In second grade, a teacher bluntly told my parents, "Your child is dumb and will never succeed." Despite their unwavering support and decision to move me to a better school system, those words haunted me. I carried the weight of being "different" throughout my early education, especially in subjects like math and science. Excelling in other areas, I still struggled in these fields, feeling isolated and inadequate. This narrative of inadequacy persisted until the COVID-19 pandemic brought an unexpected shift. Online learning became a catalyst for self-discovery. Math, which had always felt like an insurmountable obstacle, began to make sense in ways it never had before. It wasn't just about understanding numbers; it was about realizing that my learning style wasn't flawed—it was simply different. This realization sparked a new sense of hope and possibility. Attending Bristol-Plymouth Vocational School marked a turning point. For the first time, there was a sense of belonging. Success in classes, meaningful friendships, and a growing confidence in my abilities transformed my self-perception. When it came time to choose a vocational program, the natural choice was STEM, specifically engineering. This decision, however, brought its own set of challenges. While a love for STEM was undeniable, the complexity of the concepts often reignited old feelings of inadequacy. Doubts about whether I belonged in this field, or whether I had the "right" kind of intelligence, surfaced frequently. Sophomore year became a critical juncture. Struggling with depression and anxiety, a teacher suggested that my difficulties with math might be self-inflicted, exacerbated by societal expectations and gender biases. Although this comment was hurtful, it led to a pivotal moment of clarity: a diagnosis of dyscalculia, a form of math dyslexia. This diagnosis, though late, was liberating. It brought an understanding that the struggles weren't a reflection of my abilities, but rather a challenge to be met with new strategies and perseverance. Tutoring became a lifeline, turning initial embarrassment into a source of strength. Excelling in math was possible—it just required more time and different approaches. With newfound confidence, my focus turned to a true passion: nuclear engineering. This dream, ignited during freshman year, has only grown stronger with time. An essential component of my success in college and my future career will be my unique neurodiverse strengths and skills. I have an outgoing personality and a strong business mindset—qualities that are often lacking in traditional STEM environments. This combination allows me to stretch my limits when it comes to learning and to utilize my natural instincts in ways that can drive innovation and progress in fields like nuclear engineering. My ability to approach problems with creativity and a strategic mindset provides a fresh perspective that can bridge gaps between technical expertise and practical application. Now, there is a firm resolve and determination to contribute to groundbreaking nuclear fusion research at MIT. What once seemed like a distant dream is now a tangible goal. However, this journey extends beyond personal achievement. With the support of this scholarship, I will be equipped not only to achieve my dreams but also to drive remarkable advancements in sustainable energy. Imagine a world where clean, affordable electricity powers everything—from ending world hunger to tackling climate change and revolutionizing healthcare. This is the future I am committed to building. This is not just a statement of intent; it is a commitment. Failure is not an option. The battles with inner demons, the confrontation with fears, have only served to strengthen my resolve. With the right support, these dreams will become reality, lighting up a brighter future for generations to come.

Fusion - Ring - Korean - Radio Bacon - eyes - Rust - Wind Mexican - Corn - Ruby- Oil Caesar - Sonic - Water - Queen Do you have the wits to decrypt this outrageous enigma? Legend has it, some have sat on the loo for centuries, perplexed by the intricacies of these sixteen daunting words. How cruel I am to be the master of this cryptogrammic marvel! However, my friend, in exchange for five-hundred American dollars, I shall revel to you, the answer you seek and hidden truth behind this labyrinth. Though a steep cost, your generous contribution will fund my life's work: solving the puzzles of the unknown universe. Are you ready to buy your way to the solution, which many have sought out to find but have died while trying? Very well then, hand the check over and we shall begin. Dedicated to my passion for physics, electrical, and nuclear energy, I've compiled a list of "Types of Energy" such as: Fusion, Oil, Sonic, and Wind. For a love of all things music, food, and candy related, I proudly present to you the "Words That Start or End With Pop" category: Korean, Corn, Ring, eyes. Again, a theme of physics and fun, I give you "Waves": Radio, Mexican, Water, Queen. Thanks to the puzzle lover and computer scientist in me, I naturally