I chose to continue my education in STEAM because I genuinely enjoy learning, creating things, and solving problems. I have always liked understanding how things work, especially when it involves building, designing, or improving something. Over time, I realized those fields combine creativity with technical thinking in a way I really enjoy. Because of this, it is engineering that has grabbed my attention the most. I like that engineering is not only about solving problems, but also about innovation and creating things that can have a real purpose or impact on people’s lives. I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology because I wanted a field that would let me explore many different areas while still focusing on robotics and technology. One of the things I like most about robotics is that it combines several subjects together, including programming, electrical systems, mechanics, and design. I enjoy making all of those parts work together towards one goal and improving things through both testing and problem solving. I find it rewarding to see something go from just an idea to something functional through persistence and experimentation. I also think creativity is a huge part of STEAM, which is one reason I connect with it so much. Outside of school, I enjoy creating things like music, art, programming projects, and 3D modeling. I like being able to combine creativity with logic because it makes problem solving feel more meaningful and interesting. STEAM is important to me because of the overall broadness and unlimited possibilities that are present. There is always something new to learn, improve, or create, which is one of the reasons I enjoy the field so much. Outside of classes, I have also worked to gain experience through technical work and research opportunities. I currently work as a lab technician in seismology, which has helped me develop technical and problem-solving skills in a professional STEM environment. I am also involved in research and continue looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge and experience as much as possible. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing my education by reducing some of the financial stresses that comes with college expenses. Engineering is already a demanding major, and balancing that with chronic health conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS can make things even more difficult physically and mentally. Financial support would help take some pressure off and allow me to focus more on academics, research opportunities, and building experience for my future career. It would also help me continue working toward my long-term goals in robotics and engineering. I want to continue learning, gaining experience, and eventually contribute to technology that can positively impact people’s lives. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me financially, but it would also support me in continuing towards a future I have worked very hard to build.

Living with chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS has influenced many parts of my life, including the way I approach school, my future goals, and even the way I view other people. These conditions affect my energy levels, concentration, physical endurance, and ability to handle long periods of physical exertion. Because of that, things that may seem simple to others, such as walking across campus multiple times a day, standing for long periods, balancing classes and work, or staying focused through exhaustion, can become much more difficult than people realize. As a Mechanical Engineering student at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, managing these health conditions alongside a demanding STEM workload has been challenging. Engineering courses require long hours of studying, labs, projects, and problem solving, and there have been many times where I had to push through fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, and physical exhaustion just to keep up academically. Because my conditions are mostly invisible, it can also be frustrating when people do not fully understand the impact they have on daily life. At the same time, these experiences have shaped me into a much more resilient and adaptable person. I have had to learn how to manage my time carefully, prioritize responsibilities, and pace myself while still continuing to work toward my goals. Chronic illness taught me very quickly that success does not always look the same for everyone, and sometimes simply continuing forward despite challenges is an accomplishment on its own. It also taught me patience and persistence because there are many situations where I have had to adjust to limitations while refusing to give up on what I want to achieve. My experiences with disability have also influenced the kind of person I want to be in the future. They made me more understanding of struggles that are not immediately visible and more aware of how important support systems, accessibility, and inclusion are. Because of this, I try to create environments where people feel supported and listened to, especially in stressful academic settings where students may feel isolated or overwhelmed. Looking forward, my health conditions have strengthened my determination to succeed in engineering and STEM. I want to continue pursuing robotics, automation, and technology while proving to myself that chronic illness does not define my abilities or limit my future. I also hope to use my experiences to help advocate for more supportive and inclusive environments for students and people with disabilities, especially within technical fields where people may feel pressure to hide struggles or constantly push beyond healthy limits. Overall, my disability has influenced who I am by teaching me resilience, adaptability, empathy, and persistence. Although it has made my educational journey more difficult, it has also motivated me to continue building a future where I can contribute meaningful work through engineering while supporting others facing similar challenges.

