Innovation fuels discovery, but without safety, progress can’t truly reach the stars. My name is Layla Driscoll and in the future, I envision myself working as a chemical engineer at NASA, sitting at a desk designing the blueprints for a space technology that would be sent to different planets and moons to collect samples. The data would then be sent back to Earth where we could test the samples and figure out which chemicals might support life or, if there was any form of life there already, what allowed it to survive. With that information, we could design new technologies that might help produce plants or support basic life systems in those environments. If we can understand more about places like Mars or even our own moon, we can take the next steps toward building and surviving in space. And with how much inclusivity in STEM is improving today, I want to be a woman working on that kind of project. Representing not just myself, but also other girls in engineering who want to be part of something big. If this project succeeded, it wouldn’t just be a win for science, but also for the growing diversity behind it. What draws me to chemical engineering is how it allows us to actually build the tools to make all of that possible. It’s not just about space, it’s about finding ways to create systems that help people live in extreme conditions. That could mean developing materials that survive radiation or designing a process that turns carbon dioxide into oxygen. All of it ties back to chemistry and how we apply it in the real world. I think there’s something really human about that. Even though it’s about science and technology, the purpose is still people. It’s about helping people live better. When it comes to empathy, I’d want that to be a core part of the research and design process. Not just thinking about “how do we make this work?” but “who is this for?” and “how can it help them?” That mindset changes everything. It makes you think more deeply about the impacts of your work. I’d want any technology we design to be safe, sustainable, and meaningful and not just something that looks impressive. I also care a lot about inclusivity and accessibility, not just in the tools we build but in who gets to be part of building them. I’ve moved around a lot, and I know what it feels like to be the outsider in a room. That’s made me want to help others feel like they belong especially in places like STEM that can be intimidating. I’d want my team to be made up of different voices and backgrounds because I honestly believe that leads to better ideas and stronger projects. At the end of the day, I want to be part of something that’s bigger than just one discovery. I want to help push science forward in a way that keeps people at the center of it. Because when we design with empathy and include everyone in the process, we’re not just exploring new worlds we’re building a better one here, too

In my eleventh grade, a few of my friends got together and established a club called Business Innovations. I was not actually interested in studying business, but I figured it would be a chance to try something different and learn a new perspective on careers. My friends asked me to help bring out the club's strengths and highlight the best aspects of the club, and when the opportunity presented itself, I stood for the vice president position. As the only girl in the club who advertised the club actively, I started to understand what the club truly meant to me. I did not require other girls to guide me, nor did I look up to boys who tried to tell me what a "man's job" in business would be. Business was not my strong suit, per se, but I was surprised at how very capable I was at making posters, advertising the club by speaking, and fundraising. These realms assisted me in discovering strengths that I did not know I had. Being in leadership roles, from president to vice president,taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. Even if something was not my strong suit, learning to know what I could do and reinforcing those strengths became a strategy that I know will work for me in college. I'll have plenty of challenges there as well, such as classes that I might not be good at or like altogether. But knowing how to find my strengths in any situation will make me prosper, no matter what the lesson is. What I learned from this experience was to stand up and be a leader, even when I did not quite have all the faith in myself. What resonated with me the most was that I did not have to be the best at everything, but just find what I could be the most effective at. This is something that has stuck with me, especially as I look to go into a STEAM field where women are traditionally underrepresented. While Business Innovations was not a STEAM club, the confidence and leadership I developed there are the same qualities I will require to thrive in a male-dominated field like STEAM. While this experience is maybe not a clear example of STEAM, it taught me something absolutely crucial: the importance of being aware of my own value, especially as a woman in a field where that value may be questioned. I pushed myself beyond my limits and learned to embrace my abilities. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from both my experiences and the challenges women in STEAM face—understanding your own value is essential. This understanding has been one of the driving forces behind my passion for pursuing a career in a STEAM field. What I love about STEAM careers is that, though traditionally male-dominated, women comprise only a very small fraction of the workforce. Exactly there women have their chance to shine. STEAM offers women a chance to bring their unique ideas and perspectives into fields that have been dominated by men for centuries. It's in these fields that we can prove ourselves, not only by responding to the challenges of our industries but by introducing new ideas that will ultimately push the industries forward. During eleventh grade, I had a chemistry teacher who completely changed my perspective. She was a strong role model for me, particularly as a woman in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) field. She worked in a predominantly male environment, where many of her colleagues would try to tell her what to do. Despite this, she never let anyone undermine her, and it was clear that she genuinely loved her work. Her passion was contagious, and it sparked something in me. I found myself fascinated by chemistry in a way I hadn’t expected. I understood the concepts easily, often without needing a lot of explanation. I was especially intrigued by how small changes in chemical compounds could completely alter their reactions, and how chemistry plays such a central role in the world around us. My chemistry teacher played a huge role in helping my curiosity. She always made time to answer my questions, and I have to admit, I ask a lot of questions. Not all my teachers were as eager to take the time to help me connect the dots. But with her, it felt like she genuinely cared about helping me understand the material. She didn’t just teach us facts; she made sure we understood how to think critically and apply what we learned. Her support allowed me to dig deeper into chemistry, and it helped me see the direct connection between the subject and the real-world applications that chemical engineers work on every day. While my chemistry teacher wasn’t the sole reason I chose engineering, she was definitely a catalyst for my decision to pursue chemical engineering specifically. She helped me take the next step in exploring my interests and sparked my passion for chemistry and its potential. Ultimately, she showed me that being curious and asking questions wasn’t just okay, it was encouraged. This environment of exploration and support is something I hope to carry with me throughout my own career in engineering. Overall, the key takeaway from all of this is confidence. Confidence allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, and that’s one of the biggest steps to take as a woman in the STEAM field. By asserting what’s believed to be another perspective and offering a new way to approach problems, women, along with everyone in the STEAM field, can thrive and make a real impact.

My name is Layla Driscoll and I am a senior in high school headed to the University of Colorado at Boulder for Chemical Engineering and I wanted to share my reason behind why I want to major in this field and my love for science. Since I was little, I've been totally fascinated by science. I’ve always had this burning curiosity about how things work, why they function the way they do, and what we can learn from them. Chemical engineering offers me a chance to dive into hands-on projects that can really make a difference in the world. I love the idea of coming up with solutions to future challenges, and this field gives me the tools to do just that. It opens up so many exciting opportunities to contribute to something bigger, and that really resonates with me. I’m captivated by a ton of things—space, nature, agriculture, and the fascinating world of chemicals—and chemical engineering lets me explore all these interests. As our world keeps changing, there’s a constant need for innovation and sustainable practices, and I see chemical engineering as a vital part of that. I also enjoy being creative, and I’m considering directing my chemical engineering practice toward biochemistry, which excites me as I think about the opportunity to work in the field to test, design, and evaluate. I can imagine working toward a better environment for animals and understanding the chemistry behind ecosystems to find real solutions to environmental issues. At the end of the day, what really drives my passion for this major is the thought of chasing my childhood dream of designing and figuring things out through chemical engineering. When I was little, I always knew I wanted to do something with science when I grew up. I used to say I wanted to be an inventor before I even knew about all the options the STEM field had to offer. This passion was sparked when I created a pulley system from the top of my stairs that overlooked the living room, so I could bring anything left downstairs up, like my stuffed animals. I just had to ask someone to place them in the basket, and then I’d rotate the string to bring them up. It was simple, but in that moment, it felt like I just invented the best design ever. Since I was younger, I’ve always wanted to find another way to improve things—to find a solution. This can make a positive difference in the future because, as we all know, the world is not perfect. For example, climate change has been affecting us for years, and we still have so much to learn about what lies in the stars above us. Through chemical engineering, I’d be able to help create, develop, and sustain the world we live in. Whether it's reducing energy consumption, creating technologies to make life more sustainable, or even developing solutions to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air, chemical engineering offers the tools to make it happen. I can go from building those pulley systems for my little stuffed animals to helping people in the real world—and that is what inspires me to want to be a chemical engineer. Those childhood dreams and tiny ideas I used to have have turned into something greater.