had to create a row titled "Types of Code": Ruby, Caesar, Bacon, Rust. I understand, my extreme intelligence may disturb you. No need to worry, as I shall explain all of which you do not understand. You see, Korean Pop = K-Pop and eyes = Popeyes. You may not have heard of the Mexican wave, but if you've been to a sporting event, you've participate in it. The irony of "Types of Code" is quite humorous. You are likely to to have heard of Ruby and Rust, two coding languages which are in the shadow of Python in this day of age, but had their fifteen seconds of fame between Y2K. Caesar and Bacon cipher are both alphabetic codes, used during some old war by old men disagreeing about some old religion. Yes, that's what your five-hundred dollars bought you. A very simple explanation to an even simpler problem. I suppose that's what I love about puzzles. Everything seems so overwhelming until you organize the pieces and discover the answer. I often find people trying to combine Queen, Ruby, Caesar, and Ring into a "Royalty" category. Why on Earth would I care anything about that? And, sure, I LOVE food, but I don't understand why people are always trying to pair up Korean, Fusion, and Mexican! What tastes so good about deuterium? Very well then, I shall run off with my new pocket full of funds and solve the question: How to achieve nuclear fusion? You know, MIT doesn't pay for itself. Key: Types of Energy: Fusion, Oil, Sonic, Wind Words That Start or End With Pop: Korean, Corn, Ring, eyes Waves: Radio, Mexican, Water, Queen Types of Code: Ruby, Caesar, Bacon, Rust

A burning flush of pink rose to my cheeks as I stood before the Girl Scouts. It was strange to see these young students sitting in a college lecture room. Like a Freaky Friday moment where the kids swap responsibilities with adults. Unfortunately, that applied to me too. Instead of a Ph.D., Ivy educated, middle aged professor… they had me. A fifteen year old, numerically dyslexic, high school engineering student. What was I thinking when I signed up for this? How was I supposed to teach these bright girls with big aspirations about nuclear energy? I was no expert on the topic, just an amateur hobbyist. ... Despite being a member of the NHS, NTHS, and Student Ambassadors, I knew I could do more than the typical volunteer work. In these clubs, I’m always making cards for senior citizens and hospitalized kids (which does not blend well with my lack of artisticness). As important as these causes are, I knew I had what it took to initiate and manage a community organization focusing on a matter near and dear to my heart. Like I said, I’m numerically dyslexic, commonly referred to as dyscalculia. Interestingly enough, I’m also in the prestigious and competitive Engineering & Robotics program at my vocational high school. Even at my weakest, I NEEDED to ensure that no child was kept from their true potential as I was. In the summer of 2021, I initiated Grow With STEM. I started with making Instagram posts, providing information on how to find accommodating STEM education resources. Soon, I was hosting activities at the Taunton resource center and Pre-K. Prioritizing unique topics, I taught about structural stability, buoyancy, material science, and finance… all hands-on activities! I made it a point to my students that being the stereotypical “smart” is not necessary to go into STEM. You can take your time, gain valuable assets through trial and error, and make your own fun. Slowly but surely, as I preached this to others, I began to implement this thinking in my own life. All reflecting in my rising grades and confidence! I’ve accomplished many milestones throughout Grow With STEM’s life. I’ve funded scientists to teach students about magnetism at a local, underprivileged school. In DECA, Grow With STEM was a 2021 State Semi-Finalist in the Community Awareness event. I even participated in the Girl Scout STEM Conference (as mentioned in the preamble of this essay) to teach about nuclear energy. Though the experiment was a failure, I worked with 400 girls that day from all over Massachusetts! I’m now working to make Grow With STEM a 501(c)(3), create STEM clubs across the country, and fund research on learning disabilities! While I’ve worked with hundreds of kids, this organization has inspired me too. I’m seeing my dream of studying Electrical & Nuclear Engineering at MIT become a reality as my hard work has paid off. … Devastated due to the failure of my experiment, I headed to the dining hall of the university to sulk my sorrows in cookies and soft serve ice cream. Staring into a glazed daydream, a group of girls came up to me. Obviously nervous to approach me uninvited, they said something that would forever change my life. “Even though your experiment didn’t work… so far your workshop has been our favorite.” It was then I realized that I’d done my job. Other workshops were teaching the girls about photosynthesis and weather patterns, treating them as children. I, however, knew their true worth and intelligence. I had accomplished what I had come to do; reinvent STEM education.

