Twelve girls filed into the lab. Sunlight streamed through large windows, reflecting off of centrifuges, small pipettes, bulbous liquid-nitrogen containers, and even a PCR machine. I grinned as the professor taught us how to crush liquid-nitrogenized leaves, spin centrifuges, and use pipettes. Learning each of these beginning steps to science research during the 3-day biochemistry workshop was exciting, mostly because it had been a journey for me to arrive at this moment. From public elementary to homeschooling to private high school, I was exposed to a wide variety of philosophies and types of science education-or the lack of it. In the more rural area of Winona MN, no matter which school I attended, opportunities for science education were fewer because of barriers like small class sizes and less funding. But with certain resources, I was surprised to find opportunities that could help encourage science education for both me and others like myself. The first of these opportunities was in elementary school. While rural communities are often surrounded by nature, I was lucky to have a school with a garden/hiking club. This jump-started my curiosity in the nature around me, which was the start of my science education. However, this type of exploratory/outdoor study waned after first grade, replaced with an emphasis on reading/math. While these subjects are important, rural schools should be encouraged to utilize their outdoor nature for science more often, especially during the later years of elementary school. But it is difficult to move beyond curiosity and exploration without technical science instruction. And because of small class size or lessened funding, it is often difficult for rural schools to afford to hire higher-level science teachers (like ones with AP/IB experience), get expensive science equipment, or offer science electives. It may help if the government encouraged rural science programs directly through financial contributions. However, it takes time for government financial changes to occur, so other options could be considered. Another opportunity I utilized during high school, since my class size was too small for my school to offer many AP science or science electives, was finding free online resources. While internet access in rural areas is not as ubiquitous as in metropolitan areas, it has gone up significantly in recent years according to the Pew Research Center-around 72-80% of rural homes have some sort of phone/computer/broadband access. So, it would be helpful to encourage rural students to find free/low-cost online science education resources(such as Khan Academy or study.com)or even websites that give dates/times of science camps. Furthermore, in Minnesota, online PSEO or other classes is another option. Often, these online resources are unknown or simply forgotten about. So, encouraging rural science education could be not only a matter of funding teachers/programs, but helping rural students to find and use online options. In fact, internet searches were how I found the 3-day biochemistry workshop. After learning the basics, the professor had us experiment with tobacco plants, to see if they could produce a human protein. This idea of biochemical engineering captured my imagination; when the biochemistry TAs asked about my future career while waiting in the lunch line, I found myself discussing ideas for future innovations- stable vaccines, cheaply-made medicines-or maybe curing cancer. With utilizing the benefits of rural nature, encouraging government funding in science education, and finding our own online education, rural students like me could be encouraged to continue our science studies. I know I have-next year, I am majoring in biochemistry at St. Thomas University. And I am grateful for the opportunities I found that inspired me to study science and continue it as my future career.

I grinned with delight, my eleven-year-old self pointing out a patch of greenery with little orange, trumpet-shaped flowers: Jewelweed. It was late summer in northern Wisconsin, the forest near my grandparents’ cabin bright with green hues and the undergrowth covered with ripened berries. As I excitedly chattered to my nana, we would be safe walking in the woods “Because Jewelweed is the cure to poison ivy!” At the time, I thought this was the coolest factoid in the world. During my preteen years, I devoured a botany textbook, assembled plant presentations, and stumped National Park Rangers with rare plant questions as homeschooling gave me the freedom to explore my academic interests. My innate curiosity expanded, growing into a love for learning that I took on to high school. I remember physically shaking as I walked into my first class- Intro to Chemistry. I took a deep breath, sat down, and smiled- and chemistry became one of my favorite subjects. I became aware of a deep fascination with how the world works, including how molecules and chemicals interact. But with a class too small for an AP or Honors chemistry, and a thirst to know more, I surfed the internet for another chance to grow. The lab was bright and sunny, large glass windows displaying gorgeous green trees swishing in the wind. During the 3-day workshop, I grinned excitedly as the Professor taught us how to use a pipette and crush liquid-nitrogenized leaves. Eventually, the professor had us experiment with tobacco plants, to see if they could produce a human protein that might eventually be used to grow human organs. This idea of growing organs- in other words biochemical engineering- captured my imagination; when the biochemistry TAs asked about my future career while waiting in the lunch line, I found myself discussing a whirlwind of ideas for future innovations: stable vaccines, cheaply-made medicines and diagnostic tests for third-world countries- or maybe curing cancer. A few days after the biochemistry experience, I was looking through my dad’s dusty scrapbooks. I found a luminescent photo of brain cells, glowing green through a microscope. Looking at this photo of my doctor dad’s college biochemistry experiment, I realized why I wanted to go into biochemical engineering- to help others medically, like my dad does every day- but through a scientific medium. I remember walking through the northern Wisconsin woods in late summer, my dad asking my eleven-year-old self; “What do you want to do with your life?” And I remember answering; “I don’t know how yet- but I think God put me here to help people, to solve problems.” And I showed my dad the Jewelweed poking out of the bushes. In my memory, I can imagine myself saying; “That’s my favorite plant, dad. And you know why? It heals people. It helps others. Just like you do.”

