Black wires and thick patches enshrouded the body in front of me, holding my grandfather in place. As the whirring of patient monitors and buzzing of ventilators filled the four corners of the room with white noise, I couldn’t help but note how ironic it was that the room still felt unnervingly quiet. It had only been a couple hours since my grandpa had finished eating his morning bowl of congee and prepared to take his daily stroll around our neighborhood. Now, a couple hours later, he lay strapped to a bed with thin wires and patches innervating his veins, keeping him stable as he recovered from his surgery. My grandpa is the epitome of good health. He ate whole foods and went on walks with my grandmother every morning. He never drank, never smoked, and always made sure to take his vitamins, often reminding me to do the same. It was because of this that it came as a shock when minor indigestion turned out to be a cancerous mass of cells lining his intestines. The doctor had said that if we had waited any longer, the cancer would’ve metastasized and done irreversible damage. No one had seen that coming. I will never forget the confusion, helplessness, and vulnerability that I felt while waiting for my grandfather to wake up. The thought that I could’ve lost him to a condition that boiled down to pure chance was terrifying. Knowing that it was out of my control and that I couldn’t do anything was terrifying. The possibility of loss was terrifying. This is why I want to be a physician. I want to support people who are going through what I went through and prevent them from experiencing the threat of loss. ‘Not knowing’ is one of the scariest feelings there is and I want to change that. I hope to pioneer new diagnostic tools that help detect illnesses early on so that patients can receive the best possible treatment. Another one of my goals is to enforce health equity. In a study done in 2014, researchers found that the gap in life expectancy between the richest 1% and poorest 1% of individuals was a whopping 14.6 years. Another study found that in 2013, for indigenous populations, infant mortality rates are 60 percent higher than the rate for their white counterparts. These are statistics that demand change. I plan on making a difference in my carrer by achieving these goals and becoming a physician and health advocate. In college, I look forward to bringing my passion for combining science and equity, my enthusiasm for learning, and past experiences to every classroom I walk into. I will take advantage of my experiences, mentors, and resources that will allow me to give back to the communities that have given me so much.

I have worked in my family’s small business since I was eight, a place my siblings and I have tersely nicknamed, “the store.” Located on Steinway Street in the heart of Astoria, “the store” was open all 365 days of the year from 10AM to 9PM. My roles have been pretty versatile: sometimes I’m a cashier, ringing up customers and doling out change; other times I’m customer service, perfecting my “Thank you”s and “Have a nice day”s. No matter the occasion, I spent every day there, weekends and holidays alike, and because my parents were also working, I stepped into their roles when it came to outside-store business (with Google’s help, of course). I became the family translator for legal documents, the go-to for tech support, and the full-time tutor for my two siblings— roles that I’ve derived a sense of pride from. The store was hit hard by the pandemic, and has never fully recovered. The streams of customers that once filled the store with commotion now dwindled slowly to a trickle. Items, once regularly bought and restocked, now collected dust and stood as relics of the past. This was no longer the store that I recognized. It was simply another half-vacant, overstocked shop overlooking equally bare streets. I watched my mother cry for the first time when she went over our earnings for that year. The lack of business had taken its toll on her; the woman whose soft smiles once gave us reassurance, her prayers a source of security, was now reduced to darkened eye bags haunted by insomnia. Sitting at the kitchen table with a notepad, pen, and calculator beside her, my mother crouched over sheets of torn loose-leaf paper, each dotted with wet spots and freshly blurred numbers. I noticed how the pervasive gray hairs reflected under the dim kitchen lights. Seeing this side of my mom, a side I knew she worked so hard to hide, made me ask: Is this the life I want for her? For me? No. Angry dollar signs and prospective eviction notices will not drive my actions and decisions; Passion will. With this in mind, I have created a store of my own: one that resides in my heart and houses my passions— the facets of my identity. I’m convinced that one day, my store will become an emporium— my goals and dreams stocking its shelves. As an aspiring neurosurgeon and educational equity advocate, neuroscience will become more than just a heavy chunk of a seemingly-foreign language; its intricate connections will become more easily understood whether it be through each new book I publish or each new blog I create. That same passion for creation will transform tiny, colorful beads into statement jewelry pieces: an attestation to the fact that science and the arts are not mutually exclusive, but perpetually linked. That same passion for change will bridge the gender gap in science, starting with the power of weekly mentoring sessions with eager female middle schoolers teeming with contagious, vibrant energy. This is just a sliver of the items housed in the ‘store’ that is my heart. One day, this store won’t be confined to the privacy of my heart; its contents will be showcased to the world as I use it to create. I will revive my mother’s youthful smiles and her reassuring spirit but this time, I will be her security. Although one day "the store" may no longer reside on Steinway street, “my store” will forever reside in me—in my thoughts, actions, and creations.