Running throughout my life has shown me what true perseverance and self-discipline look like. It began with a fun run at age three and carried through to my final race as a high school senior, hoping to continue in college. While I’ve played volleyball, basketball, soccer, swimming, and softball, nothing challenged or defined me like running. It’s not just a sport to me, it’s part of who I am. Running is one of the most mentally demanding sports. No one forces you to show up, go the distance, or push through all the hard parts. You have to choose to keep going, especially when your mind tells you to stop. That mental toughness is what I’ve carried into every part of my life. Pursuing chemical engineering in a male-dominated field is my where this mindset is going to be put into place. Just like running, it’s about ignoring the doubts that say I’m not strong or smart enough. The same voice that told me I couldn’t finish a run tries to say I don’t belong in engineering. And just like on the trail, I’ve learned to push through those doubts and prove them wrong. One of my most eye opening experiences happened at running camp in the Steens Mountains in Oregon where I completed 30 miles in one day. We began with a fourteen-mile silent descent into a canyon. When I stepped in a hidden hole and twisted my ankle, I panicked, thinking about the miles ahead. It reminded me of a chemistry lab and how one mistake could throw off a whole experiment. But I adjusted, stayed calm, and kept going. That experience taught me that setbacks are just part of the process. As the run continued, I reached a point where I had to choose between joining the slower group or pushing myself with the faster one. My legs ached, and I felt defeated. But I thought about how I approach school and that was that I don’t settle. I ask questions, study harder, and aim higher. So I joined the faster group. I couldn’t keep up the whole time, but I was proud that I tried and that’s the same thing I have to do in Chemical engineering. Try. At the 20-mile mark, I hit my lowest point with cramps, dehydration, and the burning sun cooking my skin. I looked around and saw others struggling too. So, instead of giving in, I began cheering others on. Encouraging them gave me strength. That moment taught me the power of leadership and positivity, and I bring that same energy into group projects regardless of whether they are male or female because I can lead anyone. With four miles to go, I realized I had already run a full marathon and still had more to give. A small lemon drop offered at the top felt like a reward greater than a medal. It reminded me that joy often comes in the smallest victories. All those small accomplishments, as a woman in such a tough science field, that I should be proud of and work towards. I finished the run knowing I had conquered something I once thought was impossible. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Running has shaped me into someone resilient, driven, and optimistic which has helped prepare me to study in a field where women are underrepresented. The lessons from all of those trails ran. The grit, focus, leadership, and believing in my full potential are the same ones I’ll carry with me into college and beyond.

My name is Layla Driscoll and I am a senior in high school heading into the University of Colorado at Boulder for Chemical Engineering. Since I was little, I've been totally fascinated by science. I’ve always had this burning curiosity about how things work, why they function the way they do, and what we can learn from them. Chemical engineering offers me a chance to dive into hands-on projects that can really make a difference in the world. I love the idea of coming up with solutions to future challenges, and this field gives me the tools to do just that. It opens up so many exciting opportunities to contribute to something bigger, and that really resonates with me. I’m captivated by a ton of things—space, nature, agriculture, and the fascinating world of chemicals—and chemical engineering lets me explore all these interests. As our world keeps changing, there’s a constant need for innovation and sustainable practices, and I see chemical engineering as a vital part of that. I also enjoy being creative, and I’m considering directing my chemical engineering practice toward biochemistry, which excites me as I think about the opportunity to work in the field to test, design, and evaluate. I can imagine working toward a better environment for animals and understanding the chemistry behind ecosystems to find real solutions to environmental issues. At the end of the day, what really drives my passion for this major is the thought of chasing my childhood dream of designing and figuring things out through chemical engineering. When I was little, I always knew I wanted to do something with science when I grew up. I used to say I wanted to be an inventor before I even knew about all the options the STEM field had to offer. This passion was sparked when I created a pulley system from the top of my stairs that overlooked the living room, so I could bring anything left downstairs up, like my stuffed animals. I just had to ask someone to place them in the basket, and then I’d rotate the string to bring them up. It was simple, but in that moment, it felt like I just invented the best design ever. Since I was younger, I’ve always wanted to find another way to improve things—to find a solution. This can make a positive difference in the future because, as we all know, the world is not perfect. For example, climate change has been affecting us for years, and we still have so much to learn about what lies in the stars above us. Through chemical engineering, I’d be able to help create, develop, and sustain the world we live in. Whether it's reducing energy consumption, creating technologies to make life more sustainable, or even developing solutions to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air, chemical engineering offers the tools to make it happen. I can go from building those pulley systems for my little stuffed animals to helping people in the real world—and that is what inspires me to want to be a chemical engineer. Those childhood dreams and tiny ideas I used to have have turned into something greater.