A burning flush of pink rose to my cheeks as I stood before the Girl Scouts. It was strange to see these young students sitting in a college lecture room. Like a Freaky Friday moment where the kids swap responsibilities with adults. Unfortunately, that applied to me too. Instead of a Ph.D., Ivy educated, middle aged professor… they had me. A fifteen year old, numerically dyslexic, high school engineering student. What was I thinking when I signed up for this? How was I supposed to teach these bright girls with big aspirations about nuclear energy? I was no expert on the topic, just an amateur hobbyist. ... Despite being a member of the NHS, NTHS, and Student Ambassadors, I knew I could do more than the typical volunteer work. In these clubs, I’m always making cards for senior citizens and hospitalized kids (which does not blend well with my lack of artisticness). As important as these causes are, I knew I had what it took to initiate and manage a community organization focusing on a matter near and dear to my heart. Like I said, I’m numerically dyslexic, commonly referred to as dyscalculia. Interestingly enough, I’m also in the prestigious and competitive Engineering & Robotics program at my vocational high school. Even at my weakest, I NEEDED to ensure that no child was kept from their true potential as I was. In the summer of 2021, I initiated Grow With STEM. I started with making Instagram posts, providing information on how to find accommodating STEM education resources. Soon, I was hosting activities at the Taunton resource center and Pre-K. Prioritizing unique topics, I taught about structural stability, buoyancy, material science, and finance… all hands-on activities! I made it a point to my students that being the stereotypical “smart” is not necessary to go into STEM. You can take your time, gain valuable assets through trial and error, and make your own fun. Slowly but surely, as I preached this to others, I began to implement this thinking in my own life. All reflecting in my rising grades and confidence! I’ve accomplished many milestones throughout Grow With STEM’s life. I’ve funded scientists to teach students about magnetism at a local, underprivileged school. In DECA, Grow With STEM was a 2021 State Semi-Finalist in the Community Awareness event. I even participated in the Girl Scout STEM Conference (as mentioned in the preamble of this essay) to teach about nuclear energy. Though the experiment was a failure, I worked with 400 girls that day from all over Massachusetts! I’m now working to make Grow With STEM a 501(c)(3), create STEM clubs across the country, and fund research on learning disabilities! While I’ve worked with hundreds of kids, this organization has inspired me too. I’m seeing my dream of studying Electrical & Nuclear Engineering at MIT become a reality as my hard work has paid off. … Devastated due to the failure of my experiment, I headed to the dining hall of the university to sulk my sorrows in cookies and soft serve ice cream. Staring into a glazed daydream, a group of girls came up to me. Obviously nervous to approach me uninvited, they said something that would forever change my life. “Even though your experiment didn’t work… so far your workshop has been our favorite.” It was then I realized that I’d done my job. Other workshops were teaching the girls about photosynthesis and weather patterns, treating them as children. I, however, knew their true worth and intelligence. I had accomplished what I had come to do; reinvent STEM education.

I chose to pursue the most challenging, prestigious, and competitive program at my vocational high school. Engineering & Robotics. Driven by a burning passion for innovation and problem-solving. Despite facing dyscalculia (AKA: math dyslexia) I've embraced the challenge. From a young age, I've grappled with numbers, relying on weekly tutoring sessions to grasp fundamentals. The journey has been turbulent, marked by self-doubt and panic attacks. But I refused to prove the doubtful relatives and teachers right. What excites me about this education is the opportunity to redefine myself and make a lasting impact. I envision myself as a trailblazer in the field on electrical engineering, challenging stereotypes and inspiring others facing similar challenges. Despite setbacks, including a daunting research project on nuclear fusion reactors, initiating a community organization to provide STEM education to children in Massachusetts, and an internship at a renewable energy startup, I persist. Fueled by passion and a desire for self-growth, I am unapologetically optimistic about my future. In pursuing this program, I am not just seeking personal success; I am driven by a desire to better the world and prove that dyscalculia doesn't define me. I aspire to not only follow in the footsteps of visionaries, but to become an inspiration for our future innovators.

