I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the US, I lived here until I was one and a half and then moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents in Castilla-La Mancha, the birthplace of the fabled Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although completely bilingual, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only read and spoke in English at home with my father and watched American TV. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, making me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers and mathematics, which continues to propel me toward a clear and bright future. As a recent Data Science and AI intern on Pfizer’s Global Commercial Analytics team, I was able to participate in a variety of meaningful projects. One of these included using machine learning to provide product recommendations and increase efficiency when it comes to communicating with healthcare professionals. I was able to work alongside colleagues to learn how to improve models, enhance performance, and create impactful solutions. Witnessing in real-time how AI has changed companies and how they operate, as well as being able to contribute to teams that want to drive innovation has been a privilege. Nevertheless, there are still areas that AI cannot assist with. Mine and others’ experiences with AI have shown me that while it drives advancements, the people behind the operation actually make breakthroughs possible. I believe that humans are a core essential to productivity and progress. Even though machines have shaped the way we see the world and transformed the way we reach solutions, the individuals supporting these developments have allowed for milestones and groundbreaking discoveries. As someone studying both Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence, I value being at the forefront of innovation and creating meaningful impact. At Carnegie Mellon University, I've been immersed in an environment that challenges me to push boundaries and approach problems from multiple perspectives, which is why I strive to be part of communities that prioritize growth, intellectual curiosity, and continuous learning. With that being said, being able to reach and exceed operational objectives, while being on the cutting edge of the digital world would be an incredible opportunity, and I believe this scholarship will help me achieve those goals.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the US, I lived here until I was one and a half and then moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents in Castilla-La Mancha, the birthplace of the fabled Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although completely bilingual, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only read and spoke in English at home with my father and watched American TV. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, making me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers and mathematics, which continues to propel me toward a clear and bright future. Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year math teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to embrace a life filled with challenges. In fact, I gave a presentation on Game Theory while in his class, which made me want to explore further how mathematics could go hand in hand with areas such as psychological warfare and deciphering / predicting enemy strategy. Similarly, as I reflect upon my first two years at college, having studied topics such as Multidimensional Calculus, Imperative Programming, as well as pure math, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to look at problems from unconventional angles and perspectives. I learned that the answer was not always straightforward or even singular. It mattered more that I could prove and articulate my thoughts, rather than provide a solution with little to no explanation. As a recent Data Science and AI intern on Pfizer’s Global Commercial Analytics team, I was able to participate in a variety of meaningful projects. One of these included using machine learning to provide product recommendations and increase efficiency when it comes to communicating with healthcare professionals. I was able to work alongside colleagues to learn how to improve models, enhance performance, and create impactful solutions. Witnessing in real-time how AI has changed companies and how they operate, as well as being able to contribute to teams that want to drive innovation has been a privilege. Nevertheless, there are still areas that AI cannot assist with. Mine and others’ experiences with AI have shown me that while it drives advancements, the people behind the operation actually make breakthroughs possible. I believe that humans are a core essential to productivity and progress. Even though machines have shaped the way we see the world and transformed the way we reach solutions, the individuals supporting these developments have allowed for milestones and groundbreaking discoveries.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the US, I lived here until I was one and a half and then moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents in Castilla-La Mancha, the birthplace of the fabled Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although completely bilingual, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only read and spoke in English at home with my father and watched American TV. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, making me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers and mathematics, which continues to propel me toward a clear and bright future. I am immensely proud of my culture and background, as I know it has shaped my interests, goals, and the person I am today. Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year math teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to embrace a life filled with challenges. In fact, I gave a presentation on Game Theory while in his class, which made me want to explore further how mathematics could go hand in hand with areas having to do with technology. Similarly, as I reflect upon my first two years at college, having studied topics such as Multidimensional Calculus, Imperative Programming, as well as pure math, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to look at problems from unconventional angles and perspectives. I learned that the answer was not always straightforward or even singular. It mattered more that I could prove and articulate my thoughts, rather than provide a solution with little to no explanation. As a recent Data Science and AI intern on Pfizer’s Global Commercial Analytics team, I was able to participate in a variety of meaningful projects. One of these included using machine learning to provide product recommendations and increase efficiency when it comes to communicating with healthcare professionals. I was able to work alongside colleagues to learn how to improve models, enhance performance, and create impactful solutions. Witnessing in real-time how AI has changed companies and how they operate, as well as being able to contribute to teams that want to drive innovation has been a privilege. Nevertheless, there are still areas that AI cannot assist with. Mine and others’ experiences with AI have shown me that while it drives advancements, the people behind the operation actually make breakthroughs possible. I believe that humans are a core essential to productivity and progress. Even though machines have shaped the way we see the world and transformed the way we reach solutions, the individuals supporting these developments have allowed for milestones and groundbreaking discoveries.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the US, I lived here until I was one and a half and then moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents in Castilla-La Mancha, the birthplace of the fabled Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although completely bilingual, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only read and spoke in English at home with my father and watched American TV. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, making me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers and mathematics, which continues to propel me toward a clear and bright future. Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year math teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to embrace a life filled with challenges. In fact, I gave a presentation on Game Theory while in his class, which made me want to explore further how mathematics could go hand in hand with areas such as psychological warfare and deciphering / predicting enemy strategy. Similarly, as I reflect upon my first two years at college, having studied topics such as Multidimensional Calculus, Imperative Programming, as well as pure math, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to look at problems from unconventional angles and perspectives. I learned that the answer was not always straightforward or even singular. It mattered more that I could prove and articulate my thoughts, rather than provide a solution with little to no explanation. As someone studying both Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence, I value being at the forefront of innovation and creating meaningful impact. At Carnegie Mellon University, I've been immersed in an environment that challenges me to push boundaries and approach problems from multiple perspectives, which is why I strive to be part of communities that prioritize growth, intellectual curiosity, and continuous learning. As a recent Data Science and AI intern on Pfizer’s Global Commercial Analytics team, I was able to participate in a variety of meaningful projects. One of these included using machine learning to provide product recommendations and increase efficiency when it comes to communicating with healthcare professionals. I was able to work alongside colleagues to learn how to improve models, enhance performance, and create impactful solutions. Witnessing in real-time how AI has changed companies and how they operate, as well as being able to contribute to teams that want to drive innovation has been a privilege. I am immensely proud of my culture and background, as I know they have shaped my interests, goals, and the person I am today.

Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year math teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to embrace a life filled with challenges. In fact, I gave a presentation on Game Theory while in his class, which made me want to explore further how mathematics could go hand in hand with areas such as psychological warfare and deciphering / predicting enemy strategy. Similarly, as I reflect upon my first two years at college, having studied topics such as Multidimensional Calculus, Imperative Programming, as well as pure math, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to look at problems from unconventional angles and perspectives. I learned that the answer was not always straightforward or even singular. It mattered more that I could prove and articulate my thoughts, rather than provide a solution with little to no explanation. As someone studying both Mathematics and AI, I value being at the forefront of innovation and creating meaningful impact. At Carnegie Mellon University, I've been immersed in an environment that challenges me to push boundaries, which is why I strive to be part of communities that prioritize growth and intellectual curiosity. Over the past two years, I have completed four academic projects that I’m especially proud of. The first two are apps developed using Python, called SuperSet and BlotShooter. SuperSet is a game that depicts a reimagined version of the card game, “Set”, which includes various features, themes, and card dimensions. I designed and implemented original features, including dynamic animations and gameplay elements not found in the traditional game. BlotShooter consists of an arcade game in which two players shoot “blots” at buildings in hopes of knocking the other player down. Similar to SuperSet, I added unique touches such as animated explosions and twinkling stars to enhance the game’s visual appeal and interactivity. The third project that I would like to share, xSortLab, also built in Python, showcases my strong technical skills in Object-Oriented Programming and animation because it creates a proper representation of how a list is sorted via selection sort. It visually demonstrates the selection sort algorithm by highlighting columns as they’re being compared and sorted in real time, helping users understand the sorting process intuitively. Lastly, I developed a virtual machine in C capable of executing bytecode for the C0 programming language, enhancing understanding of language execution and runtime environments, while also strengthening my proficiency in C. Together, these projects allowed me to truly understand how programming has vast applications, and can extend beyond learning in the classroom. In addition to these projects, I was a Data Science and AI intern on Pfizer’s Global Commercial Analytics team, where I was able to participate in a variety of meaningful projects. One of these included using machine learning to provide product recommendations and increase efficiency when it comes to communicating with healthcare professionals. I was able to work alongside colleagues to learn how to improve models, enhance performance, and create impactful solutions. Witnessing in real-time how AI has changed companies and how they operate, as well as being able to contribute to teams that want to drive innovation has been a privilege.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the US, I lived here until I was one and a half and then moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents in Castilla-La Mancha, the birthplace of the fabled Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although completely bilingual, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only read and spoke in English at home with my father and watched American TV. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, making me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers and mathematics, which continues to propel me toward a clear and bright future. Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face in the future, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year math teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to embrace a life filled with challenges. In fact, I gave a presentation on Game Theory while in his class, which made me want to explore further how mathematics could go hand in hand with areas such as psychological warfare and deciphering / predicting enemy strategy. Similarly, as I reflect on my first year at college, having studied topics such as Multidimensional Calculus and Linear Algebra, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to look at problems from unconventional angles and perspectives. I learned that the answer was not always straightforward or even singular. It mattered more that I could prove and articulate my thoughts, rather than provide a solution with little to no explanation. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world. I believe I am worthy of receiving this scholarship because I am a hard-working, responsible, and ambitious individual. I find that this money can be extremely helpful, and if awarded, I plan to focus it on improving my studies. For example, I will put it towards buying new materials such as textbooks, which I find can exact a toll on numerous college students. I would consider myself very grateful to receive recognition, especially as a Hispanic woman pursuing STEM, since it would aid me greatly during my future studies and college career.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the US, I lived here until I was one and a half and then moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents in Castilla-La Mancha, the birthplace of the fabled Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although completely bilingual, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only read and spoke in English at home with my father and watched American TV. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, making me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers and mathematics, which continues to propel me toward a clear and bright future. Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face in the future, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year math teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to embrace a life filled with challenges. In fact, I gave a presentation on Game Theory while in his class, which made me want to explore further how mathematics could go hand in hand with areas such as psychological warfare and deciphering / predicting enemy strategy. Similarly, as I reflect on my first year at college, having studied topics such as Multidimensional Calculus and Linear Algebra, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to look at problems from unconventional angles and perspectives. I learned that the answer was not always straightforward or even singular. It mattered more that I could prove and articulate my thoughts, rather than provide a solution with little to no explanation. Not only have I been enriched with math and two cultures, I have gained valuable and memorable experiences along the way. For instance, for a few summers, I worked with a group of children to teach them conversational English once a week for about 8 weeks each year. It was something I will never forget and the lessons I learned will undoubtedly help me throughout my life and future endeavors. Additionally, the skills acquired such as leadership and responsibility will forever stay with me and aid me in events such as upcoming jobs. Furthermore, a time in which I demonstrated civic engagement and advocated for students is during the 2020 Leadership Conference which took place in Washington D.C. While on this five-day overnight trip with select students from my high school, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop to other high school students from other states. The workshop had to do with students having a voice and strategies on how they could make themselves heard. In order to prepare for this presentation, my group and I would meet inside and outside of school to create a slideshow presentation as well as activities for students who decided to select the workshop. It was a successful experience because it taught me the importance of speaking out and using your voice for those that don’t have the capacity to. Furthermore, I grew more united to my peers when I heard different opinions and perspectives. Listening to people from various parts of the country opened my eyes to different points of view which made me feel more connected to my community, both at the conference as well as nationally. While advocating for students around the country, I stepped out of my comfort zone to speak publicly in a room full of people and give a presentation on my topic, as well as to attend other workshops that required me to interact with people of various backgrounds. I loved the way I was able to learn about others’ lives and experiences because it gave me more insight on people nationwide. Oftentimes we find ourselves contained in our own bubble, and I think it is important to expand our own horizons, and even burst that bubble so that we are immersed in, and aware of, other lifestyles. This experience was meaningful and taught me leadership skills that I will always remember and continue to apply in the future. Having the opportunity to present my ideas and make myself heard felt good since it allowed me to share my view and spread it to various parts of the country. Teaching is not the only experience where I gained important and valuable skill sets. Over the summer of 2022, I also interned for an engineering company virtually. My tasks and responsibilities included viewing past projects from previous years and organizing them into different categories. I used tools such as spreadsheets to perform these tasks which I think will prepare me for future internships or job-like experiences. Having opportunities such as these to enhance my leadership and professional qualities has made me grateful and optimistic for what’s to come. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the US, I lived here until I was one and a half and then moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents in Castilla-La Mancha, the birthplace of the fabled Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although completely bilingual, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only read and spoke in English at home with my father and watched American TV. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, making me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers and mathematics, which continues to propel me toward a clear and bright future. Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face in the future, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year math teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to embrace a life filled with challenges. In fact, I gave a presentation on Game Theory while in his class, which made me want to explore further how mathematics could go hand in hand with areas such as psychological warfare and deciphering / predicting enemy strategy. Similarly, as I reflect on my first year at college, having studied topics such as Multidimensional Calculus and Linear Algebra, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to look at problems from unconventional angles and perspectives. I learned that the answer was not always straightforward or even singular. It mattered more that I could prove and articulate my thoughts, rather than provide a solution with little to no explanation. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the US, I lived here until I was one and a half and then moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents in Castilla-La Mancha, the birthplace of the fabled Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although completely bilingual, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only read and spoke in English at home with my father and watched American TV. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, making me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers and mathematics, which continues to propel me toward a clear and bright future. Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face in the future, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year math teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to embrace a life filled with challenges. In fact, I gave a presentation on Game Theory while in his class, which made me want to explore further how mathematics could go hand in hand with areas such as psychological warfare and deciphering / predicting enemy strategy. Similarly, as I reflect on my first year at college, having studied topics such as Multidimensional Calculus and Linear Algebra, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to look at problems from unconventional angles and perspectives. I learned that the answer was not always straightforward or even singular. It mattered more that I could prove and articulate my thoughts, rather than provide a solution with little to no explanation. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the US, I lived here until I was one and a half and then moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents in Castilla-La Mancha, the birthplace of the fabled Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although completely bilingual, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only read and spoke in English at home with my father and watched American TV. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, making me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers and mathematics, which continues to propel me toward a clear and bright future. Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face in the future, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year math teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to embrace a life filled with challenges. In fact, I gave a presentation on Game Theory while in his class, which made me want to explore further how mathematics could go hand in hand with areas such as psychological warfare and deciphering / predicting enemy strategy. Similarly, as I reflect on my first year at college, having studied topics such as Multidimensional Calculus and Linear Algebra, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to look at problems from unconventional angles and perspectives. I learned that the answer was not always straightforward or even singular. It mattered more that I could prove and articulate my thoughts, rather than provide a solution with little to no explanation. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the US, I lived here until I was one and a half and then moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents in Castilla-La Mancha, the birthplace of the fabled Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although completely bilingual, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only read and spoke in English at home with my father and watched American TV. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, making me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers and mathematics, which continues to propel me toward a clear and bright future. Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face in the future, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year math teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to embrace a life filled with challenges. In fact, I gave a presentation on Game Theory while in his class, which made me want to explore further how mathematics could go hand in hand with areas such as psychological warfare and deciphering / predicting enemy strategy. Similarly, as I reflect on my first year at college, having studied topics such as Multidimensional Calculus and Linear Algebra, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to look at problems from unconventional angles and perspectives. I learned that the answer was not always straightforward or even singular. It mattered more that I could prove and articulate my thoughts, rather than provide a solution with little to no explanation. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world. I believe I am worthy of receiving this scholarship because I am a hard-working, responsible, and ambitious individual. I find that this money can be extremely helpful, and if awarded, I plan to focus it on improving my studies. For example, I will put it towards buying new materials such as textbooks, which I find can exact a toll on numerous college students. I would consider myself very grateful to receive recognition, especially as a Hispanic woman pursuing STEM, since it would aid me greatly during my future studies and college career.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. One of the biggest issues facing our world today, not only in New York, but in my other home in Spain, is the environment. Whether it be for one reason or another, there will always be people arguing and conversing about politics and societal problems relevant at a given point in time.Today, subjects such as the environment and global warming are two of the most prominent and talked about topics among Americans and myself as an aspiring STEM leader. Furthermore, the views of some could be completely different from those of a person standing right next to them or even in a completely different timezone. With the power of technology and social media, messages and opinions can become global in a matter of seconds, influencing millions if not billions of people. These topics, in my opinion, are important for the future of this country and planet as a whole because neglecting and mistreating Earth will eventually lead to detrimental and damaging results which most directly affects my generation. Using technology to possibly create something such as an algorithm that finds a way to slow global warming or increase people’s knowledge could help solve this problem. Spreading the word via technology has helped the cause grow and gain followers all around the world. I believe that communication with the use of the media, phones, and computers is advantageous because it spreads ideas faster and allows a platform to be established among various diverse groups of people. Even if people of different beliefs disagree with the issue at hand, the fact that they are talking about it online will spread the cause and allow more people to see what is going on. While in some cases technology could be disagreeable, in this case, it could be the miracle that society needs.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. One of the biggest issues facing our world today, not only in New York, but in my other home in Spain, is the environment. Whether it be for one reason or another, there will always be people arguing and conversing about politics and societal problems relevant at a given point in time.Today, subjects such as the environment and global warming are two of the most prominent and talked about topics among Americans and myself as an aspiring STEM leader. Furthermore, the views of some could be completely different from those of a person standing right next to them or even in a completely different timezone. With the power of technology and social media, messages and opinions can become global in a matter of seconds, influencing millions if not billions of people. These topics, in my opinion, are important for the future of this country and planet as a whole because neglecting and mistreating Earth will eventually lead to detrimental and damaging results which most directly affects my generation. Using technology to possibly create something such as an algorithm that finds a way to slow global warming or increase people’s knowledge could help solve this problem. Spreading the word via technology has helped the cause grow and gain followers all around the world. I believe that communication with the use of the media, phones, and computers is advantageous because it spreads ideas faster and allows a platform to be established among various diverse groups of people. Even if people of different beliefs disagree with the issue at hand, the fact that they are talking about it online will spread the cause and allow more people to see what is going on. While in some cases technology could be disagreeable, in this case, it could be the miracle that society needs.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Not only have I been enriched with math and two cultures, I have gained valuable and memorable experiences along the way. For instance, for a few summers, I worked with a group of children to teach them conversational English once a week for about 8 weeks each year. It was something I will never forget and the lessons I learned will undoubtedly help me throughout my life and future endeavors. Furthermore, a time in which I demonstrated civic engagement and advocated for students is during the 2020 Leadership Conference which took place in Washington D.C. While on this five-day overnight trip with select students from my high school, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop to other high school students from other states. The workshop had to do with students having a voice and strategies on how they could make themselves heard. In order to prepare for this presentation, my group and I would meet inside and outside of school to create a slideshow presentation as well as activities for students who decided to select the workshop. It was a successful experience because it taught me the importance of speaking out and using your voice for those that don’t have the capacity to. Furthermore, I grew more united to my peers when I heard different opinions and perspectives. While advocating for students around the country, I stepped out of my comfort zone to speak publicly in a room full of people and give a presentation on my topic, as well as to attend other workshops that required me to interact with people of various backgrounds. Oftentimes we find ourselves contained in our own bubble, and I think it is important to expand our own horizons, and even burst that bubble so that we are immersed in, and aware of, other lifestyles. This experience was meaningful and taught me leadership skills that I will always remember and continue to apply in the future.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. A time in which I demonstrated civic engagement and advocated for students is during the 2020 Leadership Conference which took place in Washington D.C. While on this five-day overnight trip with select students from my high school, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop to other high school students from other states. The workshop had to do with students having a voice and strategies on how they could make themselves heard. In order to prepare for this presentation, my group and I would meet inside and outside of school to create a slideshow presentation as well as activities for students who decided to select the workshop. It was a successful experience because it taught me the importance of speaking out and using your voice for those that don’t have the capacity to. Listening to people from various parts of the country opened my eyes to different points of view which made me feel more connected to my community, both at the conference as well as nationally. While advocating for students around the country, I stepped out of my comfort zone to speak publicly in a room full of people and give a presentation on my topic, as well as to attend other workshops that required me to interact with people of various backgrounds. Oftentimes we find ourselves contained in our own bubble, and I think it is important to expand our own horizons, and even burst that bubble so that we are immersed in, and aware of, other lifestyles. This experience was meaningful and taught me leadership skills that I will always remember and continue to apply in the future. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world. I believe I am worthy of receiving this scholarship because I am a hard-working, responsible, and ambitious individual. I find that this money can be extremely helpful, and if awarded, I plan to focus it on improving my studies. I would consider myself very grateful to receive recognition, especially as a Hispanic woman pursuing STEM, since it would aid me greatly during my future studies and college career.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. A time in which I demonstrated civic engagement and advocated for students is during the 2020 Leadership Conference which took place in Washington D.C. While on this five-day overnight trip with select students from my high school, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop to other high school students from other states. The workshop had to do with students having a voice and strategies on how they could make themselves heard. In order to prepare for this presentation, my group and I would meet inside and outside of school to create a slideshow presentation as well as activities for students who decided to select the workshop. It was a successful experience because it taught me the importance of speaking out and using your voice for those that don’t have the capacity to. Listening to people from various parts of the country opened my eyes to different points of view which made me feel more connected to my community, both at the conference as well as nationally. While advocating for students around the country, I stepped out of my comfort zone to speak publicly in a room full of people and give a presentation on my topic, as well as to attend other workshops that required me to interact with people of various backgrounds. Oftentimes we find ourselves contained in our own bubble, and I think it is important to expand our own horizons, and even burst that bubble so that we are immersed in, and aware of, other lifestyles. This experience was meaningful and taught me leadership skills that I will always remember and continue to apply in the future. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. A time in which I demonstrated civic engagement and advocated for students is during the 2020 Leadership Conference which took place in Washington D.C. While on this five-day overnight trip with select students from my high school, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop to other high school students from other states. The workshop had to do with students having a voice and strategies on how they could make themselves heard. In order to prepare for this presentation, my group and I would meet inside and outside of school to create a slideshow presentation as well as activities for students who decided to select the workshop. It was a successful experience because it taught me the importance of speaking out and using your voice for those that don’t have the capacity to. Listening to people from various parts of the country opened my eyes to different points of view which made me feel more connected to my community, both at the conference as well as nationally. While advocating for students around the country, I stepped out of my comfort zone to speak publicly in a room full of people and give a presentation on my topic, as well as to attend other workshops that required me to interact with people of various backgrounds. Oftentimes we find ourselves contained in our own bubble, and I think it is important to expand our own horizons, and even burst that bubble so that we are immersed in, and aware of, other lifestyles. This experience was meaningful and taught me leadership skills that I will always remember and continue to apply in the future. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world. I believe I am worthy of receiving this scholarship because I am a hard-working, responsible, and ambitious individual. I find that this money can be extremely helpful, and if awarded, I plan to focus it on improving my studies. I would consider myself very grateful to receive recognition, especially as a Hispanic woman pursuing STEM, since it would aid me greatly during my future studies and college career.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world. I believe I am worthy of receiving this scholarship because I am a hard-working, responsible, and ambitious individual. I find that this money can be extremely helpful, and if awarded, I plan to focus it on improving my studies. I would consider myself very grateful to receive recognition, especially as a Hispanic woman pursuing STEM, since it would aid me greatly during my future studies and college career.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. One of the biggest issues facing our world today, not only in New York, but in my other home in Spain, is the environment. Whether it be for one reason or another, there will always be people arguing and conversing about politics and societal problems relevant at a given point in time. Today, subjects such as the environment and global warming are two of the most prominent and talked about topics among Americans and myself as an aspiring STEM leader. Furthermore, the views of some could be completely different from those of a person standing right next to them or even in a completely different timezone. With the power of technology and social media, messages and opinions can become global in a matter of seconds, influencing millions if not billions of people. These topics, in my opinion, are important for the future of this country and planet as a whole because neglecting and mistreating Earth will eventually lead to detrimental and damaging results which most directly affects my generation. Using technology to possibly create something such as an algorithm that finds a way to slow global warming or increase people’s knowledge could help solve this problem. Spreading the word via technology has helped the cause grow and gain followers all around the world. I believe that communication with the use of the media, phones, and computers is advantageous because it spreads ideas faster and allows a platform to be established among various diverse groups of people. Even if people of different beliefs disagree with the issue at hand, the fact that they are talking about it online will spread the cause and allow more people to see what is going on. While in some cases technology could be disagreeable, in this case, it could be the miracle that society needs.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. A successful college experience, in my view, is having the ability to not only expand your mind to its greatest capacity, but being able to socialize, find yourself, and create your own sense of identity. I want to create memories with new friends and make connections that I will be able to carry with me beyond college. I also hope to gain more knowledge and friendships while studying abroad. Growing up in Spain, it has always been a dream of mine to live somewhere new and to make my own memories and traditions. In addition to making good connections with peers, it is important to me that I love what I major in. I have always enjoyed mathematics and solving problems, which is why I am planning to double major in mathematics and computer science. Hard work and dedication are qualities that I admire and aspire to continue to have throughout college in order to pursue my passion in STEM. Not only does it matter to me to be a persevering and determined student, but it is crucial that the environment in which I learn is adequate and makes me feel secure, both physically and mentally. For me, security is one of the most important parts of a college experience, which means feeling safe socially, physically, and emotionally. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. A successful college experience, in my view, is having the ability to not only expand your mind to its greatest capacity, but being able to socialize, find yourself, and create your own sense of identity. I want to create memories with new friends and make connections that I will be able to carry with me beyond college. I also hope to gain more knowledge and friendships while studying abroad. Growing up in Spain, it has always been a dream of mine to live somewhere new and to make my own memories and traditions. In addition to making good connections with peers, it is important to me that I love what I major in. I have always enjoyed mathematics and solving problems, which is why I am planning to double major in mathematics and computer science. Hard work and dedication are qualities that I admire and aspire to continue to have throughout college in order to pursue my passion in STEM. Not only does it matter to me to be a persevering and determined student, but it is crucial that the environment in which I learn is adequate and makes me feel secure, both physically and mentally. For me, security is one of the most important parts of a college experience, which means feeling safe socially, physically, and emotionally. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I have often been asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development