Beads of sweat collected at the base of my forehead as I stared blankly at seemingly foreign language printed on 8.5” by 11” paper. ‘Qualified dividends’ and ‘Itemized deductions’ taunted me with their language as I tried to decipher them. I was used to filling out legal forms for my parents but their tax documents posed a particular challenge as each line of text involved embarking on several Googling treks. This experience is not uncommon; Millions of first-generation students, especially those from low-income households, face the same challenges. In a country branded as the ‘land of opportunity’, why is success so obscure? Not enough resources are being made accessible to these students, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to acquiring this aforementioned ‘opportunity’. One of my most meaningful volunteering experiences has been starting STEMinism. STEMinism is a mentorship program that connects high school students with female middle school students who come from underserved communities and want to pursue STEM. Through the launch of this program, I’ve had the privilege of working with many female middle schoolers, many of whom come from low-income households. I see myself in them and listening to their stories and struggles while simultaneously watching their passion for science grow reminds me of how crucial it is for FGLI students to overcome the barriers they face. Watching them succeed has redefined my definition of a ‘change-maker’, which doesn’t need to be anything profound; it can simply entail teaching someone Algebra or helping them fill out medical forms. It has proven to me that I can be one too. In the future, I hope to expand STEMinism to different states and maybe even other countries. I want students to understand the value of STEM and find their interests within it. I will be attending Harvard University this fall and once there, I will definitely take advantage of the resources they offer to expand STEminism to the national level. I will also develop a better understanding of the educational inequity that exists in our system, whether it be the gender gap in STEM related fields or the lack of resources available to first generation and low income students. By developing a better understanding of this systemic problem, I can find better ways of using service to combat this issue. By starting STEMinism and other similar initiatives, I have developed a deeper appreciation for what volunteering has the power to do. I’ve realized that service is one of the few things that gives our lives meaning. Volunteering is a privilege. This scholarship will support me on my journey to bridge the inequity that exists in our education system. My parents have often struggled financially to provide my siblings and I with the life that we have so I don’t want my education to be another burden they have to carry. This scholarship will allow me to go after my goals and dreams without being held back by my financial situation. It will allow me to continue to better serve and give back to the communities that have given me so much.

Calculus is a branch of math that plays a crucial role in STEM for numerous reasons. It’s extremely important because it provides a framework for understanding and solving a wide range of complex problems across various scientific and engineering disciplines. From modeling physical phenomena to optimizing systems and predicting outcomes, calculus serves as a tool that empowers scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to make sense of the world around us. One of the main reasons why calculus is essential in the STEM field is its role in modeling natural phenomenons. Many natural processes, such as motion, growth, and decay, can be represented using calculus concepts. For example, in physics, calculus is used to describe the motion of objects, the behavior of forces, and the principles of fluid dynamics. In chemistry, it enables the study of reaction rates and equilibrium. In biology, calculus models population growth, neuronal behavior, and enzyme kinetics. In all of these fields, Calculus enables scientists to better understand the principles that govern our natural world. Aside from modeling natural phenomenons, Calculus is also used to optimize solutions to real world problems. Many real-world situations require finding the best possible outcome, given certain constraints. Engineers and economists, for instance, rely on calculus to optimize designs, minimize costs, and maximize efficiency. This optimization process is extremely important in fields like engineering design, operations research, and financial analysis. By using calculus, professionals can make informed decisions that lead to improved designs, resource utilization, and profitability. Calculus also provides a foundation for advanced scientific research and technological advancements. In fields such as physics, astronomy, and engineering, calculus is used to derive essential equations that govern the behavior of systems. Similarly, in electrical engineering, calculus is essential for analyzing signals and designing communication systems. The development of cutting-edge technologies and innovations heavily relies on calculus. Fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, and aerospace engineering depend on calculus to design autonomous systems, optimize trajectories, and solve complex control problems. Calculus also plays a significant role in computer graphics, enabling the rendering of realistic images and the creation of special effects in movies and video games. In conclusion, calculus serves as the foundation of STEM due to its diverse applications and profound impact on scientific understanding, technological advancements, and problem-solving capabilities. Whether it is used to describe natural phenomena, optimize systems, facilitate research, or spur innovation, calculus serves as a unifying language that connects the various STEM fields.