My experience with mental health has shaped many parts of my life, including my goals, relationships, and the way I understand both myself and other people. I have struggled with depression since middle school, and for a long time it affected my confidence, motivation, and overall outlook on life. Mental health challenges can be difficult because they are often invisible to others, and it is easy to feel isolated or misunderstood while trying to keep up with school, responsibilities, and everyday life. Over time, these experiences have changed the way I approach my goals. I think struggling with mental health taught me resilience and forced me to become more self-aware. There were periods where simply continuing forward felt difficult, especially while balancing demanding STEM coursework, work, and chronic health issues. However, continuing my education and pursuing engineering despite those struggles showed me that progress does not always have to look perfect to still matter. Because of this, one of my goals now is not only to build a successful career in engineering and robotics, but also to build a stable and healthy future for myself where I can continue growing personally as well as academically. My experiences with mental health have also strongly affected the way I interact with other people. I think going through difficult periods made me much more understanding, patient, and aware that many people are dealing with struggles that are not obvious from the outside. Because of this, I try to make sure people feel included, supported, and listened to. Sometimes small things, like checking in on someone or making sure they do not feel ignored, can make a bigger difference than people realize. I care a lot about creating environments where people feel comfortable being honest instead of feeling like they have to hide what they are going through. Mental health has also changed the way I understand the world overall. It made me realize how important support systems, community, and empathy are, especially in stressful environments like college and STEM fields. I have seen how easy it is for people to become overwhelmed or burnt out while feeling pressured to appear like they are handling everything perfectly. Because of that, I think mental health conversations are extremely important and should be taken seriously instead of treated as weakness. Although depression has been a difficult part of my life, it has also helped shape me into someone who is more empathetic, resilient, and understanding of others. More recently, I have started putting real effort into improving my mental health and focusing on recovery, which has changed the way I view my future. I want to continue building a life where I can succeed academically and professionally while also prioritizing my well-being and supporting others around me.

I love math because I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of it and the way it challenges you to think logically while still being creative. To me, math feels very similar to solving puzzles. I like taking a complicated problem, breaking it into smaller pieces, and working through it step by step until everything finally clicks. Even when problems are difficult or frustrating at first, I enjoy the process of figuring them out and understanding why a solution works instead of simply memorizing formulas. One of the reasons I enjoy math so much is because of how useful and connected it is to other STEM fields. As a Mechanical Engineering student at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, I constantly see how math applies directly to engineering, physics, robotics, and programming. It is not just something done in a classroom; it is one of the foundations that allows technology and engineering to function. After taking Calculus 1, 2, and 3 along with Differential Equations, I gained a much greater appreciation for how math can model motion, forces, systems, and real-world behavior. Because of this, I decided to pursue a minor in mathematics alongside engineering. I wanted to strengthen my problem-solving skills and deepen my understanding of the concepts that support engineering and robotics. Higher-level math pushes me to think critically and approach problems from different perspectives, which is something I really enjoy. It has also taught me patience and persistence because many problems are not immediately straightforward. I also like that math has both structure and creativity. There are logical rules and processes, but there are often multiple ways to approach a problem. I enjoy experimenting with different methods and finding efficient solutions, which is another reason math reminds me so much of puzzle solving. Overall, I love math because it combines logic, creativity, and critical thinking in a way that feels rewarding and meaningful. It constantly challenges me to keep learning and improving, which is why I wanted to continue studying it alongside mechanical engineering.

I am currently a Mechanical Engineering student at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology with strong interests in robotics, automation, programming, and research. I have always enjoyed learning how things work, solving problems, and combining creativity with technical thinking. One of the reasons I enjoy engineering so much is because it allows me to continuously learn while working toward meaningful goals. I especially enjoy robotics because it combines multiple areas, including programming, electrical systems, and mechanical design, all working together to create something functional. At the same time, my educational journey has been heavily impacted by chronic health conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS. These conditions affect my energy levels, concentration, physical endurance, and daily functioning in ways that are often difficult for others to fully see or understand. Even basic tasks can sometimes become exhausting, especially while balancing demanding STEM coursework, labs, projects, work responsibilities, and everyday life. There have been many times where I have had to push through intense fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, and physical exhaustion simply to keep up academically. Living with chronic illness has forced me to become extremely adaptable and resilient. I have had to learn how to carefully manage my energy, pace myself, and prioritize responsibilities while continuing to work toward my long-term goals. It has also changed the way I view accessibility and support systems. Small forms of assistance can make a major difference in helping people with disabilities maintain independence and continue pursuing opportunities. For example, I currently use the America the Beautiful National Park and Recreation disability pass, which may seem small to some people, but it helps make outdoor spaces and experiences more accessible to me without creating additional financial strain. Support like that matters because chronic illness often comes with invisible costs and limitations that add up over time. Although my health has made my education more difficult, it has not changed my determination to continue pursuing engineering and higher education. If anything, it has strengthened my persistence and taught me how important it is to continue moving forward even during difficult periods. However, balancing chronic illness with college can also create additional financial stress. Medical needs, transportation, educational materials, living expenses, and the physical toll of managing health conditions while attending school all add pressure to an already demanding situation. Additional financial support would help reduce some of that burden and allow me to focus more fully on my education, research opportunities, and career development. It would help provide stability and make it easier to continue pursuing my degree while managing my health responsibly. More importantly, it would help support my goal of building a future where I can contribute meaningful work through engineering and technology despite the challenges chronic illness creates. Overall, my experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and empathy. While living with chronic illness has shaped my educational journey in difficult ways, it has also motivated me to continue working toward my goals and create a future where I can make a positive impact through STEM.