There are an infinite amount of ways to solve a problem in a Minecraft world, with all possibilities in each player’s fingertips. At first glance, Minecraft may seem like a simple and non-challenging game, but upon playing and exploring the various facets of it, one realizes that it is much more complicated than just a regular kid’s game. Minecraft allows for growth and development in children as well as adults. The game is educational in the sense that it promotes creativity and problem-solving, leading to an advancement in critical thinking skills. For example, each player needs to find a way to fight off monsters, build shelter, and find food. While these tasks seem childish and don’t seem to correlate to better education or career opportunities, these simple tasks can promote key traits that can make a more successful individual, both independently and among groups of people. The game can enhance teamwork abilities and simulate real world environments where people need to work together to create something or solve a problem. The game not only allows players to build intricate houses and detailed contraptions, but it also involves thinking outside of the box so that you can “survive” in a virtual world. The skills learned in Minecraft can be applied to the educational world since many of those skills are needed for school or future jobs. For instance, problem-solving is needed for numerous school subjects such as mathematics; similar to players finding ways to solve problems, students studying mathematics often need to find more than one way to solve an equation or word problem. Furthermore, while not seen right away, the skill of team-work that is cultivated and enhanced during gameplay can be applied in careers since jobs require people to work with others in one way or another; even the most independent jobs require some sort of communication or leadership that can be learned in a game none other than Minecraft. While fun and entertaining, there are numerous ways in which Minecraft can enrich a person’s life for the better. Whether it be to expand one’s mind to its greatest creative capacity, or learning crucial skills needed for the future, Minecraft is undoubtedly an excellent game that can be used to harbor these abilities.