Warm strands of water, trickling down my skin, while anxiety clawed at my throat and pounded in my head. The relentless sensation often left my eyes bloodshot. I'd turn up the heat on the shower, hoping the steam would whisk me away from reality, if only temporarily. This was the scene that awaited me at the end of every day. I have dyscalculia, often referred to as math dyslexia. I don't see numbers correctly, formulas are always scrambled around in my head, rearranging themselves as they please. My father's frustrated attempts to guide me through homework complicated my academic challenges, leading to tears and self-hatred. Teachers and peers alike labeled me as "a very special young girl." But not in a wonderful way… more of a “special classroom” and “special accommodations” kind of way. Years of neglecting my academic struggles left me adrift, realizing I needed to redefine myself. Despite doubts, I embraced the challenge of pursuing Engineering & Robotics at a vocational high school. Freshman year was marked by panic attacks and impostor syndrome, while sophomore year left me convinced that I’d be better off working at Hooters than following through with engineering. But hitting rock bottom spurred another determination to change. I rewired my thinking, embracing tutoring and seeking inspiration from figures like Albert Einstein, who is thought to have dyscalculia. The summer before junior year, I immersed myself in STEM subjects, discovering a passion for electrical engineering. Initiating Grow With STEM, a community organization, became a platform to share my journey and provide support to others facing learning difficulties. In the face of daunting research projects and internships, I persisted, determined to prove my worth. At WindRays Energy, Inc., a renewable energy startup, I've taken charge of website design and engaged with venture capitalists, demonstrating my grit. I say this all not to show an essay format of my resume, but to prove that I’m fueled by a burning passion, hunger for success, and desire for self growth. When (and I say when because I’m unapologetically an optimist) I’m admitted into MIT, I will follow the cycle of struggle and then regrowth through my engineering degree. I know that I will always struggle through my studies and career, probably a whole lot more than my peers, but I believe this is what drives my innovation and success. My brain is quite literally wired differently than the average person. For so long this has been a fault of mine, only now is it becoming an asset. I dream of pursuing a lifetime of research on energy . To better the world, yes, but to also prove others wrong. With this scholarship I will pose as a figure for those with learning difficulties and for those who were told no at some point in their life. I will be the next Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and John Young. But I’ll look a whole lot better in heels than any of them.

In second grade, those words hit me hard: "Your child is dumb & will never succeed." It was a moment that seemed to define me, despite my parents' efforts to change schools and give me a fresh start. I carried that weight of being "different" with me, facing whispers and stares when I was taken out of class for special lessons. I bought into my teacher's harsh judgment, struggling through math and science even as I excelled in other subjects. Moving through different school districts, doubts and embarrassment followed me like a shadow. Then, unexpectedly, the pandemic shifted everything. Online learning reignited a spark of hope, and suddenly, math wasn't an insurmountable obstacle anymore. Stepping into Bristol-Plymouth, a vocational school, was a game-changer. I found my stride, acing classes and feeling like I finally fit in. But choosing a vocational program presented its own set of challenges. STEM subjects, especially engineering, intrigued me. Yet, as I grappled with complex concepts, doubts crept back in, and I questioned whether I truly belonged. Sophomore year became a turning point. Depression and anxiety resurfaced, and I spiraled downward. A teacher's comment suggesting that my struggles were somehow self-inflicted and connected to my gender as a woman only intensified my distress. It was a dark period, until a diagnosis of dyscalculia brought clarity and a fresh perspective. Tutoring became my lifeline, turning my initial embarrassment into a source of strength. I discovered that I learned differently, but I also discovered that I could excel. With newfound confidence, I’ve been working on many ambitious projects! For the past two years, I’ve conducted my DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) project on the student-run organization I initiated, Grow With STEM, to provide unique STEM opportunities to kids in my community. Hoping to help others with similar challenges as myself, we’ve already worked with over one hundred-twenty kids, paid a local nonprofit to bring scientists to an underprivileged school in Massachusetts, and we’ll be presenting a workshop on nuclear energy to four hundred Girl Scouts this Fall! Separately, I’m perfecting my own research paper on nuclear fusion magnets which change their polarity based on plasma turbulence which will then be submitted to the MIT THINK Competition in January. I’m extra busy to say the least! Overall, I stand firm and determined. I can envision myself contributing to groundbreaking nuclear fusion research at MIT as an undergraduate. Yet, this journey extends beyond me; it's a chance to make a lasting impact on the world. Your support through this scholarship wouldn't just empower me, but it could drive remarkable advancements. Just imagine: ending world hunger, tackling climate change, revolutionizing healthcare, all powered by accessible and affordable electricity. I'm not just stating a goal; I'm making a commitment. Failure is not an option. I've battled my inner demons, confronted my fears, and emerged even stronger. With your support, I'm on track to achieve my dreams and create a lasting change. Together, we have the power to light up a brighter future for generations to come.