Beads of sweat collected at the base of my forehead as I stared blankly at seemingly foreign language printed on 8.5” by 11” paper. ‘Qualified dividends’ and ‘Itemized deductions’ taunted me with their language as I tried to decipher them. I was used to filling out legal forms for my parents but their tax documents posed a particular challenge as each line of text involved embarking on several Googling treks. This experience is not uncommon; Millions of first-generation students, especially those from low-income households, face the same challenges. In a country branded as the ‘land of opportunity’, why is success so obscure? Not enough resources are being made accessible to these students, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to acquiring this aforementioned ‘opportunity’. One of my proudest and most meaningful accomplishments is starting STEMinism, a mentorship program that aims to expose middle school, female students from underserved communitiues to various STEM fields. Through the launch of this program, I’ve had the privilege of working with many female middle schoolers, many of whom come from low-income households. I see myself in them and listening to their stories and struggles while simultaneously watching their passion for science grow reminds me of how crucial it is for FGLI students to overcome the barriers they face. Watching them succeed has redefined my definition of a ‘change-maker’, which doesn’t need to be anything profound; it can simply entail teaching someone Algebra or helping them fill out medical forms. It has proven to me that I can be one too. In the future, I hope to turn STEMinism into a business. Through the support of shareholders and sponsors, I can go beyond the scale of my community and bring STEMinism’s efforts to those in other communities. I will use the funds to bring STEMinism to the national and potentially, even the international level. To turn STEMinism into a business, I would first create a website and platform on various social media sites to establish a more widespread digital presence for the business. Then, I would hire mentors and tutors who would teach the lessons, generate material, and expand our educational network. FInally, I would promote the business to schools and educational initiatives so our target audience, the students, would sign up for our program. This program would be free of cost for most of the students since generous financial aid would be given to students that need it. Inequity in our educational system is a dire issue that needs to be addressed immediately and by starting a business like STEMinism, I will be doing my part to transform my community for the better.

I have worked in my family’s small business since I was eight, a place my siblings and I have tersely nicknamed, “the store.” Located on Steinway Street in the heart of Astoria, “the store” was open all 365 days of the year from 10AM to 9PM. My roles have been pretty versatile: sometimes I’m a cashier, ringing up customers and doling out change; other times I’m customer service, perfecting my “Thank you”s and “Have a nice day”s. No matter the occasion, I spent every day there, weekends and holidays alike, and because my parents were also working, I stepped into their roles when it came to outside-store business (with Google’s help, of course). I became the family translator for legal documents, the go-to for tech support, and the full-time tutor for my two siblings— roles that I’ve derived a sense of pride from. The store was hit hard by the pandemic, and has never fully recovered. The streams of customers that once filled the store with commotion now dwindled slowly to a trickle. Items, once regularly bought and restocked, now collected dust and stood as relics of the past. This was no longer the store that I recognized. It was simply another half-vacant, overstocked shop overlooking equally bare streets. I watched my mother cry for the first time when she went over our earnings for that year. The lack of business had taken its toll on her; the woman whose soft smiles once gave us reassurance, her prayers a source of security, was now reduced to darkened eye bags haunted by insomnia. Seeing this side of my mom, a side I knew she worked so hard to hide, made me ask: Is this the life I want for her? For me? No. Angry dollar signs and prospective eviction notices will not drive my actions and decisions; Passion will. With this in mind, I have created a store of my own: one that resides in my heart and houses my passions— the facets of my identity. I’m convinced that one day, my store will become an emporium— my goals and dreams stocking its shelves. My wildest dreams will become my reality. Neuroscience will become more than just a heavy chunk of a seemingly-foreign language; its intricate connections will become more easily understood whether it be through each new book I publish or each new blog I create. That same passion for creation will transform tiny, colorful beads into statement jewelry pieces: an attestation to the fact that science and the arts are not mutually exclusive, but perpetually linked. That same passion for change will bridge the gender gap in science, starting with the power of weekly mentoring sessions with eager female middle schoolers teeming with contagious, vibrant energy. With the power of education, I will be able to acheive and every one of these goals through advocacy and social entrepeneurship. This is just a sliver of the items housed in the ‘store’ that is my heart. One day, this store won’t be confined to the privacy of my heart; its contents will be showcased to the world as I use it to create. I will revive my mother’s youthful smiles and her reassuring spirit but this time, I will be her security. Although one day "the store" may no longer reside on Steinway street, “my store” will forever reside in me—in my thoughts, actions, and creations.

