Moving forward without a strong support system is something I deeply relate to in Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien’s story. While I did not move to the United States alone, I understand what it feels like to depend on your own determination and push forward even when things feel uncertain. My journey into mechanical engineering has not been easy, and many of the challenges I have faced required the same kind of resilience and courage that Maggie demonstrated throughout her life. As a minority woman in engineering, I have often been one of the only women in my classes. I still remember walking into my first statics course and noticing how few people looked like me. It was intimidating, and at times I questioned whether I truly belonged there. When I struggled with concepts or didn’t perform as well as I hoped on exams, it felt easy to doubt myself. But instead of walking away, I kept showing up. I studied harder, asked questions, and forced myself to stay in rooms where I initially felt uncomfortable. That experience taught me that confidence is built, not given. Like Maggie, I have had to rely on myself to keep going, especially while balancing work and school. I work as a nail technician while pursuing my degree, which means long days that don’t always leave much time to rest. There have been nights where I left work exhausted and still had to complete assignments or prepare for exams. Managing both responsibilities has been challenging, but it has also strengthened my discipline and time management. It has shown me that I am capable of handling pressure and still moving forward. I also connect strongly with Maggie’s intellectual boldness. She was not afraid to challenge herself, and that is something I have had to learn. Engineering courses like physics, dynamics, and electrical engineering have pushed me beyond what I thought I could handle. Instead of avoiding difficulty, I have learned to face it directly. I no longer see struggle as failure, but as part of the process of becoming better. Another way I relate to Maggie is her desire to grow and become an expert in her field. I do not want to just graduate, I want to truly understand engineering and apply it in meaningful ways. Through my projects and coursework, I have started to see how engineering can solve real-world problems, and that motivates me to keep improving. Maggie’s story reminds me that strength is not just about where you start, but how you continue. She built her life through determination, and that is something I strive to do every day. I may not have taken the same path as her, but I share her persistence, her work ethic, and her willingness to face challenges head-on. Her legacy inspires me to keep pushing forward, even when things are difficult. I am committed to building a future in engineering where I not only succeed, but also represent others who may feel like they do not belong. Like Maggie, I am determined to create my own path through resilience, ambition, and courage.

Growing up as a minority woman in South Carolina, I did not often see people who looked like me in STEM fields. Engineering, in particular, felt like a space where I would have to prove myself more than others. Instead of discouraging me, that realization became one of the main reasons I chose to pursue mechanical engineering. Throughout my academic journey, I have often found myself as one of the only women and sometimes the only minority in my classes. At first, this was intimidating. There were moments where I questioned whether I truly belonged, especially in challenging courses like physics, statics, and electrical engineering. These subjects pushed me far outside of my comfort zone, and at times, I struggled to keep up. However, those experiences forced me to develop resilience, discipline, and confidence in my ability to learn difficult material. Being underrepresented has made me more aware of the importance of visibility. When you do not see people like yourself in a field, it can be easy to feel like you are not meant to be there. I realized that by continuing in engineering, I could become part of the representation that is currently missing. I want younger girls, especially those from minority backgrounds, to see someone like me and believe that they can succeed in STEM too. In addition to academic challenges, balancing financial responsibilities and school has also shaped my journey. Working while studying engineering has required strong time management and determination. There have been moments where the stress of finances and coursework felt overwhelming, but those obstacles have strengthened my work ethic and reinforced my commitment to my goals. My passion for engineering comes from my desire to create practical solutions that improve people’s lives. Through my coursework and projects, I have developed skills in design, problem-solving, and critical thinking. One of my goals is to work in an engineering role where I can contribute to real-world innovations while continuing to grow professionally. I am particularly interested in opportunities that allow me to work on projects that have a meaningful impact on communities. Looking toward the future, I want to do more than just succeed in my own career. I want to help others along the way. I plan to mentor younger students, especially women and minorities, who are interested in STEM but may feel unsure about pursuing it. Whether through tutoring, mentorship programs, or simply sharing my experiences, I hope to provide the encouragement and guidance that I once needed myself. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education, but it would also serve as a reminder that my journey matters. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and continue pushing forward in a field where diversity is still growing. My experiences as a minority woman have not limited me, they have shaped my strength, my ambition, and my purpose. I am determined to use my education in STEM not only to build a successful career, but also to help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for future generations.