C.L. Scholarship of Black Women in Engineering

I had of privilege of meeting the black woman who has inspired me my entire life on September 15, 2005 - the day I was born and the day I met my mother. My mother inspires me and is the person I am closest to in the world. I have not only watched her raise me, but I also have seen her overcome hardships, depression, and challenges in her work field. Despite this, she remained optimistic and a hardworking woman. She raised my siblings and me single-handedly while pursuing her college associate's degree and maintaining a job. She is a hardworking woman with unwavering diligence and optimism. Regardless of how hard things got for her, she was and is an involved and supportive mother. When I first read this question, I thought about choosing my favorite poet, Maya Angelou, because her words always motivate me. I also considered my black female guidance counselor for always supporting my educational endeavors and Ruby Bridges for trailblazing regardless of the challenges in the name of education. However, realized my mother embodies all of these things. She has trailblazed so I can have a manageable education. She supports my dreams and educational endeavors, and her words have inspired and motivated me better than anyone else because of how much of a person she means to me. Before deciding on mechanical engineering as my major, I had many aspirations. When I was 9, I wanted to be an artist, and she bought me art supplies and sketchbooks. When I was 13, I told her I wanted to be an animator, and she found a way to afford a digital sketch pad for me. Eventually, I found my true passion and told her I wanted to be a mechanical engineer; I was around 15. Even though it was not something she was interested in, she always made sure I was involved in my school’s science and technology clubs. Her actions have convinced me that if I wanted to be a fairy, my mom would have enabled me to do so. My mother has inspired me so much that I truly believe that I am a product of not only my experiences but a product of who she is as well. She is a black woman who is kind enough to everyone to raise children who are not her own; she never forgets the person she is when upset or sad. She never gives up on herself and has a generous spirit, a brilliant and wise mind, and an illustrious essence. Using her as inspiration, I will always try to be kind, never forget or give up on myself, and overcome academic and personal challenges, just like she did. I know that this mindset will take me far in my career goals and in life because I know I will never be alone. This woman has taught me to be determined and hardworking, and I am glad I have the honor of calling Andrea Garner my mother and the person who inspires me the most.

One Black woman who has deeply inspired me is Maya Angelou. Her resilience, wisdom, and unwavering spirit have left a lasting impact on me. Maya Angelou's ability to overcome adversity, find her voice, and use her words to inspire and empower others is truly remarkable. She taught me the power of storytelling, the importance of resilience, and the value of using my voice to advocate for change. In order for me to channel Maya Angelou's inspiration into my own journey towards achieving my goals, I have embraced the idea of fearlessly pursuing my passions and dreams. Just like Maya Angelou faced challenges head-on and emerged stronger, I strive to approach obstacles with courage and determination. I draw strength from her words and experiences, using them as a guiding light to navigate through challenges and setbacks. Furthermore, I aim to embody Maya Angelou's spirit of compassion and empathy in all my endeavors. By embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for social justice, I hope to honor her legacy and contribute to creating a more equitable and compassionate world. In essence, Maya Angelou's life and work serve as a constant reminder to me that resilience, empathy, and the power of words can drive positive change. I carry her inspiration with me as I pursue my goals, knowing that her legacy continues to guide and empower me on my journey. I strive to embody Maya Angelou's spirit in several ways: Maya Angelou, was resilient. With this type of character from Maya, I aim to face challenges with resilience and grace. I understand that setbacks are a natural part of life, and I strive to overcome them with determination and perseverance. Maya Angelou was also known for her empathy and compassion towards others. With this trait I will emulate her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, to listen with an open heart, and to offer support and understanding whenever needed. She was an advocate. She used her voice to advocate for social justice and equality. I am committed to speaking up for those who are marginalized or oppressed, and to actively working towards creating a more just and inclusive society. Building a better future: Advocacy for social justice and equality is about creating a better future for current and future generations. By advocating for positive social change, we can contribute to building a more sustainable, peaceful, and compassionate world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Because advocacy for social justice and equality is a moral imperative that calls upon individuals and communities to stand up against injustice, promote equality, and work towards a more just and inclusive society for all. Overall, advocacy for social justice plays a vital role in challenging discrimination by raising awareness, advocating for policy change, empowering marginalized communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and holding institutions accountable for discriminatory practices. By addressing discrimination at its root causes and working towards systemic change, advocates strive to create a more just and equitable society for all. Maya Angelou was a prolific writer and artist who used her creativity to inspire and uplift others. I strive to tap into my own creativity to express myself, share my ideas, and connect with people in meaningful ways. Maya Angelou's journey of self-discovery and personal growth serves as a reminder to me to constantly strive for self-improvement and to embrace new opportunities for learning and development. By embodying these qualities inspired by Maya Angelou, I aim to make a positive impact on the world around me and to honor her legacy through my actions and words. I want to leave a legacy.