I have been an admirer of Zendaya ever since I was eight years old. Watching her on Disney Channel made me want to follow in her footsteps; in particular, I wanted to reach her level of success and admiration. I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. However, math was not the only thing that remained universal. Television and my favorite characters traveled with me and acted as friends that would always remain by my side. No matter where I went, I could always escape to visit my favorite actors and artists. One of them was Zendaya. I remember being infatuated with everything she did, including the way she dressed, acted, and sang. I even bought her very first album and made a point to listen to all the songs. As I grew older, I became even more aware of her talent. Not only has she been a part of many projects, she has made it clear that her range as an actor is vast and continues to expand. From playing a troubled teen in Euphoria, to becoming a world renowned tennis player in her new movie, Challengers, Zendaya has defined what it means to be a great actor. It inspires me how hard she has worked to get where she is, because it is my hope that I can become as successful in my respective field. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to, just as Zendaya did for me. She made me believe that women can accomplish anything they set their minds do, and that all girls should aspire to be nothing less.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. The most interesting technical project that I have worked on is that of creating a selection sort simulation for my Computer Science class. It involved sorting columns from shortest to tallest, and while this may sound like a simple task, it was one of the most challenging projects I have ever worked on. It involved using Object-Oriented Programming, as well as animation, in order to create a proper representation of how a list in Python is sorted via selection sort, and required over 12 hours of programming and coding to complete. Additionally, the largest programming project I have had to work on, to date, entailed individually re-creating a program or game via Python, and required approximately 15 hours of work and over 600 lines of code. The game that we were tasked with programming was a re-imagined version of the card game, Set. We had to add our own creative element that would improve player experience, which furthered my coding knowledge and allowed me to think outside of the box in order to create the best possible project. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Space travel used to be a notion that made appearances in dreams and fantasies. Later, people started to believe in their abilities and reach heights they never thought possible; what was once impossible, became possible and in our reach. From the first man in space, to the first man on the moon, space travel and research continues to grow and surprise scientists as well as people all over the world. Each day, people are expanding their minds in order to better understand the mysteries of the universe. As we continue to become familiar with this small fraction of the place we inhabit, we can accomplish much more. Space travel and research is the future of how we will be able to uncover the deepest and darkest secrets of outer space. Advancements in technology and STEM as a whole will allow for great leaps in the study of the universe, and I would consider myself lucky to even be a small part of those advancements. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

In trying to find equilibrium between academics, cross country and track teams, and my Spanish culture, I have simultaneously been my source of greatest progress and serious downfall. My family says I should take a break from the pressure I put on myself, but how can I break away from being the inquisitive, ambitious person that I am? Throughout high school, being on the cross country as well as the track team has proven to be one of the most difficult things I have had to do, not only because of the workouts, but also due to the pressure that comes from balancing it with a demanding academic schedule. School, which has always come easy to me, became the most stressful it had ever been during my junior year while being on a varsity team. The constant running - literally and figuratively - was draining which challenged both my mental and physical health. Yet, I persevered and accelerated. The credit owed to improving my times and being top 10 on my team as well as top 10 in my graduating class is from hard work and perseverance which has driven me to become the best person I can be. Even more so, my passion and ambition has made me devoted even when I am running and training over 3,000 miles from home. What I rarely share is that despite being born in the United States, I was raised in Spain until I was eight years old. My mother, born and raised in the fabled Spanish region of Don Quijote, ensured my complete fluency in Spanish, which is an attribute for which I will always be grateful. Likewise, my father made sure that I was equally fluent and literate in the English language, making it more than easy for me to adapt to a new school in a different country. This aspect of my life and identity has meant that every summer for eight weeks, my family travels to Spain to visit my mother’s side of the family. While the culture, such as the food and lifestyle certainly makes it worthwhile, it has been difficult to keep up with my life back at home. For example, not being able to participate in the Cross Country summer camp offered every year meant that I had to stay active and focused on my own. I ran among vast vineyards for at least three days each week and for six miles at a time. The battle between giving up and staying committed to my success was not simple, and meant I had to workout with nobody’s help and motivation but my own. Using the skills acquired from being part of a team and taking challenging classes, I can further enhance my ability to excel in my intended major and field. While pursuing mathematics and computer science, I wish to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. Just as I have found equilibrium between my academics, sports, and culture, I anticipate becoming a role model for girls who do not see themselves worthy to pursue a major in STEM in order to subsequently bring equilibrium in my profession. I reflect on running in the vineyards in Spain during summers in high school, where I found balance between academics, athletics, and science. All things considered, by challenging my own ambition, I have learned that being passionate about my goals and what I want for my life increases my chances of success immensely.