Dark clouds coat the sky, obscuring the tops of the bluffs. A blanket of quiet envelops the garden as little creatures hide in their burrows. A strong wind stirs the heavy humidity and lifts my curly locks into a dance. While my friends often describe these times as gloomy and dreary, I smile and relish the moment, breathing in the calming petrichor and blinking in awe at the pinkish lighting flashes. Often, the things that fuel my life come from the quiet and the storm. In literature, a storm is often used to symbolize a difficult and passionate struggle. No matter what my struggle is; a challenging homework assignment, a sprained ankle, a broken relationship, or anything else, my struggles are difficult and unwanted. But just like the storms of nature bring water to fuel growth, storms of life bring the change necessary to fuel character growth. The storms of my life fuel me to work harder, be kinder, be more selfless, and become courageous enough to overcome such challenges. But a constant storm and change can drain me, which is why quietness is my other necessary fuel. Prayer and reflection help me look back on who I was, figure out who I am now, and find out who I want to be. In other words, quietness is needed to find a direction in life and not be swept up in the storm. After all, every storm has a quiet eye. With quiet reflection to help me figure out who I am and who I want to be, and struggles that challenge me to become that person, quiet and storm fuel my growth. So, when days are grey and blustery, I am not reminded of gloom and sadness, but smile, fueled with a hope of growth into a better person.

When I think of legacies, I think of my great-grandfather. Specifically, 2 times in great-grandfathers' life stand out to me. After WW2, great-grandpa connected soldiers with their families after the war. According to papa, great-grandfather always said that this was the most fulfilling thing he ever did. But great-grandpa did not only serve others' families, but his own. He built a house with his own hands, creating shelter for his family. Like my great-grandfather, I would like my legacy to be one of connection and creation. But perhaps I will go about it in a different way. Now in the age of internet, we can connect with people more instantaneously than ever. Through the power of words, we can touch hearts and minds, with online stories, articles, and more. Stories can give hope in the most difficult of times- the characters connect with us, reminding us of ourselves and inspiring us to do good, to become better. But the inspiration of stories has to be a prerequisite to action. This is why I would like the second part of my legacy to be creation- though instead of building a house, I would love to work in science or engineering. Creating solutions to problems in our lives is a necessity, and there are so many ways STEM can be applied to solve the world's toughest problems. When thinking of my legacy, I ponder how many problems need to be solved in this world, and how I can play a role in the answer. The human element needs to come first, connecting with others and giving them hope for a better future. Then, we can create to solve such problems. I am not sure I can ever live up to my great-grandfather's legacy, but through connection and creation, I will certainly try.

Trembling, I triple-checked the number on the wall before entering the classroom. The one person I knew waved me over, and I gratefully slunk into the chair next to her. I smiled shyly as she introduced me to her friends. I felt so out-of-place, an awkward homeschooler on my first day of high school. The girl sitting across from me was playing with her pencil case and chatting. Suddenly, her pencil clattered to the floor. I automatically reached down and handed it to her with a smile. The resulting smile and thanks lifted my spirits, and I realized that even if I couldn't be socially graceful, even if I completely failed at school, I could still help others- at least in small ways. Doing small acts of kindness helped me feel less out-of-place and made me feel like I could contribute to the school community. Plus, there are usually more opportunities to do small gestures than large service projects, and small kindnesses can still brighten someone's day. So, I find joy and fulfillment in holding open a door, handing someone a dropped item, or giving a compliment or congratulations. Furthermore, little actions are even more enjoyable when an opportunity comes to complete a kind action anonymously. It is a little secret held in your heart, a reminder that service is not for show, but because it helps others. In fact, for my upcoming Catholic Confirmation, I needed to choose a Saint (someone who has lived a life of holiness) that inspires me. I decided to choose St. Therese of Lisieux. She is known for her "Little Way" of life- doing small acts of kindness with great love. I hope she can serve as an example and reminder to never stop doing my little acts of kindness.

