I want to be a mechanical engineer because I am a problem solver and always have been. Ever since my experience at Advanced Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, I realized my passion for STEM. I have always gravitated towards math and science, and taking a hands-on approach to finding out how things work. Whether it was constructing Lego sets, learning how to solve a Rubik’s Cube in less than a minute, or programming a three-axis CNC milling machine, I strive to use my creative side to build things and solve problems. This passion for engineering was further reinforced this past summer when I attended the University of Illinois Aerospace Engineering program. I learned about various specializations in the field, such as propulsion, structures, and aerodynamics, which all fascinated me greatly. As a woman in STEM, my pathway hasn't been easy. Often times, I am the only woman in the classes I take, and it requires confidence and self-assurance to know that I have a place in the room. Ever since I have been a kid, I knew that succeeding as a women in a male-dominated field would be difficult, but I never let that stop me. Even in the STEM IV class that I am currently enrolled in, I have to remind myself to take initiative and make my voice heard. Engineering is important to me, and I want to exercise my ability to change the world as a woman in STEM. I hope to continue this drive, and make the world a more efficient place with the knowledge I acquire in college. Engineering is my pathway to success, and how I will make my mark in society because I want to change the world, and I believe that engineering is how I will succeed. I hope to make an impact throughout my career by pushing myself to solve the little problems. Often times, we become caught up on the bigger picture; trying to solve problems that are far from reach. I feel that it is important to take a step back, and find solutions to issues that impact the average person. As a future mechanical engineer, my goal is to design technology that is both innovative and efficient. I have always had an interest in Environmental Science, especially after taking an Advanced Placement course on the matter, and I believe that it is vital that we engineering focus on improvements that do not negatively impact the environment. Furthermore, as a leader, I want to encourage more young girls to get interested in the STEM field. Although we have been able to break through the fields of engineering in modern day, women are still extremely outnumbered, and I strongly encourage more women to become involved. I want to spark curiosity, uplift my peers, and work together to find the best solutions to society's many issues. It is so important for the future of women in engineering, that we continue to fight hard for learning and understanding the concepts of engineering.

I have made an impact on my community through my leaderships skills in a non-profit club called Princesses for Patients. We dress up as princesses and superheroes at local events to raise money for a local children's hospital, St. Jude. As a senior, it has been vital for me to lead my fellow club members, and teach them about the important of teamwork and community service. I want to continue to lead as I progress in my education journey. I want to be a mechanical engineer because I am a problem solver. Ever since my experience at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, I realized my passion for STEM. I have always gravitated towards math and science, and taking a hands-on approach to finding out how things work. Whether it was constructing Lego sets, learning how to solve a Rubik’s Cube in less than a minute, or programming a three-axis CNC milling machine, I strive to use my creative side to build things and solve problems. This passion for engineering was further reinforced this past summer when I attended the University of Illinois Aerospace Engineering program. I learned about various specializations in the field, such as propulsion, structures, aerodynamics, etc. As a woman in STEM, my pathway hasn't been easy. Often times, I am the only woman in the classes I take, and it requires confidence and self-assurance to know that I have a place in the room. Ever since I have been a kid, I knew that succeeding as a women in a male-dominated field would be difficult, but I never let that stop me. Even in the STEM IV class that I am currently enrolled in, I have to remind myself to take initiative and make my voice heard. I hope to continue this drive, and make the world a more efficient place with the knowledge I acquire in college. Engineering is my pathway to success, and how I will make my mark in society. I hope to make an impact throughout my career in engineering by pushing myself to solve the little problems. Often times, we become caught up on the bigger picture; trying to solve problems that are far from reach. I feel that it is important to take a step back, and find solutions to issues that impact the average person. As a future mechanical engineer, my goal is to design technology that is both innovative and efficient. I have always had an interest in Environmental Science, especially after taking an Advanced Placement course on the matter, and I believe that it is vital that we engineering focus on improvements that do not negatively impact the environment. Furthermore, as a leader, I want to encourage more young girls to get interested in the STEM field. Although we have been able to break through the fields of engineering in modern day, women are still extremely outnumbered, and I strongly encourage more women to become involved. I want to spark curiosity, uplift my peers, and work together to find the best solutions to society's many issues.

I want to be a mechanical engineer because I am a problem solver. Ever since my experience at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, I realized my passion for STEM. I have always gravitated towards math and science, and taking a hands-on approach to finding out how things work. Whether it was constructing Lego sets, learning how to solve a Rubik’s Cube in less than a minute, or programming a three-axis CNC milling machine, I strive to use my creative side to build things and solve problems. This passion for engineering was further reinforced this past summer when I attended the University of Illinois Aerospace Engineering program. I learned about various specializations in the field, such as propulsion, structures, aerodynamics, etc. As a woman in STEM, my pathway hasn't been easy. Often times, I am the only woman in the classes I take, and it requires confidence and self-assurance to know that I have a place in the room. Ever since I have been a kid, I knew that succeeding as a women in a male-dominated field would be difficult, but I never let that stop me. Even in the STEM IV class that I am currently enrolled in, I have to remind myself to take initiative and make my voice heard. I hope to continue this drive, and make the world a more efficient place with the knowledge I acquire in college. Engineering is my pathway to success, and how I will make my mark in society. I hope to make an impact throughout my career by pushing myself to solve the little problems. Often times, we become caught up on the bigger picture; trying to solve problems that are far from reach. I feel that it is important to take a step back, and find solutions to issues that impact the average person. As a future mechanical engineer, my goal is to design technology that is both innovative and efficient. I have always had an interest in Environmental Science, especially after taking an Advanced Placement course on the matter, and I believe that it is vital that we engineering focus on improvements that do not negatively impact the environment.