In my eleventh grade, a few of my friends got together and established a club called Business Innovations. I was not actually interested in studying business, but I figured it would be a chance to try something different and learn a new perspective on careers. My friends asked me to help bring out the club's strengths and highlight the best aspects of the club, and when the opportunity presented itself, I stood for the vice president position. As the only girl in the club who advertised the club actively, I started to understand what the club truly meant to me. I did not require other girls to guide me, nor did I look up to boys who tried to tell me what a "man's job" in business would be. Business was not my strong suit, per se, but I was surprised at how very capable I was at making posters, advertising the club by speaking, and fundraising. These realms assisted me in discovering strengths that I did not know I had. Being in leadership roles, from president to vice president,taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. Even if something was not my strong suit, learning to know what I could do and reinforcing those strengths became a strategy that I know will work for me in college. I'll have plenty of challenges there as well, such as classes that I might not be good at or like altogether. But knowing how to find my strengths in any situation will make me prosper, no matter what the lesson is. What I learned from this experience was to stand up and be a leader, even when I did not quite have all the faith in myself. What resonated with me the most was that I did not have to be the best at everything, but just find what I could be the most effective at. This is something that has stuck with me, especially as I look to go into a STEAM field where women are traditionally underrepresented. While Business Innovations was not a STEAM club, the confidence and leadership I developed there are the same qualities I will require to thrive in a male-dominated field like STEAM. While this experience is maybe not a clear example of STEAM, it taught me something absolutely crucial: the importance of being aware of my own value, especially as a woman in a field where that value may be questioned. I pushed myself beyond my limits and learned to embrace my abilities. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from both my experiences and the challenges women in STEAM face—understanding your own value is essential. This understanding has been one of the driving forces behind my passion for pursuing a career in a STEAM field. What I love about STEAM careers is that, though traditionally male-dominated, women comprise only a very small fraction of the workforce. Exactly there women have their chance to shine. STEAM offers women a chance to bring their unique ideas and perspectives into fields that have been dominated by men for centuries. It's in these fields that we can prove ourselves, not only by responding to the challenges of our industries but by introducing new ideas that will ultimately push the industries forward. Confidence is key. It’s one of the biggest steps to take as a woman in the STEAM field. By asserting what’s believed to be another perspective and offering a new way to approach problems, women, along with everyone in the STEAM field, can thrive and make a real impact.

Covered in mud, cuts, and sweat, I crossed the finish line and wobbled over to the refreshment table, savoring the taste of freshly poured lemonade as applause erupted from the running camp staff. That finish line was more than just the end of a thirty-mile course; it revealed strengths I never knew I had. Each tough mile taught me resilience, perseverance, and the power of pushing beyond my limits. It all started at the top of a canyon in the Steens Mountains in Oregon, where we began a fourteen-mile descent. Staying silent the whole way down seemed strange at first, but it allowed me to learn about myself and appreciate nature like never before. Until I stepped into a hidden hole and felt my ankle throb with pain, all I could think about was the weight of the remaining miles. As the pain shot up my leg, I felt embarrassed and weak, but something I’ve learned from my mistakes is that there is a reason for everything and to never give up. Climbing out of the hole, I realized that reason— perseverance was key. I needed patience and resilience, understanding that these challenges were opportunities to improve. Each step became a testament to embracing the journey and trusting in my ability to overcome obstacles. At the bottom, with sixteen miles still ahead, I had to decide which group to run with. Exhausted, I considered joining the slower second group. The weakness in my legs filled my brain with negative thoughts, and I just wanted the run to be over. Despite the voice in my head urging me to slow down, I knew I’d regret not pushing myself to go faster. So I did. I couldn’t keep up with them for the entire distance, but I was proud for aiming higher. This taught me that pushing limits and accepting imperfection is valuable. Whether athletically or academically, doing my best and learning from each attempt is what truly matters. At the twenty-mile mark, the pain really set in—my legs felt like they were held down by bricks, I was out of water, and the sun blazed on my skin. I wanted to give up, but I knew that wasn’t an option. Looking up at the top of the canyon, I saw others struggling too: some were sitting on rocks, others crying or vomiting. Realizing I wasn’t alone in this suffering shifted my perspective. Resilience kept me going throughout the eight times I have moved in my life, and I knew to finish the run, I had to do the same. As the pain intensified, I began helping others, cheering them on. I realized the power in teamwork and encouragement. By motivating others, I found strength and belief in myself, echoing the encouragement I gave to them: ‘You’ve got this,’ which I started to believe for myself too. Reaching the top of the canyon, the satisfaction of receiving a single lemon drop for motivation to finish was more than just a sweet treat. It was art. Watching everyone around me find joy in something so small was as beautiful as the scenery itself. At four miles left, I realized I had just completed a marathon and still had more distance to cover. Surpassing a marathon reminded me that limits are often self-imposed. I shouldn’t confine myself with ‘I can’t.’ Instead, I discovered I could push beyond what I thought possible. Crossing that finish line, despite the grueling journey, I smiled, knowing I had conquered one of the hardest challenges of my life. I discovered that true strength lies in pushing beyond my limits.