I have worked in my family’s small business since I was eight, a place my siblings and I have tersely nicknamed, “the store.” Located on Steinway Street in the heart of Astoria, “the store” was open all 365 days of the year from 10AM to 9PM. My roles have been pretty versatile: sometimes I’m a cashier, ringing up customers and doling out change; other times I’m customer service, perfecting my “Thank you”s and “Have a nice day”s. No matter the occasion, I spent every day there, weekends and holidays alike, and because my parents were also working, I stepped into their roles when it came to outside-store business (with Google’s help, of course). I became the family translator for legal documents, the go-to for tech support, and the full-time tutor for my two siblings— roles that I’ve derived a sense of pride from. The store was hit hard by the pandemic, and has never fully recovered. The streams of customers that once filled the store with commotion now dwindled slowly to a trickle. Items, once regularly bought and restocked, now collected dust and stood as relics of the past. This was no longer the store that I recognized. It was simply another half-vacant, overstocked shop overlooking equally bare streets. I watched my mother cry for the first time when she went over our earnings for that year. The lack of business had taken its toll on her; the woman whose soft smiles once gave us reassurance, her prayers a source of security, was now reduced to darkened eye bags haunted by insomnia. Sitting at the kitchen table with a notepad, pen, and calculator beside her, my mother crouched over sheets of torn loose-leaf paper, each dotted with wet spots and freshly blurred numbers. I noticed how the pervasive gray hairs reflected under the dim kitchen lights. Seeing this side of my mom, a side I knew she worked so hard to hide, made me ask: Is this the life I want for her? For me? No. Angry dollar signs and prospective eviction notices will not drive my actions and decisions; Passion will. With this in mind, I have created a store of my own: one that resides in my heart and houses my passions— the facets of my identity. I’m convinced that one day, my store will become an emporium— my goals and dreams stocking its shelves. Neuroscience will become more than just a heavy chunk of a seemingly-foreign language; its intricate connections will become more easily understood whether it be through each new book I publish or each new blog I create. That same passion for creation will transform tiny, colorful beads into statement jewelry pieces: an attestation to the fact that science and the arts are not mutually exclusive, but perpetually linked. That same passion for change will bridge the gender gap in science, starting with the power of weekly mentoring sessions with eager female middle schoolers teeming with contagious, vibrant energy. This is just a sliver of the items housed in the ‘store’ that is my heart. One day, this store won’t be confined to the privacy of my heart; its contents will be showcased to the world as I use it to create. I will revive my mother’s youthful smiles and her reassuring spirit but this time, I will be her security. Although one day "the store" may no longer reside on Steinway street, “my store” will forever reside in me—in my thoughts, actions, and creations.

Beads of sweat collected at the base of my forehead as I stared blankly at the seemingly foreign language printed on 8.5” by 11” paper. ‘Qualified dividends’ and ‘Itemized deductions’ taunted me with their language as I tried to decipher them. I was used to filling out legal forms for my parents but their tax documents posed a particular challenge as each line of text involved embarking on several Googling treks. This experience is not uncommon; Millions of first-generation students, especially those from low-income households, face the same challenges whether it be deciphering legal paperwork or navigating the college application process. In a country branded as the ‘land of opportunity’, why is success so obscure? Not enough resources are being made accessible to these students, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to acquiring this aforementioned ‘opportunity’. One of my proudest and most meaningful accomplishments is starting STEMinism. Through the launch of this program, I’ve had the privilege of working with many female middle schoolers, many of whom come from low-income households. I see myself in them and listening to their stories and struggles while simultaneously watching their passion for science grow reminds me of how crucial it is for FGLI students to overcome the barriers they face. Watching them succeed has redefined my definition of a ‘change-maker’, which doesn’t need to be anything profound; it can simply entail teaching someone Algebra or helping them fill out medical forms. It has proven to me that I can be one too. STEMinism explores the intersection between STEM and social advocacy and aims to reduce the disparity that exists within such a male-dominated field. It has allowed me to reach like-minded peers and our combined effort has curated a community that serves as both an educational powerhouse and an invaluable support system. In the future, I hope to expand STEMinism to different states and maybe even other countries. Educational inequity is a problem that affects millions of students across the world and is one that needs to be addressed immediately. I plan on amending this problem through initiatives like STEMinism, where I can directly work with students from underrepresented and under-resourced communities to help them realize their own potential. I also plan on fixing the education system as a whole by working with local government agencies to enact legislation that would make education more equitable. I believe that with enough time and effort, I can leave my mark on this world by fixing this decades-old issue and changing our current education system for good.