Mental health has had a major impact on my life for many years. I have struggled with depression since middle school, and for a long time it affected the way I viewed myself, my future, and even my ability to succeed. One of the hardest parts about depression is that it is often invisible to other people. From the outside, it can look like someone is functioning normally while internally they are exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected, or struggling just to get through daily life. Throughout school, depression affected my motivation, energy levels, confidence, and overall well-being. There were periods where it became difficult to stay hopeful or feel proud of myself, even when I was accomplishing things academically. It also made it harder to balance stress and responsibilities, especially while dealing with demanding STEM coursework and other personal challenges. For a long time, I focused more on simply getting through things rather than actually taking care of myself mentally. More recently, I have started putting real effort into improving my mental health and focusing on recovery instead of ignoring it. That process has taught me that healing is not something that happens instantly, and it requires patience, self-awareness, and support. One of the biggest things I have learned is that mental health struggles do not make someone weak or incapable. In fact, continuing forward while dealing with depression has required a huge amount of resilience and persistence that many people do not see. My experiences with depression have also changed the way I interact with and support other people. I know how isolating it can feel when someone believes they are struggling alone, so I try to create environments where people feel listened to and supported without judgment. I care a lot about making sure others feel included and heard because I understand how important that can be during difficult periods in someone’s life. Sometimes even small acts of support or understanding can make a bigger impact than people realize. As a Mechanical Engineering student at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, I have also seen how mental health can be overlooked in stressful academic environments, especially within STEM. Many students feel pressure to constantly perform well and hide struggles instead of asking for help. Because of my own experiences, I believe mental health conversations are important and should be treated seriously, especially in demanding educational settings. Although depression has been a difficult part of my life, it has also helped me become more empathetic, self-aware, and understanding of others. Learning how to work toward recovery while continuing my education has shown me how resilient I can be, even during periods where things felt overwhelming. I am still continuing that process, but I am proud that I have reached a point where I am actively focusing on improving my mental health and building a healthier future for myself.

Going to college means a lot more to me than just earning a degree. To me, it represents independence, growth, opportunity, and the chance to build a future for myself doing something I genuinely care about. College has pushed me academically and personally, especially as a student pursuing Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. It has given me the opportunity to explore my interests in robotics, engineering, programming, and research while also helping me grow into a more resilient and capable person. At the same time, college has not always been easy for me because I have had to balance academics with chronic health issues, including chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS. These conditions affect my energy levels, concentration, and physical endurance, which can make daily responsibilities much more difficult than they may appear to others. There are times where even simple things, like getting through long days of classes, labs, studying, and work, become physically exhausting. STEM courses are already demanding on their own, so managing my health while continuing to succeed academically has required a lot of persistence, adaptability, and self-discipline. Because of these experiences, going to college also represents proving to myself that I am capable of continuing forward despite challenges. Chronic illness has forced me to learn how to manage my time carefully, pace myself, and continue working toward my goals even during difficult periods. It has taught me resilience and helped me realize how important determination and support systems are. Although my health issues have made my educational journey more difficult at times, they have also motivated me to keep pushing myself and continue building a future that I am proud of. What I am trying to accomplish through college is not only building a successful career, but also creating a future where I can continue learning, innovating, and contributing to meaningful work. I want to work in robotics, automation, or another engineering-related field where I can solve problems and create technology that positively impacts people’s lives. I enjoy STEM because it combines creativity and technical thinking, and I want a career where I can continue challenging myself while working on projects with real purpose. I also want to use my experiences to help create more supportive and inclusive environments for others, especially students who may feel overwhelmed, underrepresented, or limited by challenges outside of school. Living with chronic illness has made me more understanding of how invisible struggles can affect people, and I try to bring that perspective into the way I support others and approach leadership. Overall, college means opportunity, perseverance, and growth to me. It represents everything I am working toward despite the challenges I have faced, and it is helping me build both the future and the person I want to become.

