For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to work to make the world a better place through STEM. I have countless childhood memories of designing and carrying out experiments. I was often found mixing different colors of water or building baking soda and vinegar volcanoes in my bathtub. Most of the conversations I would have with people revolved around the questions or “I wonder” statements that came out of my mouth. I even remember correcting a preschool teacher who had wished us a happy spring on the first warm March day because the equinox hadn’t passed yet. My parents supported my passions and did everything in their power to keep my scientific mind active. My only problem was that I had no specific idea of how I wanted my future in STEM to look. As a middle schooler, I considered being a neurosurgeon. For the first few years of high school, I toyed with the idea of being an astrobotanist. Any career that I thought could help people and make the world a better place, I have thought about devoting my life to. It wasn’t until about halfway through my Junior year that my desire to go into biomedical engineering was cemented. My work through Maine’s Feminist Action Board (FAB) offered an opportunity to get a closer look at the inconsistencies, dangers, and underresearched aspects of women’s health and reproductive technologies. I had heard stories before about birth control being used as a wonder drug cureall, but my experiences with FAB and having more and more friends who are facing problems in this field highlighted a new perspective. As a biomedical engineer, I will be in a position to be at the forefront of the advancement of women’s health technologies. Specifically, I want to design a safer and more effective birth control option with fewer side effects. That being said, I want to contribute to revolutionizing all aspects of the field. I can see myself doing research and product development around hormonal cycles, cancers, and making the birth process safer. With the world's current political state, it is more important than ever that people are educated about and empowered in their bodies. My desired career would put me in an especially unique position to build safe environments, specifically for people with uteruses. For as long as I have had an interest in STEM, I have also had an equal passion for advocacy. My experiences, my passions, and my degree would all contribute to me being a person that my community can trust. I will be able to answer questions informatively and confidently. I will be able to suggest action steps where needed. I will be able to be a person who is involved in the betterment and growth of my community. In closing, I am passionate about the degree that I am pursuing because I feel that it will enable me to make changes in the world that are meaningful and fulfilling to me. Not enough research has been done on female bodies and too many politicians oppose the advancements in STEM fields. I am excited to be part of the change in these things as a woman in STEM working for women everywhere.