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” my mom exclaimed, her jaw clenched in irritation. My hands quivered as I thumbed the $50 between my fingers and blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall. I had given out the wrong change—$15 more than I was supposed to. I have worked in my parents’ small business since I was eight, a place my siblings and I have tersely nicknamed “the store.” My roles have been pretty versatile: sometimes I’m a cashier, ringing up customers and doling out change; other times I’m customer service, perfecting my “Thank you”s and “Have a nice day”s. No matter the occasion, I spent every day there, weekends and holidays alike. Located on Steinway Street in the heart of Astoria, the store was open all 365 days of the year from 10AM to 9PM, and because my parents were usually working, I stepped into their roles when it came to outside-store business (with Google’s help, of course). I became the family translator for legal documents, the go-to for tech support, and the full-time tutor for my two siblings— roles that I’ve derived a sense of pride from. The store was hit hard by the pandemic, and has never fully recovered. The streams of customers that once filled the store with commotion now dwindled slowly to a trickle. Items, once regularly bought and restocked, now collected dust and stood as relics of the past. I watched my mother cry for the first time that year. The lack of business had taken its toll on her; the woman whose soft smiles once gave us reassurance, her prayers a source of security, was now reduced to darkened eye bags haunted by insomnia. Sitting at the kitchen table with a notepad, pen, and calculator beside her, my mother crouched over sheets of torn loose-leaf paper, each dotted with wet spots and freshly blurred numbers. I noticed how the pervasive gray hairs reflected under the dim kitchen lights. Seeing this side of my mom, a side I knew she worked so hard to hide, made me ask: Is this the life I want for her? For me? No. Angry dollar signs and prospective eviction notices will not drive my actions and decisions; Passion will. With this in mind, I have created a store of my own: one that resides in my heart and houses my passions— the facets of my identity. I’m convinced that one day, my store will become an emporium— my goals and dreams stocking its shelves. Neuroscience will become more than just a heavy chunk of a seemingly-foreign language; its intricate connections will become more easily understood whether it be through each new book I publish or each new blog I create. That same passion for creation will transform tiny, colorful beads into statement jewelry pieces: an attestation to the fact that science and the arts are not mutually exclusive, but perpetually linked. That same passion for change will bridge the gender gap in science, starting with the power of weekly mentoring sessions with eager female middle schoolers teeming with contagious, vibrant energy. This is just a sliver of the items housed in the ‘store’ that is my heart. One day, this store won’t be confined to the privacy of my heart; its contents will be showcased to the world as I use it to create. I will revive my mother’s youthful smiles and her reassuring spirit but this time, I will be her security. Although one day "the store" may no longer reside on Steinway street, “my store” will forever reside in me—in my thoughts, actions, and creations.

Beads of sweat collected at the base of my forehead as I stared blankly at the seemingly foreign language printed on 8.5” by 11” paper. ‘Qualified dividends’ and ‘Itemized deductions’ taunted me with their language as I tried to decipher them. I was used to filling out legal forms for my parents but their tax documents posed a particular challenge as each line of text involved embarking on several Googling treks. This experience is not uncommon; Millions of first-generation students, especially those from low-income households, face the same challenges whether it be deciphering legal paperwork or navigating the college application process. In a country branded as the ‘land of opportunity’, why is success so obscure? Not enough resources are being made accessible to these students, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to acquiring this aforementioned ‘opportunity’. One of my proudest and most meaningful accomplishments is starting STEMinism. Through the launch of this program, I’ve had the privilege of working with many female middle schoolers, many of whom come from low-income households. I see myself in them and listening to their stories and struggles while simultaneously watching their passion for science grow reminds me of how crucial it is for FGLI students to overcome the barriers they face. Watching them succeed has redefined my definition of a ‘change-maker’, which doesn’t need to be anything profound; it can simply entail teaching someone Algebra or helping them fill out medical forms. It has proven to me that I can be one too. STEMinism explores the intersection between STEM and social advocacy and aims to reduce the disparity that exists within such a male-dominated field. It has allowed me to reach like-minded peers and our combined effort has curated a community that serves as both an educational powerhouse and an invaluable support system. In the future, I hope to expand STEMinism to different states and maybe even other countries. Educational inequity is a problem that affects millions of students across the world and is one that needs to be addressed immediately. I plan on amending this problem through initiatives like STEMinism, where I can directly work with students from underrepresented and under-resourced communities to help them realize their own potential. I also plan on fixing the education system as a whole by working with local government agencies to enact legislation that would make education more equitable. I believe that with enough time and effort, I can leave my mark on this world by fixing this decades-old issue and changing our current education system for good.