Being part of the disabled community through living with chronic fatigue syndrome and POTS has changed the way I view both people and the world around me. One of the biggest things it has taught me is that many struggles are invisible. A person can appear completely fine on the outside while still dealing with exhaustion, dizziness, pain, brain fog, or difficulty physically functioning day to day. Because of this, I have become much more understanding and aware that everyone is dealing with challenges that may not always be obvious. Living with chronic illness has also changed the way I think about physical ability and independence. Simple things that many people take for granted, such as standing for long periods of time, walking across campus, staying focused for hours, or balancing a full schedule, can become much more difficult when dealing with chronic fatigue and POTS symptoms. As a Mechanical Engineering student at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, there have been times where managing classes, labs, work, and daily responsibilities while physically exhausted felt overwhelming. STEM fields are already demanding, and dealing with conditions that affect energy levels, concentration, and physical endurance adds another layer of difficulty that many people do not see. At the same time, these experiences have made me more resilient and adaptable. I have learned how to manage my time carefully, pace myself, and continue working toward my goals even when things are difficult. Chronic illness has forced me to become more disciplined and aware of my own limits, while also teaching me how important persistence is. I think one of the hardest parts of invisible disabilities is feeling like you constantly have to prove that your struggles are real, especially when you are still trying to succeed academically and professionally. Over time, I have learned to advocate for myself more and recognize that needing support or accommodations does not make someone less capable. Being part of the disabled community has also made me care more about accessibility, inclusion, and support systems. It has shown me how important it is to create environments where people feel understood and supported instead of judged for limitations they cannot control. I try to bring that mindset into the way I interact with others by being patient, supportive, and willing to listen when people are struggling. In the future, I want to use these experiences to positively impact both the STEM field and the people around me. I want to help create environments where people with disabilities or chronic illnesses feel capable of pursuing technical careers without feeling isolated or discouraged. I also think my experiences have given me a different perspective on problem solving and innovation. Living with chronic illness makes you very aware of how much accessibility and thoughtful design matter in everyday life. As I continue pursuing engineering and technology, I hope to contribute to work that improves people’s lives while also helping create more supportive and inclusive spaces within STEM.

Living with chronic fatigue syndrome has affected my education in ways that are often difficult for other people to see. One of the hardest parts about chronic illness is that even when you appear “fine” on the outside, you may still be dealing with exhaustion, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and low energy on a daily basis. Balancing college, work, and STEM courses while dealing with chronic fatigue can be extremely challenging because many people underestimate how physically and mentally draining constant fatigue can become over time. As a Mechanical Engineering student at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, my coursework can be very demanding and time consuming. STEM classes often require long hours of studying, labs, projects, and problem solving, which can be difficult while managing a condition that affects energy levels and overall functioning. There have been times where completing assignments or staying focused took significantly more effort than people around me may have realized. Chronic fatigue has forced me to learn how to manage my time carefully, prioritize responsibilities, and work through challenges even when I feel exhausted. One of the biggest things I have learned through this experience is resilience. Even when my energy is low or things feel overwhelming, I continue pushing myself toward my goals because I care deeply about my education and future career. I have continued pursuing engineering, research interests, and technical work opportunities despite the additional challenges chronic illness creates. Rather than allowing my condition to stop me from pursuing STEM, I have adapted by learning how to pace myself better, recognize my limits, and stay organized so I can continue succeeding academically while taking care of my health. Living with chronic fatigue syndrome has also changed the way I view other people and challenges they may be facing. It has made me more understanding, patient, and aware that many struggles are not always visible. Because of this, I try to create supportive environments where people feel comfortable being honest about difficulties they may be experiencing, whether academically or personally. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue pursuing my goals by reducing some of the financial stress that comes with college expenses, tuition, and educational materials. Managing a chronic illness while balancing school and work can already be physically and mentally exhausting, so financial support would allow me to focus more of my energy on academics, research opportunities, and career development rather than worrying as much about financial strain. This scholarship would not only support me financially, but also encourage me to continue pushing forward despite the obstacles chronic illness can create. Although chronic fatigue syndrome has made my educational journey more difficult at times, it has also strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and determination. It has taught me how important persistence and self-discipline are, especially when working toward long-term goals. I am committed to continuing my education in STEM and building a future where I can contribute meaningful work through engineering and technology despite the challenges I face.

