When people see my work, their first impression is that I must be pursuing art in college. I have been drawing since I was two years old. When I am not studying, I am creating. My favorite media are gouache and digital art. I illustrated many t-shirts and pamphlets from middle school to college. I started an online freelance art business when I was 14 years old. When my earnings do not go towards school supplies and textbooks, they go towards homeless individuals and international charities. I graduated high school with the "most artistic" superlative. My love for art extends to other forms. I have been playing the flute for a decade. I learned the piccolo in just two weeks. In addition to being a performer, I enjoy volunteering for marching bands and wind ensembles. It makes sense that I would go to college for either studio art or music. Then I tell them I am pursuing a B.S. in mathematics. They question whether it was out of my own volition. Why would I choose mathematics over my passion? In reality, I love mathematics and the natural sciences as much as art. My love for problem solving fostered my interest in these subjects. When I am not drawing, I delve into mathematical puzzles. However, it's not easy to be recognized as a female mathematician. Teachers and peers throughout grade school doubted my abilities. I was one of three girls in an accelerated math class. I have few female figures to look up to, and I am the only one in my family interested in science. There was no pressure from those around me to become a mathematician. But I've had people suggest other, more suitable, career paths—all from fashion designer to teacher to artist. Unfortunately, STEAM is dichotomized more than ever. Students must choose a major, be confined to a single school, and seek the most stable career path. My goal in life is to bridge that gap. In addition to mathematics, I hope to major in computer science and minor in philosophy. Today's unsolved problems fuel my motivation for research. The limited research at my institution did not stop me from seeking out opportunities. Countless essays and eight applications later, I was admitted into a summer research program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The program is a paid research experience funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Security Agency to encourage research and diversity among undergraduates. So far, this experience has made me certain that I would enjoy doing research full time. After graduation, I will pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics or theoretical computer science. I want to use my knowledge of computer science and philosophy to maintain a safe and ethical digital world. My dream is to become a researcher for the National Security Agency. My research interest for the future is post-quantum cryptography. I want to help revolutionize current encryption methods to prepare for when quantum computers become mainstream. In particular, I hope to research quantum key distribution, an encryption method that resists quantum computer algorithms. In addition, I hope to research the ethics of artificial intelligence art. It would be impossible to solve these issues without the interdisciplinary knowledge that is fundamental to STEAM. I hope to show younger generations of women that they can be not just artists, but mathematicians, humanitarians, and innovators, too. After all, these are not just career goals—they are lifelong journeys.