Because of the tremendous growth in technology and increased access to social media in today’s day and age, it has become easier for bullies to hide behind a screen and harass those that they perceive as being easy targets. Not only does cyberbullying result in anxiety and stress for the individual on the receiving end of it, but it can cause them to take drastic measures, such as self-harm or suicide. Nowadays, it is more important than ever to address the issue of cyberbullying since those that bully others online may not necessarily know the outcomes of what they are doing. For instance, numerous cyberbullies are peer pressured by others or what they perceive as societal expectations to bully people on social media; they may do it to seem “cooler,” not necessarily being aware that what they are doing is considered bullying. Various people can get involved to spread the message concerning the harmful effects that cyberbullying can have on a person. Firstly, administration and staff in schools can play a role in informing students by teaching about the topic beyond just health classes. Many health classes already address the issues of social media and internet safety, however students often disregard these messages as being redundant and unimportant. Instead, schools should host events or fundraisers. By doing so, students can be more engaged which would cause them to want to be educated as opposed to believing they are forced. Furthermore, parents can encourage online positivity at home by teaching their kids the importance of kindness and being respectful. It is crucial to teach children during the early stages of life as well as outside of school because of the great influence parents have on their ways of thinking. Similarly to how parents influence their kids’ political beliefs, the way they talk about or treat others both on or off social media can be influenced as well. Finally, one of the most important influences a person can have is that of their peers. If other students such as myself evoke positivity and demonstrate that we can be positive online while simultaneously being “cool,” we can show others that cyberbullying is not only wrong, but dangerous and should end immediately. By spreading awareness on these topics, we can educate young kids, teenagers, and adults on the harmful effects of spreading negativity on the internet. Contrary to in-person bullying, cyberbullying can lead to further isolation and depression, due to the fact that being online doesn’t require you to be around people; people may spend extended periods of time being bullied on the internet alone and without anyone to console them or see what is going on. While some cyberbullying occurs on public posts, oftentimes people are targeted via direct or private messaging. With this being said, there is an importance to ending cyberbullying that is becoming greater with each passing second. We as a society need to make it a goal to end this form of mental and psychological harm so as to prevent further tragedies.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Not only have I been enriched with math and two cultures, I have gained valuable and memorable experiences along the way. For instance, for a few summers, I worked with a group of children to teach them conversational English once a week for about 8 weeks each year. It was something I will never forget and the lessons I learned will undoubtedly help me throughout my life and future endeavors. Additionally, the skills acquired such as leadership and responsibility will forever stay with me and aid me in events such as upcoming jobs. Furthermore, a time in which I demonstrated civic engagement and advocated for students is during the 2020 Leadership Conference which took place in Washington D.C. While on this five-day overnight trip with select students from my high school, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop to other high school students from other states. The workshop had to do with students having a voice and strategies on how they could make themselves heard. In order to prepare for this presentation, my group and I would meet inside and outside of school to create a slideshow presentation as well as activities for students who decided to select the workshop. It was a successful experience because it taught me the importance of speaking out and using your voice for those that don’t have the capacity to. Furthermore, I grew more united to my peers when I heard different opinions and perspectives. Listening to people from various parts of the country opened my eyes to different points of view which made me feel more connected to my community, both at the conference as well as nationally. While advocating for students around the country, I stepped out of my comfort zone to speak publicly in a room full of people and give a presentation on my topic, as well as to attend other workshops that required me to interact with people of various backgrounds. I loved the way I was able to learn about others’ lives and experiences because it gave me more insight on people nationwide. Oftentimes we find ourselves contained in our own bubble, and I think it is important to expand our own horizons, and even burst that bubble so that we are immersed in, and aware of, other lifestyles. This experience was meaningful and taught me leadership skills that I will always remember and continue to apply in the future. Having the opportunity to present my ideas and make myself heard felt good since it allowed me to share my view and spread it to various parts of the country. Teaching is not the only experience where I gained important and valuable skill sets. Over the summer of 2022, I also interned for an engineering company virtually. My tasks and responsibilities included viewing past projects from previous years and organizing them into different categories. I used tools such as spreadsheets to perform these tasks which I think will prepare me for future internships or job-like experiences. Having opportunities such as these to enhance my leadership and professional qualities has made me grateful and optimistic for what’s to come. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I put my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

What I rarely share is that despite being born in the United States, I was raised in Spain until I was eight years old. My mother, born and raised in the fabled Spanish region of Don Quijote, ensured my complete fluency in Spanish, which is an attribute for which I will always be grateful. Likewise, my father made sure that I was equally fluent and literate in the English language. During High School, this aspect of my life and identity had meant that every summer for eight weeks, my family traveled to Spain to visit my mother’s side of the family. While the culture made it worthwhile, it was difficult to keep up with my life back at home. Not being able to participate in the Cross Country summer camp offered every year meant that I had to stay focused on my own. I ran among vast vineyards for at least three days each week and for six miles at a time. The battle between giving up and staying committed was not simple, and meant I had to work out with nobody’s help and motivation but my own. Living in Spain for the first years of my life taught me the importance of open-mindedness and allowed me to have a global perspective when considering different sides of an issue. As I pursue college and my future career, I will continue to apply what I know about life overseas to various scenarios, and never forget my culture which has become a crucial part of my identity. As a Hispanic woman hoping to pursue a STEM field, I would be honored to break barriers and become a role model for young girls that want to accomplish more than what they are told they can. Using the skills acquired from being part of a team and taking challenging classes, I can excel in my intended major and field. As I continue to pursue mathematics and computer science, I wish to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. Just as I have found equilibrium between my academics, sports, and culture, I anticipate becoming a role model for girls who do not see themselves worthy to pursue a major in STEM. As I prepare for college, I reflect on running in the vineyards in Spain during summers in high school. All things considered, by challenging my own ambition, I have learned that being passionate about my goals and what I want for my life increases my chances of success immensely. Finally, I hope that becoming a role model will destroy imagined boundaries and further my own full potential.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Not only have I been enriched with math and two cultures, I have gained valuable and memorable experiences along the way. time in which I demonstrated civic engagement and advocated for students is during the 2020 Leadership Conference which took place in Washington D.C. While on this five-day overnight trip with select students from my high school, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop to other high school students from other states. The workshop had to do with students having a voice and strategies on how they could make themselves heard. In order to prepare for this presentation, my group and I would meet inside and outside of school to create a slideshow presentation as well as activities for students who decided to select the workshop. It was a successful experience because it taught me the importance of speaking out and using your voice for those that don’t have the capacity to. Furthermore, I grew more united to my peers when I heard different opinions and perspectives. Listening to people from various parts of the country opened my eyes to different points of view which made me feel more connected to my community, both at the conference as well as nationally. This experience was meaningful and taught me leadership skills that I will always remember and continue to apply in the future. Having the opportunity to present my ideas and make myself heard felt good since it allowed me to share my view and spread it to various parts of the country. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Not only have I been enriched with math and two cultures, I have gained valuable and memorable experiences along the way. time in which I demonstrated civic engagement and advocated for students is during the 2020 Leadership Conference which took place in Washington D.C. While on this five-day overnight trip with select students from my high school, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop to other high school students from other states. The workshop had to do with students having a voice and strategies on how they could make themselves heard. In order to prepare for this presentation, my group and I would meet inside and outside of school to create a slideshow presentation as well as activities for students who decided to select the workshop. It was a successful experience because it taught me the importance of speaking out and using your voice for those that don’t have the capacity to. Furthermore, I grew more united to my peers when I heard different opinions and perspectives. Listening to people from various parts of the country opened my eyes to different points of view which made me feel more connected to my community, both at the conference as well as nationally. This experience was meaningful and taught me leadership skills that I will always remember and continue to apply in the future. Having the opportunity to present my ideas and make myself heard felt good since it allowed me to share my view and spread it to various parts of the country. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I would continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I would continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world. I believe I am worthy of receiving this scholarship because I am a hard-working, responsible, and ambitious individual who excels not only in the classroom, but in various extracurricular activities. Additionally, having taken classes in many subject areas outside of STEM, I consider myself a well-rounded student that has much to offer outside of science and mathematics. Finally, I find that this money can be extremely helpful, and if awarded, I plan to focus it on improving my studies. I would consider myself very grateful to receive recognition, especially as a Hispanic woman pursuing STEM fields, since it would aid me greatly during my future studies and college career.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. While I was born in the United States, I lived here until I was only one and a half and moved to Spain with my family, where I lived until I was eight years old. My father was born in the US, however my mother was born in the fabled-region of Castilla - La Mancha, Spain. Having grown up in Valencia, Spain, and visiting my grandparents that live in the birthplace of the famous Don Quijote, ensured my fluency in both English and Spanish growing up. Moving back to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone here had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and mathematics was the only subject that was consistent, universal, and comforting, which made me feel more confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue in college, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Like most people, I don’t know what obstacles I will face in the future, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. My high school experience with mathematics and calculus, in particular, solidified my desire to pursue the field of mathematics. In short, I love to solve problems and try to think outside the box to arrive at solutions. I was very motivated by my senior-year Calculus teacher, Mr. Agro, who encouraged me to follow my dreams to be a ground-breaking mathematician, as well as to welcome a life filled with challenges. In fact, I researched and gave a presentation on Game Theory while in this class. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. Mathematics made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. One of the biggest issues facing our world today, not only in New York, but in my other home in Spain, is the environment. Whether it be for one reason or another, there will always be people arguing and conversing about politics and societal problems relevant at a given point in time. Today, subjects such as the environment and global warming are two of the most prominent and talked about topics among Americans and myself as an aspiring STEM leader. Furthermore, the views of some could be completely different from those of a person standing right next to them or even in a completely different timezone. With the power of technology and social media, messages and opinions can become global in a matter of seconds, influencing millions if not billions of people. These topics, in my opinion, are important for the future of this country and planet as a whole because neglecting and mistreating Earth will eventually lead to detrimental and damaging results which most directly affects my generation. Using technology to possibly create something such as an algorithm that finds a way to slow global warming or increase people’s knowledge could help solve this problem. Spreading the word via technology has helped the cause grow and gain followers all around the world. I believe that communication with the use of the media, phones, and computers is advantageous because it spreads ideas faster and allows a platform to be established among various diverse groups of people. Even if people of different beliefs disagree with the issue at hand, the fact that they are talking about it online will spread the cause and allow more people to see what is going on. While in some cases technology could be disagreeable, in this case, it could be the miracle that society needs.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I would continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, extremely interesting and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it’s important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world. I would consider myself grateful to receive this scholarship, especially as a Hispanic woman hoping to pursue STEM fields, since it would aid me greatly during my future studies and college career.