One thing I want to build is a future where I can combine engineering, creativity, and collaboration to create technology that actually helps people while also building stronger and more supportive communities within STEM. A lot of people think “building” only means creating something physical, but I think building also applies to the kind of environment and future you create for yourself and the people around you. One of the biggest things I want to build is a career in robotics and engineering where I can continue learning and working on meaningful projects. I have always enjoyed understanding how things work and solving problems, which is why I became interested in robotics. I like that robotics combines programming, electrical systems, modeling, and mechanical design all together. It requires creativity just as much as technical skill, and I enjoy the challenge of balancing different ideas and improving designs through testing and problem solving. In the future, I hope to work on technology involving robotics, automation, or artificial intelligence that can improve efficiency, safety, or accessibility for people. At the same time, I also want to help build a more supportive environment within STEM fields, especially for students who feel out of place or underrepresented. As a female Mechanical Engineering student at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, I understand how intimidating technical environments can sometimes feel. There are times when students feel isolated, ignored, or uncomfortable speaking up, especially in fields where there is less representation. Because of this, I try to make sure people feel included and supported, whether that means listening to others, helping classmates, or speaking up about issues affecting students on campus. I also want to build stronger connections between technical knowledge and community impact. STEM is not only about innovation for the sake of technology; it should also improve people’s lives. I want my future work to have a real purpose beyond simply creating something impressive. Whether through engineering projects, research, or collaboration, I want to contribute to work that solves problems and positively impacts others. Personally, I am also trying to build confidence and resilience within myself. Engineering and STEM environments can be difficult and demanding, and there have been times where I doubted myself or felt overwhelmed. However, those experiences have pushed me to become more adaptable and persistent. I want to continue growing into someone who is capable of leading, collaborating, and helping others feel more confident pursuing their own goals as well. Overall, the future I want to build is one centered around innovation, learning, and community. I want to create meaningful technology while also helping build environments where people feel supported, included, and encouraged to grow.

Mental health is important to me as a student because it affects every part of life, especially in college and STEM fields. When people are overwhelmed, burnt out, stressed, or constantly anxious, it becomes a lot harder to focus, learn, stay motivated, or even enjoy what they are doing. I think a lot of students, especially in difficult majors, end up feeling like they have to constantly push themselves without slowing down, and that mindset can become really unhealthy over time. I’ve realized that being successful academically is not just about getting good grades, but also about being able to take care of yourself mentally so you can continue growing and functioning long term. As a Mechanical Engineering student at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, I’ve seen how intense academic environments can affect students. Engineering and STEM majors can be extremely stressful, and it is easy for students to become isolated or feel pressured to always appear like they are handling everything perfectly. Because of that, I think mental health is something that should be talked about more openly instead of treated like a weakness. A lot of students are struggling silently, especially in competitive or demanding environments. One of the biggest ways I advocate for mental health is by trying to create supportive environments where people feel included and comfortable talking honestly. I make an effort to check in on people, listen when someone is struggling, and make sure others do not feel ignored or isolated. Sometimes people just need someone willing to listen without judging them. I think small actions like that matter more than people realize. I also advocate for mental health by speaking up about issues that negatively affect students and their sense of safety or well-being. At college, I have brought attention to concerns involving student safety, communication issues, and situations students were uncomfortable discussing openly. I think mental health is heavily connected to whether people feel safe, supported, and heard within their environment. When important problems are ignored, it creates unnecessary stress and anxiety for students. Even though these conversations can be uncomfortable, I think it is important that someone is willing to address them instead of pretending they do not exist. I also try to normalize the fact that struggling sometimes is completely normal, especially in STEM. Engineering is difficult, and there are times where people feel overwhelmed or doubt themselves. I think students should feel comfortable asking for help, taking breaks, and prioritizing their well-being without feeling guilty about it. Overall, mental health is important to me because it impacts academic success, personal growth, relationships, and overall quality of life. I want to continue helping create environments where people feel supported, included, and comfortable being honest about mental health, especially in demanding academic communities.

I believe a life of service means using your skills, knowledge, and experiences to positively impact the people and communities around you. Service does not always have to involve large actions; it can also be shown through everyday efforts to support others, advocate for improvements, and contribute to environments where people feel safe, included, and encouraged. I try to embody this mindset both academically and personally through the way I interact with others and the goals I have for my future career. One of the ways I try to serve others is by making sure people feel included and supported, especially in environments where they may feel overlooked or uncomfortable speaking up. As a female student in engineering at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, I understand how intimidating STEM environments can sometimes feel due to the lack of representation. Because of this, I make an effort to help create welcoming and inclusive spaces where people feel respected and heard. I believe even small actions, such as listening to others, encouraging participation, and supporting classmates, can have a meaningful impact on someone’s confidence and sense of belonging. I also believe service involves being willing to advocate for others when problems are being ignored. During college, I have brought attention to issues affecting students that were not being openly discussed, including safety concerns and situations where students felt uncomfortable or unsupported. Speaking up about these concerns has shown me the importance of leadership, communication, and persistence. Although these conversations can sometimes be difficult, I believe it is important to work toward improving the environment for others rather than remaining silent when problems exist. My education in Mechanical Engineering will allow me to serve others by contributing to technology and innovations that solve meaningful problems. I am especially interested in robotics, automation, and advanced technology because of their potential to improve efficiency, accessibility, and safety in many industries. I want to use the technical skills I gain through engineering to work on projects that can positively impact people’s lives and contribute to advancements that benefit society as a whole. STEM is constantly evolving, and I am excited by the opportunity to continue learning while applying my knowledge toward real-world solutions. In addition to technical contributions, I hope to use my education to encourage and support future students entering STEM fields, especially women and underrepresented groups. Representation and mentorship are extremely important, and I want to help create environments where students feel capable of succeeding in technical careers. I know how valuable support and encouragement can be, especially in challenging academic settings. Overall, I believe a life of service means using your abilities to help others grow, solve problems, and create positive change. Through both advocacy and engineering, I hope to use my education not only to build a successful career, but also to contribute to stronger communities and meaningful advancements that improve the lives of others.

