are!

The Future We Can Build

I believe education is the key to unlocking potential, and technology is one of the most powerful tools we have to create change.

My dream is to see a world where students—no matter their background—have the resources, the mentorship, and the confidence to step into technology and make it their own. Through CTRL Code, I’m working to turn that vision into reality by expanding our programs, building partnerships, and reaching even more students who deserve the chance to learn.

For myself, I plan to further study Computer Science & Education, using technology to bridge educational gaps and open doors for those who have long been left out.

But this is bigger than just me. It’s bigger than CTRL Code.

If you see a problem, a gap, an opportunity to help—don’t wait for someone else to fix it. Be the one who steps forward. CTRL Code started as a simple idea, but that idea has already changed lives. The smallest spark can ignite a movement.

Let’s build a world where knowledge is not a privilege, but a right. A world where every student has the chance to learn, create, and code change.

About Laurel Springs School

Mary is a current Computer Science student at Laurel Springs, an online private school for K-12 learners featuring self-paced curriculum, 24/7 expert tutoring via Tutor.com, 230+ college-prep courses, and access to extensive STEM learning opportunities. To learn more and discover if Laurel Springs is a great fit for your family, join us for a Virtual Open House!