Ever since I was young I always had an interest in science, technology, and mathematics. Of course, I had my loving mother to support my interests, but at times it felt as if she was supporting me believing that it was a momentary interest. As I progressed through life I began to excel in the very same interests I had as a child. It wasn't a surprise that my mother began to focus more on my brother when he began his interest in engineering, even when he was not dedicated to it. At times she would hint that she wanted me to tone down how well I was doing in order to have my brother shine and so that he wouldn't be discouraged. At this point in time, I felt crushed and angered which only fueled my determination further. My sister also played a huge part in encouraging me to push forward because she was pursuing a degree in computer science which falls in the Technology sector of STEAM because even though she was the minority in her major she pushed through and graduated with her bachelors in computer science. I can vividly remember her graduation in which you could clearly count the handful of women who graduated alongside her. Her example helped me realize that it is perfectly fine to pursue my interests even if I may be going against the expectation of others. I hope to impact the world by being an example to other fellow women who want to pursue their education in one of the sectors of STEAM. I also want to be able to help other fellow women that want to pursue their education in one of the STEAM sectors, so that all women around the world can be aware that being part of the minority does not mean you should be discouraged. I also want to change how people believe in the cultural misconception that women should pursue common degrees that are expected, like liberal arts. Common majors for women is not a bad thing, but many women who take an interest on the sectors in STEAM are often discouraged because they are slightly pressured by people around them to pursue something that is more common is society. In order for me to make an impact I need to continue my pursuit towards my interests wholeheartedly, so that I can succeed and have the means to help other fellow women around the world. What interests me about STEAM is that all the sectors at some point can all intertwine to make something so complex and beautiful. Combining science and technology can help innovate the medical field. Engineering and technology allow for new innovations to be provided to society like new and improved vehicles. All the STEAM sectors eventually coincide and also broadens different interests, which makes it more riveting. In all honesty since my main interests are within the medical field, I know how valuable and fascinating the sectors of STEAM are. In the medical field there is so many medical issues that have been solved through innovative technology, like the CRISPR gene editing tool. This innovative technology that can edit genes has been used to prevent the production of cancerous drugs and this would not be possible without engineering. The way the sectors in STEAM can all be inquired all in one field is what makes me so fascinated and engrossed in STEAM.

Technology has universally impacted people. Whether one denies that they have been impacted by technology, they were at one point influenced by technology whether it be directly or indirectly. One technology that inspires me about how technology can make the world a better place is the CRISPR gene-editing technology. The CRISPR gene-editing technology can edit genes that are inherited in DNA by removing or making additions to them. The CRISPER technology inspires me that the world will be a better place because it can eliminate gene errors that cause diseases. One, in particular, that had a big impact on how CRISPR technology was making the world a better place was the creation of Brefeldin A which is used to make anti-cancer medication. At one point a person has had to have taken a type of medication and by taking medication they were able to ingest it without worrying about any detrimental cancerous effects. This makes the world a better place because we can continue to have the production of a new medication that people can intake while not being distraught of the possible negative outcomes. If anything medical technology has inspired me to think that the world will be a better place. Health issues are the most concerning thing that all people have experienced at one point. With medical technology like CRISPR becoming more innovative genetic diseases that health professionals predict can be predicted for future generations. I want to be able to live in a world where children don't have to worry about detrimental health issues that will come into effect, or children being diagnosed with inheritable cancer that cannot be avoided can be prevented. With the function of CRISPR which is to edit genes, it can be used to prevent diseases that can be forseen in an adults child. Many people believe that technology makes the world a better place because it makes the world more convenient and they are not incorrect, but the true reason is that it is a necessity that people need because in truth technology will be our future to success. Medical technology has inspired me to believe that it is a necessity to keep moving forward in a world that can be carved out for humans to prosper.

One thing I do to improve the lives of elderly people in my community is by providing necessities they may need.Necessities don't only mean providing material goods to improve their lives. Being able to hear their concerns and share the truth, so that they dont have unnecessary fears. During the pandemic I donated socks and canned food for elderly who were in need. Giving them the socks and the food improved their living condition. I have personally seen my grandmother and many of her elderly friends become so fearful in these times because of COVID-19 and my major studies are within the medical field and I often do research on medicine and diseases. In this case the new fear within the seniors including my grandmother were about the vaccine, so I did research and used many credible sources including John Hopkins studies in order to be able to reassure the elderly people in my community no longer had this fear instilled in them. I was able to explain to them that the vaccine was not harmful and although there may be some symptoms of covid they would be very slight. By reassuring the elderly in my community it improved their mindsets and set them at ease.

I keep a growth mindset by focusing on the small things in my daily life that may not be the most amazing things that happen throughout the day but allow me to remember that I still have a reason to keep going. A simple good morning or hello from a friend allows me to remember that although today may be a bad day there is room to learn from this bad day. Through all the negative outcomes that come at me, I always remind myself that this is going to be a learning experience that I won't forget and through this experience, it will help my future self be able to overcome hurdles that the present me found difficult. During the pandemic, I had to care for my grandmother and attend vigorous online classes that I had registered for. It was all overwhelming and I could see how my grades suffered and I hated to see my grandmother suffer mentally because of the fear that had been instilled in her during the pandemic. In all of this, I needed to find ways to be able to spend time with her to comfort her and be able to push in more effort in my classes. It caused me a lot of anxiety and I was pressured, however, the one thing that allowed me to keep progress during this hard time was my growth mindset. My grandmother as fearful as she was always greeted me in the kindest way and through the storm of all the anxiety and stress I was able to pull through and shape my mindset to be able to view this chaos as a learning experience. By viewing all my hardships as a learning experience, I was able to stay positive through all the outcomes.