This scholarship’s goal of fostering a community of women empowered by knowledge, curiosity, and innovation strongly connects with my own experiences and goals within STEM. As a female student pursuing Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, I understand how important supportive communities and representation can be in technical fields. STEM can sometimes feel intimidating, especially in environments where women are underrepresented, but those experiences have motivated me to continue pursuing my interests and contribute to creating more inclusive spaces for future students. What draws me most toward STEM is the combination of creativity, problem solving, and continuous learning. I enjoy understanding how things work and using knowledge from multiple fields to solve complex problems. One of my main interests is robotics because it combines programming, electrical systems, mechanical design, and modeling into one field. I enjoy the challenge of balancing these different areas and improving systems through testing and problem solving. STEM has shown me that innovation does not come from memorization alone, but from curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to explore new ideas. Curiosity has been one of the biggest driving forces throughout my education. I enjoy learning beyond what is required in class and expanding my knowledge into different areas of STEM whenever possible. This mindset has led me toward research opportunities and technical work experiences, including working in seismology as a lab technician. Through these experiences, I have learned how interconnected STEM fields are and how valuable collaboration and adaptability can be. I believe curiosity is important because it pushes innovation forward and encourages people to continue improving technology and solving problems. I also believe this scholarship’s emphasis on community is extremely important. Success in STEM is not only about individual achievement, but also about supporting and encouraging others. I try to create inclusive environments where people feel comfortable contributing ideas and asking questions. I also understand how meaningful representation can be for students entering technical fields. Seeing women succeed in STEM helps create confidence and encourages future generations to pursue careers they may have once thought were out of reach. In the future, I hope to contribute to advancements in robotics, automation, or other technology-focused fields while continuing to grow both technically and personally. More importantly, I want to contribute to a STEM community that values collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. This scholarship represents more than financial support to me; it represents encouragement for women pursuing challenging fields and recognition of the importance of diverse perspectives within STEM. I would be honored to be part of a community built around curiosity, knowledge, and empowering women to continue making meaningful contributions to science and engineering.

What makes me a leader is my willingness to speak up, take initiative, and make sure other people feel included and supported. I believe leadership is not only about holding a title or being in charge of others, but also about recognizing problems, helping people feel heard, and working toward meaningful change even when situations are uncomfortable or difficult to address. One quality that makes me a strong leader is that I actively try to include others and make sure people do not feel left out or ignored. I understand how isolating certain environments can feel, especially within STEM fields and college settings where some students may struggle to feel represented or comfortable speaking up. Because of this, I try to create welcoming environments where people feel included, respected, and able to contribute their ideas. I believe collaboration works best when everyone feels valued, and I make an effort to listen to others and support people who may not always feel confident speaking for themselves. I also believe leadership involves being willing to address difficult problems instead of ignoring them. At college, I have begun bringing attention to concerns that many students experience but are often hesitant to discuss openly. Some of these issues involve student safety concerns, situations involving students being followed, and important information not being communicated clearly to students. These are serious concerns that directly affect students’ well-being and sense of security, and I felt it was important that someone speak up about them. Even though addressing these topics can be uncomfortable, I believe leadership sometimes means advocating for others when problems are being overlooked. Being willing to speak with administration about these concerns has taught me that leadership requires confidence, persistence, and responsibility. Change does not happen if everyone stays silent, and I believe it is important to advocate for improvements that can positively impact others. I care about helping create a safer and more supportive environment for students, especially because many people may not feel comfortable speaking up on their own. In addition to advocacy, leadership has also helped me develop stronger communication and problem-solving skills. I have learned how important it is to approach concerns thoughtfully, listen to different perspectives, and focus on finding constructive solutions rather than simply pointing out problems. These experiences have made me more confident in my ability to work with others, handle responsibility, and contribute positively to my community. Overall, I believe leadership means caring about the people around you and being willing to take action when something needs to improve. Whether through inclusion, advocacy, or problem solving, I try to use my voice to help create positive change and support others in my community.