One of the biggest issues facing our world today, not only in New York, but in my other home in Spain, is the environment. Whether it be for one reason or another, there will always be people arguing and conversing about politics and societal problems relevant at a given point in time. Today, subjects such as the environment and global warming are two of the most prominent and talked about topics among Americans and myself as an aspiring STEM leader. Furthermore, the views of some could be completely different from those of a person standing right next to them or even in a completely different timezone. With the power of technology and social media, messages and opinions can become global in a matter of seconds, influencing millions if not billions of people. These topics, in my opinion, are important for the future of this country and planet as a whole because neglecting and mistreating Earth will eventually lead to detrimental and damaging results which most directly affects my generation. Using technology to possibly create something such as an algorithm that finds a way to slow global warming or increase people’s knowledge could help solve this problem. Spreading the word via technology has helped the cause grow and gain followers all around the world. I believe that communication with the use of the media, phones, and computers is advantageous because it spreads ideas faster and allows a platform to be established among various diverse groups of people. Even if people of different beliefs disagree with the issue at hand, the fact that they are talking about it online will spread the cause and allow more people to see what is going on. While in some cases technology could be disagreeable, in this case, it could be the miracle that society needs.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

A time in which I demonstrated civic engagement and advocated for students is during the 2020 Leadership Conference which took place in Washington D.C. While on this five-day overnight trip with select students from my high school, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop to other high school students from other states. The workshop had to do with students having a voice and strategies on how they could make themselves heard. In order to prepare for this presentation, my group and I would meet inside and outside of school to create a slideshow presentation as well as activities for students who decided to select the workshop. It was a successful experience because it taught me the importance of speaking out and using your voice for those that don’t have the capacity to. Furthermore, I grew more united to my peers when I heard different opinions and perspectives. Listening to people from various parts of the country opened my eyes to different points of view which made me feel more connected to my community, both at the conference as well as nationally. While advocating for students around the country, I stepped out of my comfort zone to speak publicly in a room full of people and give a presentation on my topic, as well as to attend other workshops that required me to interact with people of various backgrounds. I loved the way I was able to learn about others’ lives and experiences because it gave me more insight on people nationwide. Oftentimes we find ourselves contained in our own bubble, and I think it is important to expand our own horizons, and even burst that bubble so that we are immersed in, and aware of, other lifestyles. This experience was meaningful and taught me leadership skills that I will always remember and continue to apply in the future. Having the opportunity to present my ideas and make myself heard felt good since it allowed me to share my view and spread it to various parts of the country. Not only that, but for a few summers, I worked with a group of children to teach them conversational English once a week for about 8 weeks each year. It was something I will never forget and the lessons I learned will undoubtedly help me throughout my life and future endeavors. Additionally, the skills acquired such as leadership and responsibility will forever stay with me and aid me in events such as upcoming jobs.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world. Finally, I find that this money can be extremely helpful, and if awarded, I plan to focus it on improving my studies. I will put it towards buying new materials such as textbooks, which I find can exact a toll on numerous college students. I would consider myself very grateful to receive recognition, especially as a Hispanic woman hoping to pursue STEM fields, since it would aid me greatly during my studies and college career.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. There is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve, even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I would continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, extremely interesting and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I would continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, extremely interesting and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I would continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, extremely interesting and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I would continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, extremely interesting and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, can be challenging as an incoming college student. For example, it is difficult to exercise amongst the chaos and blinding freedom of being on your own for the first time, and the motivation to practice healthy eating habits can be little to none. It is because of this that it is crucial to promote wellness techniques and healthy habits so as to succeed in college as well as in future endeavors. As a student who is enrolling in college this fall, I don’t want to live up to the expectation that I will succumb to the pressures of student life and neglect what I have worked for up to this point. For the majority of my academic career, I have stayed active within athletic activities. I have participated in Cross Country as well as Track and Field year-round, which has allowed me to stay in shape while simultaneously enabling me to maintain a clear head and have access to an escape from the intense pressures that at times come with being a high school student. I found that during my junior year of high school, going to practice was one of my favorite parts of the day; it wasn’t the workouts that made me fall in love with the sport, but the environment that allowed me to unwind and forget the struggles that came with school, even if it was only for a couple of hours. I understand that while at college, especially during the first year, it is common to get distracted by new things, which can cause students to become more and more unhealthy, but I don’t want that to be my case. I know that staying active and having access to a place like that allowed me to succeed even more than I could have had it not been for running. With that being said, although I am not competing in college sports, I hope to continue with my passion for running throughout my college career which I believe can aid me greatly in keeping up with my physical, emotional, and spiritual health. While staying active is, in my opinion, important, it is also critical that it is paired with healthy eating; working out and staying in shape goes hand in hand with what one decides to put in their body. Furthermore, in my experience, nutritious eating habits make me feel more comfortable in my own skin, which in turn allows me to continue being motivated and excel in whatever I set my mind to. Although I, like anyone else, enjoy junk food and unhealthy foods, I find that consuming an excessive amount of these substances can ultimately lead to lack of enjoyment, which is the reason one would decide to eat these things in the first place. Healthy eating makes for a better life in maintaining physical shape, as well as making sure one feels good internally. Regardless of fears that may come with leaving home, I am excited as a senior in high school to continue my studies in college because of the liberty that comes with being on my own. I am happy to become part of this new chapter of my life as I know it will come with joy and new experiences. Additionally, as college comes to an end, I have no doubt in my mind that I will continue to succeed in my wellness journey, as well as academically and beyond even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, can be challenging as an incoming college student. For example, it is difficult to exercise amongst the chaos and blinding freedom of being on your own for the first time, and the motivation to practice healthy eating habits can be little to none. It is because of this that it is crucial to promote wellness techniques and healthy habits so as to succeed in college as well as in future endeavors. As a student who is enrolling in college this fall, I don’t want to live up to the expectation that I will succumb to the pressures of student life and neglect what I have worked for up to this point. For the majority of my academic career, I have stayed active within athletic activities. I have participated in Cross Country as well as Track and Field year-round, which has allowed me to stay in shape while simultaneously enabling me to maintain a clear head and have access to an escape from the intense pressures that at times come with being a high school student. I found that during my junior year of high school, going to practice was one of my favorite parts of the day; it wasn’t the workouts that made me fall in love with the sport, but the environment that allowed me to unwind and forget the struggles that came with school, even if it was only for a couple of hours. I understand that while at college, especially during the first year, it is common to get distracted by new things, which can cause students to become more and more unhealthy, but I don’t want that to be my case. I know that staying active and having access to a place like that allowed me to succeed even more than I could have had it not been for running. With that being said, although I am not competing in college sports, I hope to continue with my passion for running throughout my college career which I believe can aid me greatly in keeping up with my physical, emotional, and spiritual health. While staying active is, in my opinion, important, it is also critical that it is paired with healthy eating; working out and staying in shape goes hand in hand with what one decides to put in their body. Furthermore, in my experience, nutritious eating habits make me feel more comfortable in my own skin, which in turn allows me to continue being motivated and excel in whatever I set my mind to. Although I, like anyone else, enjoy junk food and unhealthy foods, I find that consuming an excessive amount of these substances can ultimately lead to lack of enjoyment, which is the reason one would decide to eat these things in the first place. Healthy eating makes for a better life in maintaining physical shape, as well as making sure one feels good internally. Regardless of fears that may come with leaving home, I am excited as a senior in high school to continue my studies in college because of the liberty that comes with being on my own. I am happy to become part of this new chapter of my life as I know it will come with joy and new experiences. Additionally, as college comes to an end, I have no doubt in my mind that I will continue to succeed in my wellness journey, as well as academically and beyond even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, can be challenging as an incoming college student. For example, it is difficult to exercise amongst the chaos and blinding freedom of being on your own for the first time, and the motivation to practice healthy eating habits can be little to none. It is because of this that it is crucial to promote wellness techniques and healthy habits so as to succeed in college as well as in future endeavors. As a student who is enrolling in college this fall, I don’t want to live up to the expectation that I will succumb to the pressures of student life and neglect what I have worked for up to this point. For the majority of my academic career, I have stayed active within athletic activities. I have participated in Cross Country as well as Track and Field year-round, which has allowed me to stay in shape while simultaneously enabling me to maintain a clear head and have access to an escape from the intense pressures that at times come with being a high school student. I found that during my junior year of high school, going to practice was one of my favorite parts of the day; it wasn’t the workouts that made me fall in love with the sport, but the environment that allowed me to unwind and forget the struggles that came with school, even if it was only for a couple of hours. I understand that while at college, especially during the first year, it is common to get distracted by new things, which can cause students to become more and more unhealthy, but I don’t want that to be my case. I know that staying active and having access to a place like that allowed me to succeed even more than I could have had it not been for running. With that being said, although I am not competing in college sports, I hope to continue with my passion for running throughout my college career which I believe can aid me greatly in keeping up with my physical, emotional, and spiritual health. While staying active is, in my opinion, important, it is also critical that it is paired with healthy eating; working out and staying in shape goes hand in hand with what one decides to put in their body. Furthermore, in my experience, nutritious eating habits make me feel more comfortable in my own skin, which in turn allows me to continue being motivated and excel in whatever I set my mind to. Although I, like anyone else, enjoy junk food and unhealthy foods, I find that consuming an excessive amount of these substances can ultimately lead to lack of enjoyment, which is the reason one would decide to eat these things in the first place. Healthy eating makes for a better life in maintaining physical shape, as well as making sure one feels good internally. Regardless of fears that may come with leaving home, I am excited as a senior in high school to continue my studies in college because of the liberty that comes with being on my own. I am happy to become part of this new chapter of my life as I know it will come with joy and new experiences. Additionally, as college comes to an end, I have no doubt in my mind that I will continue to succeed in my wellness journey, as well as academically and beyond even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain.

