In my journey to pursue a career in STEM, I’ve faced a variety of challenges, from overcoming language barriers as an immigrant to navigating the complexities of a rigorous academic environment. However, if I were ever asked for advice by a close friend or loved one facing a significant decision—particularly in the pursuit of a STEM career—I would tell them that success in this field requires not only intellectual capacity but also resilience, determination, and a strong sense of community support. If my friend approached me for guidance on a major life decision, I would start by listening. Everyone’s situation is unique, and I believe that offering advice should always come after understanding the individual’s perspective. Once I have a clearer sense of what they’re facing, I would remind them that the road to success in STEM is rarely straightforward. It’s often filled with moments of doubt, confusion, and setbacks, but these challenges are not signs to give up—they’re opportunities for growth. For instance, if my friend were contemplating pursuing a career in computer engineering, but was unsure about their ability to handle the workload or the complexities of the subject, I would first acknowledge how overwhelming the journey might seem. I, too, have felt that way at times. As an immigrant and a woman in STEM, I faced challenges early on—particularly with the language barrier and being part of a traditionally underrepresented group in the field. When I arrived in the United States in 2015, I struggled with learning English and adapting to an educational system that was different from what I had known. But despite these challenges, I kept pushing forward. I sought out resources, asked for help, and connected with people who had gone through similar experiences. I joined programs like MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) at my community college, which provided a support network of like-minded students and mentors. Being surrounded by people who understood the struggles of navigating STEM, especially as an underrepresented student, helped me realize that I was not alone. So, if my friend was unsure about the path they were considering, I would tell them that it’s okay to feel uncertain. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it means taking small steps. It’s about persistence and surrounding yourself with people who will help you along the way. If I had to recommend strategies to future students navigating a similar challenge, I would emphasize the importance of community and resilience. One of the greatest values of education, as mentioned in the prompt, is the human connection formed along the way. In STEM, that connection is invaluable. It’s not just about textbooks and exams—it’s about finding mentors, support systems, and peers who will lift you up during moments of doubt. For instance, I reached out to professors for guidance, and their support became a lifeline. I also joined student organizations, where I found peers who shared similar struggles and aspirations. Additionally, I would advise future students to not be afraid of failure or setbacks. In STEM, failure is often seen as a step toward success, as it allows you to learn and grow. For example, during my studies, there were times when I failed to understand a concept or struggled with coding problems. It was frustrating, but I learned that these moments of struggle were essential to my growth. Rather than giving up, I took the time to understand where I went wrong and sought help from classmates or online resources. Over time, this persistence paid off, and I began to see improvements in my work. Another piece of advice I would offer is to embrace opportunities outside of the classroom. Internships, volunteer work, and student organizations all provide valuable hands-on experience that can deepen your understanding of STEM and help you build a network of connections. For me, volunteering at local STEM outreach programs has been a rewarding way to give back to the community while strengthening my own knowledge. Finally, I would tell my friend to never underestimate the importance of self-care. Pursuing a career in STEM can be demanding, and it’s easy to get lost in the workload and pressure to succeed. However, taking time to recharge and focus on mental and physical health is crucial. When I faced burnout in my own journey, I made sure to set aside time for self-care activities, whether it was exercise, reading for pleasure, or spending time with loved ones. Balancing the intensity of academics with personal well-being is key to long-term success. In conclusion, if a friend were to come to me for guidance on pursuing a career in STEM, I would emphasize the importance of resilience, community, and self-care. Challenges will arise, but with the right mindset and support, they can be overcome. Success in STEM is not just about intellectual ability—it’s about persistence, learning from failures, and embracing the journey. By staying focused on the bigger picture and seeking support when needed, anyone can achieve their dreams in STEM, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and what specifically motivates you. If you could do anything with your life, what do you imagine you’d do? When I first arrived in the United States in 2015, I faced many challenges, particularly with language. Learning English as an immigrant student was difficult, but it fueled my determination to succeed in the field of STEM. My immigrant journey shaped my resilience and the drive to overcome barriers. I came to understand the value of education, perseverance, and hard work. I was also motivated by the desire to make a lasting impact, not only for myself but for others from similar backgrounds. Today, as a community college student pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, I have a clear goal: I want to work at NASA as a Systems Engineer or Software Engineer. This would allow me to contribute to space exploration, technological innovation, and the potential future colonization of other planets. The idea that technology can shape humanity’s future excites me, and I want to be part of that transformation. What drives me most is the opportunity to give back to my community, especially to other women in STEM. I want to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in technology, showing them that the path is open and achievable. Organizations like MESA at my community college have been invaluable in helping me navigate my STEM journey. They’ve provided support, mentorship, and guidance to keep me focused on my studies while fostering a strong sense of community. In addition, I’ve been aggressively saving money in order to become a debt-free student. I believe financial independence is key to being able to focus on my educational and career goals without the stress of financial burdens. By saving carefully, I am creating the foundation for my future, one where I can pursue my passions without the limitations that come from debt. 2. What excites you about STEM? How do you feel you could make a positive impact on the world through a job in information technology? STEM is exciting because it represents endless possibilities for innovation, problem-solving, and progress. In particular, information technology fuels advancements that can solve real-world issues, from healthcare improvements to tackling environmental challenges. I am deeply passionate about using technology to make a positive impact, and this passion drives my desire to contribute meaningfully to society. Working in the field of information technology, I want to focus on creating systems and software that solve problems that directly affect people’s lives. Whether it's developing tools to help improve the efficiency of industries or designing