I think calculus is one of the most important subjects within STEM because it provides the mathematical foundation for understanding how systems change, interact, and behave over time. After completing Calculus 1, 2, and 3 along with Differential Equations, I have realized that calculus is much more than simply solving derivatives and integrals. It is a tool that allows engineers, scientists, and researchers to model real-world systems, predict behavior, and solve complex problems that would otherwise be extremely difficult to analyze accurately. One of the reasons calculus is so important is because many concepts within engineering, physics, robotics, and technology involve continuous change. Calculus allows us to study motion, forces, velocity, acceleration, energy, heat transfer, electrical systems, and fluid flow. These concepts are essential in nearly every STEM field. In engineering especially, calculus is used to understand how systems behave under different conditions and how changing one variable affects another. Differential equations expanded this understanding even further for me because they showed how mathematical equations can model physical systems and predict behavior over time. Topics such as oscillations, motion, and system responses helped me better understand how mathematics directly connects to engineering applications. As someone interested in robotics and mechanical engineering, I have seen how calculus applies directly to the kinds of systems and technology I want to work with in the future. Robotics depends heavily on motion, optimization, control systems, and modeling, all of which rely on calculus concepts. Calculus 3 especially helped me better understand working in three-dimensional space, which is extremely important for mechanical design, robotics, and physics-based applications. Learning about vectors, multivariable functions, and spatial relationships gave me a better understanding of how complex systems can move and interact in the real world. Differential equations also helped me understand how engineers are able to predict and control system behavior rather than simply observe it. I also believe calculus is important because it develops analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that are necessary in STEM fields. Many calculus problems are not straightforward and require patience, persistence, and the ability to break large problems into smaller steps. Those same skills are important in engineering and research because real-world problems rarely have simple solutions. Calculus helped me become more comfortable approaching difficult problems logically and learning how to work through challenges systematically instead of becoming discouraged immediately. Although calculus can be difficult, I think that challenge is part of what makes it valuable. It forces students to think deeper and develop a stronger understanding of how mathematics describes the world around us. After completing multiple levels of calculus and differential equations, I have gained a much greater appreciation for how interconnected mathematics, science, and engineering truly are. Calculus is not simply another required math class for STEM majors. It is one of the core tools that allows innovation, technology, modeling, and modern engineering to exist. Without calculus, many of the technologies and systems used every day would not be possible to design, analyze, or improve effectively.

I am interested in STEM and engineering because I enjoy learning, solving problems, and understanding how things work. I have always been drawn toward fields that allow me to combine creativity with technical thinking, which is one of the reasons I became interested in robotics and mechanical engineering. I enjoy the process of designing, testing, troubleshooting, and improving things over time. STEM appeals to me because there is always something new to learn, and many problems require both analytical thinking and creativity to solve effectively. One of the main reasons I am especially interested in robotics is because it combines multiple fields together, including programming, electrical systems, modeling, and mechanical design. I like being well rounded and learning from different areas instead of focusing on only one subject. Robotics also feels very goal-oriented to me because every part has to work together to accomplish a task successfully. I enjoy the challenge of balancing those different components and continuously improving designs through testing and problem solving. I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology because I wanted a broad field that would allow me to explore many different technical areas while continuing to pursue my interests in robotics, automation, and technology. I have also started gaining research and technical experience outside of the classroom, including working as a lab technician in seismology. These experiences have helped me build both technical and problem-solving skills while showing me how collaborative and interdisciplinary STEM fields can be. The kind of impact I hope to make is contributing to technology that improves people’s lives and solves meaningful problems. I want to work on projects involving robotics, automation, or other advanced technologies that can improve efficiency, safety, or accessibility. At the same time, I also hope to help create more welcoming environments within STEM fields for future students. As a female engineering student at a school with a relatively low female population, I understand how intimidating technical environments can sometimes feel when there is little representation. Because of this, I hope to encourage other students, especially women entering STEM, to feel more confident pursuing technical careers and opportunities. One adversity I have had to overcome is learning how to handle challenging and demanding environments while still pushing myself forward academically and professionally. Engineering courses can be difficult and time consuming, especially while balancing work, research interests, and other responsibilities. There have also been moments where being underrepresented in engineering spaces has made me doubt myself or feel out of place. However, those experiences have ultimately pushed me to become more independent, persistent, and confident in my abilities. I have learned how important resilience and adaptability are, especially in STEM fields where problem solving and overcoming setbacks are part of the process. Overall, my experiences have strengthened both my passion for STEM and my determination to continue growing within the field. I want to continue learning, contributing to meaningful technological advancements, and building a career where I can collaborate with others to solve complex problems and create positive change.