One of the biggest issues facing our world today, not only in New York, but in my other home in Spain, is the environment. Whether it be for one reason or another, there will always be people arguing and conversing about politics and societal problems relevant at a given point in time. Today, subjects such as the environment and global warming are two of the most prominent and talked about topics among Americans and myself as an aspiring STEM leader. Furthermore, the views of some could be completely different from those of a person standing right next to them or even in a completely different timezone. With the power of technology and social media, messages and opinions can become global in a matter of seconds, influencing millions if not billions of people. These topics, in my opinion, are important for the future of this country and planet as a whole because neglecting and mistreating Earth will eventually lead to detrimental and damaging results which most directly affects my generation. Using technology to possibly create something such as an algorithm that finds a way to slow global warming or increase people’s knowledge could help solve this problem. Spreading the word via technology has helped the cause grow and gain followers all around the world. I believe that communication with the use of the media, phones, and computers is advantageous because it spreads ideas faster and allows a platform to be established among various diverse groups of people. Even if people of different beliefs disagree with the issue at hand, the fact that they are talking about it online will spread the cause and allow more people to see what is going on. While in some cases technology could be disagreeable, in this case, it could be the miracle that society needs.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in subjects such as computer science, especially while taking the Advanced Placement course during my senior year, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform with problem solving in any mathematics area or coding dilemma. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but also myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

In trying to find equilibrium between academics, cross country and track teams, and my Spanish culture, I have simultaneously been my source of greatest progress and serious downfall. My family says I should take a break from the pressure I put on myself, but how can I break away from being the inquisitive, ambitious person that I am? Throughout high school, being on the cross country as well as the track team has proven to be one of the most difficult things I have had to do, not only because of the workouts, but also due to the pressure that comes from balancing it with a demanding academic schedule. School, which has always come easy to me, became the most stressful it had ever been during my junior year while being on a varsity team. The constant running - literally and figuratively - was draining which challenged both my mental and physical health. Yet, I persevered and accelerated. The credit owed to improving my times and being top 10 on my team as well as top 10 in my graduating class is from hard work and perseverance which has driven me to become the best person I can be. Even more so, my passion and ambition has made me devoted even when I am running and training over 3,000 miles from home. What I rarely share is that despite being born in the United States, I was raised in Spain until I was eight years old. My mother, born and raised in the fabled Spanish region of Don Quijote, ensured my complete fluency in Spanish, which is an attribute for which I will always be grateful. Likewise, my father made sure that I was equally fluent and literate in the English language, making it more than easy for me to adapt to a new school in a different country. This aspect of my life and identity has meant that every summer for eight weeks, my family travels to Spain to visit my mother’s side of the family. While the culture, such as the food and lifestyle certainly makes it worthwhile, it has been difficult to keep up with my life back at home. For example, not being able to participate in the Cross Country summer camp offered every year meant that I had to stay active and focused on my own. I ran among vast vineyards for at least three days each week and for six miles at a time. The battle between giving up and staying committed to my success was not simple, and meant I had to workout with nobody’s help and motivation but my own.

In trying to find equilibrium between academics, cross country and track teams, and my Spanish culture, I have simultaneously been my source of greatest progress and serious downfall. My family says I should take a break from the pressure I put on myself, but how can I break away from being the inquisitive, ambitious person that I am? Throughout high school, being on the cross country as well as the track team has proven to be one of the most difficult things I have had to do, not only because of the workouts, but also due to the pressure that comes from balancing it with a demanding academic schedule. School, which has always come easy to me, became the most stressful it had ever been during my junior year while being on a varsity team. The constant running - literally and figuratively - was draining which challenged both my mental and physical health. Yet, I persevered and accelerated. The credit owed to improving my times and being top 10 on my team as well as top 10 in my graduating class is from hard work and perseverance which has driven me to become the best person I can be. Even more so, my passion and ambition has made me devoted even when I am running and training over 3,000 miles from home. What I rarely share is that despite being born in the United States, I was raised in Spain until I was eight years old. My mother, born and raised in the fabled Spanish region of Don Quijote, ensured my complete fluency in Spanish, which is an attribute for which I will always be grateful. Likewise, my father made sure that I was equally fluent and literate in the English language, making it more than easy for me to adapt to a new school in a different country. This aspect of my life and identity has meant that every summer for eight weeks, my family travels to Spain to visit my mother’s side of the family. While the culture, such as the food and lifestyle certainly makes it worthwhile, it has been difficult to keep up with my life back at home. For example, not being able to participate in the Cross Country summer camp offered every year meant that I had to stay active and focused on my own. I ran among vast vineyards for at least three days each week and for six miles at a time. The battle between giving up and staying committed to my success was not simple, and meant I had to workout with nobody’s help and motivation but my own.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in subjects such as computer science, especially while taking the Advanced Placement course during my senior year, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform with problem solving in any mathematics area or coding dilemma. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but also myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I would continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in subjects such as computer science, especially while taking the Advanced Placement course during my senior year, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform with problem solving in any mathematics area or coding dilemma. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but also myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in subjects such as computer science, especially while taking the Advanced Placement course during my senior year, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform with problem solving in any mathematics area or coding dilemma. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but also myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in subjects such as computer science, especially while taking the Advanced Placement course during my senior year, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform with problem solving in any mathematics area or coding dilemma. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but also myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. I believe I am worthy of receiving this scholarship because I am a hard-working, responsible, and ambitious individual who excels not only in the classroom, but in various extracurricular activities. Additionally, having taken classes in many subject areas such as forensic science, photography, sociology, and art history, I consider myself a well-rounded student that has much to offer outside of science and mathematics. Finally, I find that this money can be extremely helpful, and if awarded, I plan to focus it on improving my studies. For example, I will put it towards buying new materials such as textbooks, which I find can exact a toll on numerous college students. I would consider myself very grateful to receive recognition, especially as a Hispanic woman hoping to pursue STEM fields, since it would aid me greatly during my future studies and college career.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in subjects such as computer science, especially while taking the Advanced Placement course during my senior year, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform with problem solving in any mathematics area or coding dilemma. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but also myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in subjects such as computer science, especially while taking the Advanced Placement course during my senior year, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform with problem solving in any mathematics area or coding dilemma. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but also myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain.

One of the biggest issues facing our world today, not only in New York, but in my other home in Spain, is the environment. Whether it be for one reason or another, there will always be people arguing and conversing about politics and societal problems relevant at a given point in time. Today, subjects such as the environment and global warming are two of the most prominent and talked about topics among Americans and myself as an aspiring STEM leader. Furthermore, the views of some could be completely different from those of a person standing right next to them or even in a completely different timezone. With the power of technology and social media, messages and opinions can become global in a matter of seconds, influencing millions if not billions of people. These topics, in my opinion, are important for the future of this country and planet as a whole because neglecting and mistreating Earth will eventually lead to detrimental and damaging results which most directly affects my generation. Using technology to possibly create something such as an algorithm that finds a way to slow global warming or increase people’s knowledge could help solve this problem. Spreading the word via technology has helped the cause grow and gain followers all around the world. I believe that communication with the use of the media, phones, and computers is advantageous because it spreads ideas faster and allows a platform to be established among various diverse groups of people. Even if people of different beliefs disagree with the issue at hand, the fact that they are talking about it online will spread the cause and allow more people to see what is going on. While in some cases technology could be disagreeable, in this case, it could be the miracle that society needs.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in subjects such as computer science, especially while taking the Advanced Placement course during my senior year, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform with problem solving in any mathematics area or coding dilemma. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but also myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in subjects such as computer science, especially while taking the Advanced Placement course during my senior year, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform with problem solving in any mathematics area or coding dilemma. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but also myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I want to be the person I know I can be in dreams, soaring to great heights without fear of failure, and not being scared to take risks when things aren't as real as life.