Math has been an enduring challenge in my life. Growing up with dyscalculia, I struggled to comprehend its concepts, leaving me feeling inadequate and less intelligent than my peers. I vividly remember nights at the kitchen table, tears of frustration streaming down my face, while my father, a financial advisor and math whiz, tried patiently to explain my homework. My second-grade teacher's hurtful remarks only worsened my self-esteem, leading my parents to move me to a new school and place me on an IEP in third grade. As I progressed through school, I felt years behind my peers and developed a quiet demeanor, fearing ridicule for my learning difficulties. Math and science classes became sources of anxiety, and I constantly battled with imposter syndrome. Nevertheless, I held onto my dream of making a significant impact and earning success. Believing that hard work would prove my worth, I applied to Bristol-Plymouth Tech for a fresh start. Despite my earlier struggles, I pushed forward, focusing on my goal of studying at MIT. The engineering and robotics program beckoned to me, even though it meant confronting my fear of math head-on. Freshman year proved to be a rollercoaster, with moments of elation for being accepted into the program, with struggles and self-doubt when grappling with advanced math and problem-solving skills. Trapped in a cycle of tears and frustration, I questioned my abilities once more. A conversation with a teacher, who misunderstood the depth of my struggles, left me feeling even more dismissed. However, this incident compelled my parents to pursue further evaluations, and I finally received the diagnosis of dyscalculia at the age of sixteen. With the diagnosis came a newfound understanding of my challenges, and I embarked on a path of tutoring. Though initially hesitant, I recognized the importance of addressing my mental health, and I sought help for my severe anxiety and depression linked to my math difficulties. Slowly, through hard work and medication, I began to see a positive change. The journey has been far from easy, but I refuse to let my dyscalculia define me. Summer brings a renewed sense of confidence as I prepare to enter my junior year. With the support of tutoring and accommodations, math no longer feels like an insurmountable obstacle. Moreover, my dream of studying nuclear engineering at MIT is closer to becoming a reality. My struggles with dyscalculia have taught me resilience and perseverance. I have learned to advocate for myself and seek help when needed. My determination to succeed in a field that challenges me is a testament to my grit and unwavering passion. Despite the setbacks, I refuse to give up on my dreams. With each step forward, I find myself inching closer to the inspiring story I want to tell. My journey is only just beginning, but I believe it holds the potential to inspire others facing similar challenges. I want to be an advocate for students with learning disabilities and show them that with determination, support, and self-belief, they can overcome any obstacle in their path. I am immensely grateful for the Dylan’s Journey Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes the unique struggles of students like me. It would be an honor to receive this scholarship and continue my pursuit of engineering at MIT. With this opportunity, I hope to make a meaningful impact in the world, proving that a learning disability should never be a hindrance to fulfilling one's dreams. My passion, resilience, and dedication will drive me forward as I strive to honor Dylan's legacy and inspire others to achieve their aspirations, no matter the challenges they face.

Imagine waking up every morning perched off of a cliff, with turquoise clear waters clashing against the jagged-amber rock below and ivory yachts sprinkled about the sea. Your peaceful neighbors would be nothing but cacti and fruit trees. A long driveway shaded by strings of ivy leads to a convenient walking path to the nearby sleepy Spanish town and beach. OKAY. It sounds like a billionaire's paradise. But when you're Barbie, your imagination knows no bounds! My life goal? To practically become Barbie. I'll have the sleek, modern house with a pool and enough guest rooms for all the friends I'd like to invite for a weekend getaway. But MOST importantly, I want the job, the salary, the education, the success, and for it to all be MINE and earned from my hard work. Once my fusion breakthrough as a nuclear engineer makes me millions, I'll head to the little island of Mallorca, Spain, and build my very own Mojo Dojo Casa House. Oh... It'll be nothing. Just a minimalistic mega mansion with a stunningly impractical design that only a genius like myself could come up with. Picture this: the exterior will resemble a giant Rubik's Cube, changing colors every hour just to keep the guests on their toes. The front yard will boast a fully functional roller coaster instead of a driveway, ensuring every visitor has an exhilarating arrival experience. And traditional doors? Forget about them! We'll have secret passages disguised as bookshelves, paintings, and even a hidden slide to get from the first to the second floor. Inside, every room will embrace its own absurd theme. A gravity-defying room with ceilings and floors covered in mirrors to confuse anyone who dares to enter. The kitchen will be equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, including a talking fridge that offers sarcastic commentary on your food choices. Bathrooms will have automated toilets with mood sensor technology, so they'll only flush when they feel appreciated. Now, let's not overlook the backyard. An Olympic-sized swimming pool filled with jelly instead of water, providing a deliciously messy and adventurous experience for swimmers. And, to top it all off, a flock of flamingos will roam the grounds, dressed in formal attire, hosting tea parties for anyone who cares to join. Of course, practicality isn't entirely forgotten. My Barbie dream house will house a nuclear fusion reactor deep within the ground, cheaply powering not only my home but also the entire island and the world! And yes, it will effortlessly solve homelessness, hunger, cancer, and restore our natural state of ideal happiness and inclusion. But hey, that's no big deal. Geothermal heating and cooling will be installed, along with an underground hydroponic farm to feed my friends, my army of kittens, and my fellow engineers. So yes, this Barbie is not just a pretty face but also a STEMINIST and a future nuclear engineer—an icon to young minds and an advocate for those with learning disabilities like myself. Oh, did I mention that my degree from MIT will be prestigiously displayed underneath a heroic painting of me riding a stallion into Barbieland? Oops, how could I forget! Feel the Kenergy, my friends!