I chose Mechanical Engineering because I wanted a field that would let me explore many different areas of STEM while still focusing on my interests in robotics, automation, and technology. I have always enjoyed understanding how things work, solving problems, and creating projects that combine technical and creative thinking. Mechanical engineering stood out to me because it combines physics, math, programming, design, and hands-on problem solving all into one field. I especially enjoy robotics because it requires several different areas working together toward one goal. The programming controls actions, the electrical systems provide communication and power, and the physical design affects how effective the robot is overall. I like the challenge of balancing all of these areas and continuously improving designs through testing and problem solving. My short-term goals are to continue building my technical knowledge and gaining experience through research, internships, and personal projects. I want to continue learning more about robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and programming while improving my engineering skills overall. I have already started pursuing research opportunities and expanding my knowledge as much as possible because I enjoy learning and being involved in hands-on work. I also currently work in seismology as a lab technician at Earthscope Primary Instrument Center (EPIC), which has helped me gain experience in a professional STEM environment and further strengthened my interest in technical work and research. My long-term goals are to work in robotics, automation, or another advanced technology field where I can contribute to meaningful projects and continue learning throughout my career. I want to work on projects that solve problems and improve efficiency or accessibility through technology. One of the reasons I enjoy STEM so much is because technology is always evolving, which means there are constantly new ideas and challenges to explore. I want a career where I can continue growing my skills, collaborating with others, and creating things that have a real purpose. Being a female student in engineering has definitely influenced my experiences and career goals. I currently attend New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, which has a relatively low female population, especially within STEM majors such as engineering. There have been times where this feels intimidating or isolating, especially in classes or environments where there are very few women present. However, instead of discouraging me, it has motivated me even more to continue pursuing engineering and prove to myself that I belong in these spaces. It has also made me realize how important representation is within STEM fields. Diverse perspectives are important for innovation, problem solving, and creating supportive environments for future students entering these careers. This scholarship would help me financially by reducing the stress that comes with paying for tuition, educational materials, and other college expenses. Engineering is a demanding major that requires a large amount of time and focus, and financial assistance would allow me to dedicate more attention toward academics, research opportunities, and career development. It would also help support resources and opportunities that will further prepare me for a career in STEM. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease financial pressure, but also help me continue working toward my goals with more stability and support.

I am passionate about STEM because I enjoy learning, solving problems, and understanding how things work. STEM has always appealed to me because it combines creativity and critical thinking in ways that can be applied to real-world situations. I like being challenged and finding solutions, especially when there are multiple ways to approach a problem. STEM also encourages constant learning, which is something that is very important to me in a day to day basis. One of my main interests is robotics because it combines electrical engineering, computer science, and modeling aspects all into one field. I enjoy being well-rounded and using knowledge from several areas to create something with a clear purpose or goal. Robotics stands out to me because it is not just one subject by itself; every part has to work together successfully. The programming controls actions, the electrical components provide power and communication, and the physical design determines how effective the robot will be. I enjoy balancing all of these areas and improving designs through testing, troubleshooting, and problem solving. I find the process rewarding because even small adjustments can make a huge difference in the final result. Another reason I enjoy STEM is the amount of creativity it requires. Many people only think of STEM as technical or math-based, but creativity is a major part of innovation and design. I am a very creative person and enjoy making all kinds of projects, including programming projects, composing music, creating art, and designing 3D models. Creativity helps generate new ideas and different ways of thinking, which is extremely useful in STEM fields. I enjoy combining technical skills with creativity because it allows me to create things that are both functional and original. I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering in college because of how broad the field is and how much there is to learn from it. Mechanical engineering gives me the opportunity to explore many different topics while still working toward my interest in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and technology. These fields are becoming increasingly important and are continuing to shape everyday life, which makes them exciting to study. I am also beginning to get involved in research and expanding my knowledge as much as possible to better prepare myself for future opportunities. I also believe it is important to gain experience in different STEM fields, which is why I currently work in seismology as a lab technician for EarthScope Primary Instrument Center (EPIC). This experience has allowed me to develop technical skills, work with scientific equipment, and learn more about research environments. It has also shown me how interconnected STEM fields are and how valuable collaboration and adaptability can be. Overall, STEM is important to me because it constantly encourages innovation, curiosity, and learning. Technology is always evolving, which creates new challenges and opportunities to explore. I enjoy being in an environment where I can continue learning and adapting over time. I do not only want to build a successful career in STEM, but also work with others on meaningful projects, continue growing my skills, and contribute to advancements that can positively impact society.