systems that contribute to the sustainability of our planet, I am determined to leverage technology for the greater good. One of my dreams is to work at NASA, where I can help develop technology for space exploration, improve scientific research, and ultimately contribute to the colonization of other planets. The thought of using my knowledge to expand humanity’s frontiers in space is exhilarating. Furthermore, I am committed to closing the gender gap in STEM fields. As a woman in this field, I want to serve as a role model and mentor, helping to inspire and create opportunities for other women to succeed in STEM. 3. Please describe the greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome and how you managed to get past it. The greatest challenge I’ve faced was navigating life as an undocumented student. Arriving in the U.S. without legal status made it difficult to access educational resources, scholarships, and other opportunities that many students take for granted. However, I didn’t let this challenge define me. Instead, I took it as an opportunity to develop resilience and perseverance. Despite the obstacles, I remained focused on my goal of obtaining a higher education. I worked tirelessly to improve my English, participated in extracurricular activities, and volunteered whenever possible to give back to my community. After receiving my work permit, I was able to work legally, which helped support my educational journey financially. The experience taught me invaluable lessons in hard work, determination, and patience. It also deepened my commitment to helping others facing similar struggles. Through organizations like MESA, I have been able to find mentorship and resources that have helped me stay on track in my studies. MESA has also connected me with other like-minded students in STEM, and we continually support and uplift each other. Additionally, I’ve been focused on saving money to become financially independent and debt-free. I believe that financial freedom is a critical part of achieving my goals, and I am committed to maintaining a strong sense of fiscal responsibility. By saving aggressively, I am positioning myself to pursue my dreams without the burden of student debt, allowing me to focus entirely on my academic and professional growth. Looking back, I realize that overcoming this challenge was not just about securing a future for myself. It also fueled my desire to help other underrepresented groups, particularly women, minorities, and immigrants, succeed in STEM. I will continue working toward my goals, breaking down barriers for others along the way.

I arrived in the United States in 2015, feeling both hopeful and uncertain. Everything around me was new—the language, the culture, and even the way people interacted. One of my biggest challenges was learning English. At first, the words felt like they didn’t make sense, and I struggled to understand others and express myself. This made me feel isolated at times, but I didn’t let that stop me. Over the years, I worked hard to overcome the language barrier, seeking help from teachers, classmates, and my community. I came to realize that every challenge was an opportunity for growth, and the more I embraced those challenges, the more confident I became. As an immigrant student, I faced hurdles that many of my peers couldn’t relate to. Not only did I have to learn a new language, but I also had to adjust to a completely different educational system. It wasn’t always easy, and there were moments when I doubted myself. However, my desire to succeed kept me moving forward. My family’s sacrifices became my motivation, and with time, I began to feel more at home in my new country. The language that once seemed impossible began to flow more naturally, and the fear of failure faded as I gained confidence in my abilities. Now, as a community college student, I am working toward my goal of transferring to a UC school or Cal State to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering. This dream is not just about academic success; it’s about creating a better future for myself and my family. While attending community college, I have been working two part-time jobs to support myself and save money for my education. I’m committed to becoming a debt-free student, which means making sacrifices now to ensure that I can fully focus on my studies in the future. My journey as an immigrant has greatly influenced my career aspirations. The tech industry has always fascinated me, and I see it as an opportunity to break down barriers and create solutions that benefit diverse communities. As a woman in STEM, I am particularly passionate about addressing the gender and diversity gap in technology. I want to use my skills to empower others from underrepresented backgrounds, much like I was empowered by the support of my community. Though I once faced the additional challenge of being an undocumented student, I now have legal permanent residency, which has given me new opportunities and renewed determination. My past struggles have shaped who I am today, and I see them as stepping stones rather than setbacks. Each obstacle I’ve faced has taught me valuable lessons in resilience, perseverance, and the importance of community. This scholarship would play a significant role in helping me achieve my goals. It would ease the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus more on my studies and professional growth. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to my dream of working in the tech industry and creating lasting change for future generations. I’m determined to continue working hard, not just for my success but for the success of others in my community, and this scholarship would bring me closer to that mission. In many ways, my immigrant experience has been the driving force behind my dreams. It has taught me that no matter where you come from, with dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Growing up in a disadvantaged background, I have faced numerous challenges, but my dreams and aspirations have always kept me moving forward. From financial struggles to overcoming credit score issues when renting, I’ve never let adversity define me. Instead, it has fueled my drive to create a better future. Throughout these challenges, my community, including my family, has been a steady source of support. Having a stable home environment has allowed me to focus on my education, career goals, and personal development. Although life events happen, I did experience, for a short time, being houseless. This temporary challenge with food security and housing taught me how to cope with stress, embrace every opportunity, and appreciate the essential services that support students from all backgrounds. I am especially grateful for programs like the College Corps and local food banks, which provide critical support for students in need. As a former undocumented student, I’ve faced additional hurdles in my journey. Now, as a U.S. permanent resident, I am working toward my Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering. I aspire to be part of the solution to the tech industry’s diversity gap, especially for women in STEM. My current ventures, including working two part-time jobs while saving aggressively, are helping me stay financially independent as I prepare to transfer to a UC school and ultimately pursue a master’s degree. This scholarship would play a vital role in helping me achieve both my personal and professional dreams. With the financial support, I can reduce the burden of tuition costs and focus more on my studies and long-term goals. It will provide me with the opportunity to continue growing, not just as a student, but as someone committed to making a lasting impact in the tech world and empowering others.