I am a woman pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science with an emphasis on cybersecurity. I decided my sophomore year of high school that I wanted to be an engineer. I have always loved math and science above any other subject. I am grateful that I decided to take on the challenge of being a girl in a STEM-related field. I feel like I have found my place and am excited that I get to work with computer science for the rest of my life. My classes have all had guys outnumbering girls. I feel the need to work harder to outwork my peers. I always have the need to show the guys that a girl can do what they can do and more. I always put in my best effort to show them that girls deserve to be a part of this wonderful field. I want to make a difference by showing younger girls that STEM is not just a "men's" field. I am a part of the Society of Women Engineers club at WVU. Our club is all about empowering women in the STEM field. We have multiple events for girls not yet in college that have activities dealing with different kinds of engineering. I love volunteering at these events to try and make the young ladies enjoy what I also enjoy doing. I want to try and make it known that if they love what they are doing, no one should stop them from pursuing their dreams. I think it is important to make this known to the younger generation to try and change the outnumbered guys to girls, especially in my field. I have made so many friends with women engineers, but I still wish there were more of us. I see in my classes that I will be the only girl in a group of guys for a project. Being told at first that "I would have the easy jobs". I make a point to prove to them I can do what they are doing just as well if not better, until they finally see me as an equal. The women in STEM have definitely grown from what it used to be, but I still believe it has a long way to go. STEM gives me the chance to work with science and math, two of my favorite subjects. I enjoy what I do, which makes it easier for me to get work done effectively. I am determined to do the best I can in my classes as I can and get involved as much as I can. I want to make a difference while I am in college and continue to do that in the workforce. When looking for internships and jobs, it is clear that it is mostly guys I will be working with. I am determined to not have them underestimate me because I know my true potential and that I belong in the field. STEM has given me so many friends and opportunities and I am so glad I was not scared away by the thought of it being "only for men". I hope to make the difference in the younger generation to show them that we are making the change now and they can be a part of it.