Being brought into a world where technology is praised can make such a huge impact on someone. A bigger impact than most people can even imagine. Clean modern concepts. The attention to detail. Those were the kind of things that caught my eye as a child. And because I found the newest cars and technology so visually pleasing, I started to ask about them. I distinctly remember asking my father what solar panels were and when electric cars would become the norm. And here we are today, there’s a Tesla on every street corner and most of our neighbors are transitioning to solar power to run their homes. So going into a vocational high school, I had to pick a program I wanted to go through for the next four years. Did it only make sense to pick Engineering & Robotics? To be completely honest, I didn’t know what I wanted to do when entering high school. As normal as that sounds to most people, just about all my other peers knew what they wanted to do with their lives since fifth grade. That is the point of a technical school after all. So I picked engineering without a single clue of what I was getting myself into except for the fact that I love technology. It wasn’t long after I started in engineering that I’d felt the constant pressure of being a female in a male-dominated shop. I had heard my entire life that it’s crucial to get more females into STEM. But what does it feel like to be one out of the three girls in a class of eighteen students? Though I have two other female peers whom I love dearly, it’s easy to feel like the dumbest person in the room when you’re a girl and have an IEP in math. At that point, I started to wonder if I really belonged in the shop. The individualized education program. That’s what they call it, but as a kid, I just thought that was their soft way of saying where the stupid kids are placed. No matter how much tutoring or extra time I had on tests, it was pretty discouraging having “learning disability” written all over my records at school. So I quit. No, I couldn’t drop out but daydreaming through my math classes was pretty much the equivalent. But now being in high school, in a math-based shop, I deeply regret ever saying “Why do I have to learn this stuff? It’s not like I’m ever gonna use it.” When thinking about my plans for the future, it all goes back to growing up. My love for technology, my hatred for math, but also the thing I have most in common with my parents. A love to travel. I always knew I was lucky. The frequent trips to Mexico, Canada, the UK, France, Austria, and the annual summer trip to Mallorca, Spain. Most of my friends hadn’t been outside of New England. Or even on a plane. The beautiful man-made birds of the sky, darting through the clouds with little to care about. Flying over cities at three in the morning feels like something straight out of TRON. That’s my happy place, thousands of feet away from all my problems down below. I hope to study aerospace engineering as well as engineering project management. So what problems do I want to solve by using my knowledge of technology? First, I plan to make air travel eco-friendly, cheaper, and therefore easily accessible for others to explore the world, just as I have. I dream of people with varying sexual orientations, races, and backgrounds to have the chance to go and experience the joy of flying, and for them to be inspired by the fact that even if society has told them they can’t achieve something because of a label they have or because of how their intelligence is weighed, they can as long as they work hard. I want to be an example of that. Secondly, at some point down the road, I hope to fund a school or program that approaches teaching math, science, and STEM-related subjects in a whole different style. I look back on my own experiences in elementary and middle school and think about how much easier math could be for me now if I was taught organization skills or if I was taught how to identify repetition in math instead of being forced to solve the same problems over and over again. Just as Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” The time is long overdue that we recognize this in our school’s curriculum. There’s so much wrong in our school systems and society. And there are so many people who have ideas on how to improve these problems. All we need is funding to put their ideas into action, and I am more than willing to do my part.