Beads of sweat collected at the base of my forehead as I stared blankly at the seemingly foreign language printed on 8.5” by 11” paper. ‘Qualified dividends’ and ‘Itemized deductions’ taunted me with their language as I tried to decipher them. I was used to filling out legal forms for my parents but their tax documents posed a particular challenge as each line of text involved embarking on several Googling treks. This experience is not uncommon; Millions of first-generation students, especially those from low-income households, face the same challenges whether it be deciphering legal paperwork or navigating the college application process. In a country branded as the ‘land of opportunity’, why is success so obscure? Not enough resources are being made accessible to these students, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to acquiring this aforementioned ‘opportunity’. One of my proudest and most meaningful accomplishments is starting STEMinism. Through the launch of this program, I’ve had the privilege of working with many female middle schoolers, many of whom come from low-income households. I see myself in them and listening to their stories and struggles while simultaneously watching their passion for science grow reminds me of how crucial it is for FGLI students to overcome the barriers they face. Watching them succeed has redefined my definition of a ‘change-maker’, which doesn’t need to be anything profound; it can simply entail teaching someone Algebra or helping them fill out medical forms. It has proven to me that I can be one too. STEMinism explores the intersection between STEM and social advocacy and aims to reduce the disparity that exists within such a male-dominated field. It has allowed me to reach like-minded peers and our combined effort has curated a community that serves as both an educational powerhouse and an invaluable support system. In the future, I hope to expand STEMinism to different states and maybe even other countries. Educational inequity is a problem that affects millions of students across the world and is one that needs to be addressed immediately. I plan on amending this problem through initiatives like STEMinism, where I can directly work with students from underrepresented and under-resourced communities to help them realize their own potential. I also plan on fixing the education system as a whole by working with local government agencies to enact legislation that would make education more equitable. I believe that with enough time and effort, I can leave my mark on this world by fixing this decades-old issue and changing our current education system for good.

Beads of sweat collected at the base of my forehead as I stared blankly at the seemingly foreign language printed on 8.5” by 11” paper. ‘Qualified dividends’ and ‘Itemized deductions’ taunted me with their language as I tried to decipher them. I was used to filling out legal forms for my parents but their tax documents posed a particular challenge as each line of text involved embarking on several Googling treks. This experience is not uncommon; Millions of first-generation students, especially those from low-income households, face the same challenges whether it be deciphering legal paperwork or navigating the college application process. In a country branded as the ‘land of opportunity’, why is success so obscure? Not enough resources are being made accessible to these students, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to acquiring this aforementioned ‘opportunity’. One of my proudest and most meaningful accomplishments is starting STEMinism. Through the launch of this program, I’ve had the privilege of working with many female middle schoolers, many of whom come from low-income households. I see myself in them and listening to their stories and struggles while simultaneously watching their passion for science grow reminds me of how crucial it is for FGLI students to overcome the barriers they face. Watching them succeed has redefined my definition of a ‘change-maker’, which doesn’t need to be anything profound; it can simply entail teaching someone Algebra or helping them fill out medical forms. It has proven to me that I can be one too. STEMinism explores the intersection between STEM and social advocacy and aims to reduce the disparity that exists within such a male-dominated field. It has allowed me to reach like-minded peers and our combined effort has curated a community that serves as both an educational powerhouse and an invaluable support system. In the future, I hope to expand STEMinism to different states and maybe even other countries. Educational inequity is a problem that affects millions of students across the world and is one that needs to be addressed immediately. I plan on amending this problem through initiatives like STEMinism, where I can directly work with students from underrepresented and under-resourced communities to help them realize their own potential. I also plan on fixing the education system as a whole by working with local government agencies to enact legislation that would make education more equitable. I believe that with enough time and effort, I can leave my mark on this world by fixing this decades-old issue and changing our current education system for good.