I have been interested in the STEM field for a while now. I have been more focused on the technology and science aspects of STEM, taking multiple classes in computer science and various science course. Throughout my time in computer classes, I have understood more about to barrier between women and men when it comes to the technology field. Because of this looming gap, I have become even more motivated to conquer my goal of pursuing this field and succeeding in it. My current goal is to graduate college with a degree in computer science, specifically cybersecurity. This will allow me to gain a career as a computer forensics specialist. A degree in any field is a symbol of success; it means that you have further your knowledge in a subject that you are passionate about. For me, my passion resides in computer science. After taking a class in cybersecurity, I knew that I wanted the opportunity to explore it more. I was interested in topics such as the dark web, cyberthreats, and white hat hackers. I view the internet and the web as a mystery that I desire to explore. I want to expand my knowledge in this field to satisfy my curiosity. A degree in cybersecurity would mean that I have become equipped with the necessary tools to conquer my curiosity and the dangers that linger behind our screens. Many people label their degrees as a piece of paper that just means they are knowledgeable in a certain field of study. My degree will mean that I am making a change in the way people view not only the STEM field but technology careers. It is not a secret that the technology industry is viewed as a male-dominated field. There is a huge difference in the ratio of men to women when it comes to who works in technology. To obtain a degree in computer science, I will be a part of the change for women when it comes to education and careers. I have been encouraged by many of my teachers to enter the STEM field so that I can diversify it. With my degree, I can diversify technology as well as change the views of technological careers in the minds of young girls. With my degree in cybersecurity, I want to become a computer forensics specialist or analyst for government agencies such as the FBI or CIA. I have grown up with tv shows that portray women who use technology to solve crimes. Because of this influence, I have set myself on a path to become more involved in technology so that I can have the same career as the women on tv. I want to be able to help people. With increasing technology, there is an increase in danger from cyber-terrorists who prey on the unknowing through online activity. With my degree, I could help protect people while fighting against cyber threats. This goal will require mental strength as well as skill. With a degree and certifications, I will be equipped to handle the path that will lead me to my desired career. There will come a time when my hard work will pay off. For now, I have set goals for myself that I plan on accomplishing. I will see it through that I earn my degree. I will see to it that I am prepared to have a lasting impact in my career as well as in the lives of others who will be looking at me for guidance. STEM has had a lasting impact on my life, and I will see to it that it will continue to do so.

STEM occupations are a major component in today’s workforces, constantly increasing with changes to how we function as a society. Careers in these fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math can range from computer technicians and rocket engineers to zoologists and chemists. Without these STEM occupations, society would fail to function in the way we are accustomed to now. The recent global pandemic has further highlighted this idea. With the pandemic, society was upended and overloaded with panic and questions. People relied on answers from scientists and doctors while also trying to find a way to stabilize life at home from their computers. With the aid of the minds of talented individuals who have dedicated their lives to a STEM career, society was able to persevere through this difficult moment in life. With a rapid increase in production and quality of technology, society was already growing a dependency on technology to maintain an efficient workforce; the global pandemic magnified this dependency greatly in a matter of months. The pandemic forced more online shopping, Zoom video calls, working from home, and remote learning. People turned to their computers and phones to stay connected, entertain themselves, and stay up to date with news about the pandemic. To handle such a rapid shift to technology and internet overload, individuals in careers related to technology and engineering had to work overtime. This included web developers and programmers needing to make websites and apps more user-friendly for individuals ordering their necessities online to the people working in cybersecurity who had to monitor online threats. Even if it was unknowingly done, we relied heavily on these types of individuals to maintain our access to technology to function from home. These careers are important to us as we live in a digital world and a society that is surrounded by technology. In a post-pandemic world, we are even more reliant on STEM careers because we have already adapted so far into a lifestyle that needs technology that it would be meaningless, and potentially consequential, to revert to a life pre-pandemic. With the aid of increasing technology and better engineering, we are better able to function now and in the future when the consequences of the pandemic will still linger. Technology has changed drastically to help maintain life during the pandemic, but it can be argued that science, and the men and women working in laboratories and hospitals, have changed just as much to adapt to the sudden spread of COVID. We were faced with a new disease that spread at an alarming rate with no defense against it. We turned to healthcare workers for answers they did not have, making life seem hopeless and scary for a moment. Because of this situation, we saw an increase in epidemiologists and other scientists working trying to learn as much as they could about the new virus. We were able to see their work as they published them, giving society a better piece of mind. The individuals in the scientific field are helping the world rebuild, and they are giving society a way to function once again. It was due to the hard work of individuals in these various scientific occupations that we now have vaccines being administered so we can return to a modified version of life that society had before the pandemic. STEM occupations not only help to adapt to change, but it brings about solutions. I have been fortunate enough to be allowed to explore the many occupations and studies that create STEM, especially technology. As both a woman and a minority, I understand that there are not many people like me that enter the STEM world due to fear of failure and hardships. I want to be a part of the many young women who stand against the status quo, and who are willing to knock down the gender barrier. The pandemic has shown me how much we need more brilliant minds in STEM, and I want to aid in the rehabilitation of life after the pandemic with the help of my studies in STEM.

With all the challenges of life, music provides an escape. I use music to find sources of inspiration and joy. One song that gives me constant inspiration is "Legend" by The Score. This song is the epitome of inspiration with a constant, upbeat tempo and motivating lyrics such as " A dreamer with the fever to be great was all I ever wanted." Songs like this are what pushes me to go above my limit to achieve my goals. In the playlist I created, I combined the songs that give me inspiration through their lyrics or their melodies.