My five-year-old self bounced excitedly around my mom, unable to keep still. Mom patiently listened to my simple sentences and bizarre storyline as she typed up my first fictional tale:"The Princess Who Wouldn't Eat." Even when I was little, I devoured fictional tales with a fiery passion. Today, I still luxuriate in stories of heroines, aliens, and dragons. And as I’ve grown up, I’ve found more reasons than just excitement and thrill to read such fantastical stories. First, books are a safe place. You can imagine the characters and dangers as realistic or scary as you wish. As a young girl, I was terrified by movies but I would read fiction books. We all need to learn of dangers one way or another, and fiction is a great way to learn of such things in a safe, tempered environment. And this is even more necessary today, as anxiety rates have risen in the past year. Also, fiction can help you to think that anything is possible. From dragons to fairies to Hogwarts to Middle Earth, fiction can stimulate your imagination and help you think creatively. Right now, we need people to think creatively and out-of-the-box to solve our world’s problems- from climate change to poverty to human rights. Perhaps fiction could inspire such imaginative thinking. Because fiction can help us learn of danger in a safe place and grow our imagination, my enjoyment of fiction has grown into a passion. I hope that all people can have the chance to read fiction novels, safely learning of dangers and growing in their imaginative thinking- and help the world through this fantastical education. In this spirit, I hope to someday author fiction - though I hope my 17-year-old self can create a storyline more complex than a princess on a hunger strike.

After a long, arduous day, I step out of the car. Shadows surround me as the headlights flicker off, leaving me in the dark. But instead of high-tailing it to my cozy house, my gaze trails upward to the stars. I smile, enjoying the simple beauty of the stars, the trillions of little dots winking from the heavens. I enjoy simple pleasures like the stars because they “bring to light” the beauty and goodness and hope all around us, even in the darkest of moments. I love watching the little plants sprout up from the ground, reminding me of the possibility of growth in the midst of climate change. I enjoy the pitter-patter of the rain, which cleanses the dirt and grime in a violent, warring world. I luxuriate in a sip of coffee, reminding me of the wonderful freedom from tiredness, even as other drugs leave a more damaging effect. I love watching my little cousin shriek with joy as she chases a ball, reminding me of the innocent joy existing in humanity, even as people persecute each other. Such simple pleasures as the stars, plants, rain, coffee, and joyous laughter remind me that there is good in the world, even in the most difficult of days. When the shadows surround me, I can look up at the stars and smile, knowing that the simple dots of light will wink at me from the heavens, starting to burn away the darkness of the world.

A few years ago, I found an innocuous, white paperback titled: “Mindset- the secret to success.” Cracking it open, I read a few sentences about a so-called “growth mindset” and realized: wait, I’ve heard of this before... but where? Now, I realize that reminders to keep a growth mindset, in other words to constantly learn and grow, are all around me: In my school, stories, and home- and this is how I keep a growth mindset in my life. Firstly, I am blessed with a school community that values growth spiritually, academically, and socially. So the times I fail- I say the wrong thing, or don’t get the grade I wanted- I tell myself: “Keep growing. Keep going.” But sometimes my own words and the nebulous feeling of school community are not enough. When this happens, I turn to my books. Reading stories of characters who grew their intelligence, spirituality, or physicality to overcome a challenge inspires me to continue to learn and grow, especially when it is difficult. Lastly, if community and stories are not enough, I can always count on my parents to remind me to keep a growth mindset. My father, a doctor, himself experienced the success of having a growth mindset. At first, he didn’t think he could become a doctor; he was a first-generation college student, and didn’t think he was smart enough. But dad kept growing and going, even when he encountered challenges, and became a doctor. In fact, it was dad’s book that I cracked open that one day; “Mindset, the secret to success.” From the school learning environment to the stories of heroic individuals to the personal experience of my dad, reminders to keep a growth mindset are all around me- and perhaps it can lead me to success.