My favorite song on the 1989 album is "Wonderland" because of its amazing lyrics and deep meaning. The song describes the struggles of dealing with media while at the same time maintaining a relationship that you want to be "real." Furthermore, it shows the impact fame can have on people and what they may do to try and escape the constant stare of the public eye. "Wonderland", which comes from the story "Alice in Wonderland", depicts life running away from people, especially those that want to expose your darkest secrets. In Swift's case, it is the press, paparazzi, and tabloids. To refer to the press, Taylor Swift writes, "But there were strangers talking, and whispers turned to talking, and talking turned to screams." She wants to reference how no matter how much one may attempt to avoid rumors, they become louder and louder until they are too loud to ignore. She sings about "finding wonderland" which alludes to the popular fairy tale since she finds a sense of peace in a place of wonders and curiosity, not knowing what to expect and escaping from the scent of the paparazzi. Swift starts by saying how she and the person she was supposedly dating at the time "fell down a rabbit hole" as a result of flashing lights; even though they found an escape, it is only temporary, which is shown when she says, "nothing's as it seems...spinning out of control." Similar to the story "Alice in Wonderland," the land filled with wonder and magic turns out to be a disguise for evil and chaos. A once curious girl now sings, "didn't you know what becomes of curious minds?" and "life was never worse but never better" which shows the confusion of trying to escape but at the same time always being on the run. Swift says, "I reached for you but you were gone, I knew I had to go back home" which shows that Wonderland doesn't last forever. Additionally, when she repeatedly says "it's all fun and games till somebody loses their mind," she further shows how even though "[they] pretended it could last forever," something so magical and perfect could never last forever. She says, "and in the end in Wonderland, we both went mad" which further depicts the struggle of living in a "fishbowl" with people watching your every move, and that "Wonderland" is temporary; she had to return home just as Alice had to return from Wonderland back to her normal life. Finally, this song has been interpreted in numerous ways, one of which speaks about the danger and struggle that comes with fame and dealing with the media. Taylor Swift is an excellent songwriter that can take well-known stories and make them her own while simultaneously relatable to her broad audience.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving back to the US from Spain when I was eight years old, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what to pursue, but I quickly realized that what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. For example, while tutoring a fellow high school student in Algebra 2, I learned different ways to explain various questions. Not only was I able to help him in the subject, but I was also able to gain knowledge on how to think outside of the box and find solutions through many lenses and perspectives. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Pursuing STEM is a goal for me academically as well as socially, because I hope to break the barrier between men and women in STEM. I find STEM fields, especially those involving computers and mathematics, fascinating and see an advancing future in applied mathematics for not only myself, but also for women in STEM. I want to be a role model for girls to look up to and inspire them to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. Furthermore, I want everyone to feel included and accepted in a field that has not had much balance according to history. It has become more prominent for women to pursue interest in fields such as these and I think it is important to promote this emerging interest, especially so that those who feel unworthy can feel like they have a chance to succeed at whatever they set their mind to. Finally, destroying these imaginary walls of inequality between men and women in STEM can create more balance, which is crucial for development around the world.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to another country, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English to my family. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Not only have I been enriched with math and two cultures, I have gained valuable and memorable experiences along the way. For instance, for a few summers, I worked with a group of children to teach them conversational English once a week for about 8 weeks each year. It was something I will never forget and the lessons I learned will undoubtedly help me throughout my life and future endeavors. Additionally, the skills acquired such as leadership and responsibility will forever stay with me and aid me in events such as upcoming jobs. Teaching is not the only experience where I gained important and valuable skill sets. Over the summer of 2022, I also interned for an engineering company virtually. My tasks and responsibilities included viewing past projects from previous years and organizing them into different categories. I used tools such as spreadsheets to perform these tasks which I think will prepare me for future internships or job-like experiences. Having opportunities such as these to enhance my leadership and professional qualities has made me grateful and optimistic for what’s to come. Once I began to develop more interest in other subjects such as computer science, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I put my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform in any mathematics area, anywhere from algebra to geometry. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain.

One of the biggest issues facing our world today, not only in New York, but in my other home in Spain, is the environment. Whether it be for one reason or another, there will always be people arguing and conversing about politics and societal problems relevant at a given point in time. Today, subjects such as the environment and global warming are two of the most prominent and talked about topics among Americans and myself as an aspiring STEM leader. Furthermore, the views of some could be completely different from those of a person standing right next to them or even in a completely different timezone. With the power of technology and social media, messages and opinions can become global in a matter of seconds, influencing millions if not billions of people. These topics, in my opinion, are important for the future of this country and planet as a whole because neglecting and mistreating Earth will eventually lead to detrimental and damaging results which most directly affects my generation. Using technology to possibly create something such as an algorithm that finds a way to slow global warming or increase people’s knowledge could help solve this problem. Spreading the word via technology has helped the cause grow and gain followers all around the world. I believe that communication with the use of the media, phones, and computers is advantageous because it spreads ideas faster and allows a platform to be established among various diverse groups of people. Even if people of different beliefs disagree with the issue at hand, the fact that they are talking about it online will spread the cause and allow more people to see what is going on. While in some cases technology could be disagreeable, in this case, it could be the miracle that society needs. Like everyone else, I don’t know what obstacles or events I will face in the future, but what I do know is that I want to become the best version of myself, and achieve great things. With that, I know college can help me immensely in achieving my dreams, which have become more and more clear over the years. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future.

A time in which I demonstrated civic engagement and advocated for students is during the 2020 Leadership Conference which took place in Washington D.C. While on this five-day overnight trip with select students from my high school, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop to other high school students from other states. The workshop had to do with students having a voice and strategies on how they could make themselves heard. Furthermore, it involved teaching them strategies as well as sharing our personal experiences on how our voices were heard in academic settings. In order to prepare for this presentation, my group and I would meet inside and outside of school to create a slideshow presentation as well as activities for students who decided to select the workshop. It was a successful experience because it taught me the importance of speaking out and using your voice for those that don’t have the capacity to. Furthermore, I grew more united to my peers when I heard different opinions and perspectives. Listening to people from various parts of the country opened my eyes to different points of view which made me feel more connected to my community, both at the conference as well as nationally. While advocating for students around the country, I stepped out of my comfort zone to speak publicly in a room full of people and give a presentation on my topic, as well as to attend other workshops that required me to interact with people of various backgrounds. I loved the way I was able to learn about others’ lives and experiences because it gave me more insight on people nationwide. Oftentimes we find ourselves contained in our own bubble, and I think it is important to expand our own horizons, and even burst that bubble so that we are immersed in, and aware of, other lifestyles. For example, I have had experiences, especially in my own culture, where I have learned various ways of life. Since my mother was born in Spain and I spent eight years of my life living there, I can contribute a more global perspective to many situations. Similarly, the Leadership Conference was meaningful and taught me leadership skills that I will always remember and continue to apply in the future. Having the opportunity to present my ideas and make myself heard felt good since it allowed me to share my view and spread it to various parts of the country.

I have always had a strong connection with mathematics ever since I was a little girl. Moving to the US from Spain, although not lacking in English fluency, proved hard due to the fact that everyone had grown up speaking English to their teachers and friends, whilst I only spoke in English at home. A new school with new faces was challenging, and math was the only subject that was consistent and universal, which made me feel more comfortable and confident in elementary school. Soon, I found that this could open infinite doors, like those that led me to my passion for computers. I was once unsure of what major to pursue, but I quickly realized what I wanted to do was sitting right in front of me for years. It was mathematics that made me fall in love with STEM and propelled me toward a clear and bright future. Once I began to develop more interest in subjects such as computer science, especially while taking the Advanced Placement course during my senior year, mathematics and STEM as a whole made me believe that I had no limit, and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I am often asked for help from classmates and am met with surprised faces when they find how well I perform with problem solving in any mathematics area or coding dilemma. With that being said, I find STEM fields such as mathematics and computer science fascinating and see myself with a bright future alongside them. For instance, I see myself moving up and impressing not only others, but also myself in my future career. Additionally, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to improve even when it seems like I am at the top of the mountain.