When I first arrived in the U.S. as a transfer student pursuing energy engineering, I knew I wasn’t just adjusting to a new country—I was stepping into a space where I had to build my sense of belonging all over again. It wasn’t just about adjusting to life in a new country; it was about carving out a space for myself in a competitive, fast-paced field where belonging didn’t really come automatically. It goes far beyond passion or potential, but rather the overwhelming weight of being something amazing and living up to it. Believe me when I say that most of these worries come from the unerring belief that we are all destined to do something extraordinary; celebrities and businesses also say it. Every day, we are subjected to unrealistic standards that we think we fail to live up to. However, when we sit down and talk to the people around us, we can find that adversity and failure are a necessary ticket to emotional health, or impostor syndrome. After all, struggles define our success. Finding a space for connection—that is, searching for people with similar backgrounds and journeys will ultimately help you realize that you are not alone. That sense of community, of shared experience, is what slowly starts to replace self-doubt with belonging. This past year, I’ve had the experience of joining SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) and AEE (Association of Energy Engineers), through which various general body meetings and workshops have taken place. One of the latest conferences was specifically about discussing feelings of inadequacy due to systemic inequalities. As the 2025-2026 Secretary of SHPE and Public Relations Media Chair for AEE, we plan to continue these practices of creating a safe space where our members can internalize a positive outlook on their worth and achievements. In fact, one of my ideas from the elections was to do a member spotlight in our monthly newsletter to recognize involvement and keep our community visible and celebrated. The workshops will also help the students feel seen and represented, whether someone took a gap year, switched majors three times, or started their journey in another country, their story matters. I want this sense of support not only to empower them but also to make members grow, participate, and lead. Because ultimately, creating belonging isn’t about fitting in, it’s about building spaces where people can show up as their full selves, feel valued, and know they truly belong. That kind of support empowers people to grow into leaders who aren’t just defined by their own journey, but by the growth they inspire in those around them.

Back when I was a kid, I’d have to crowd candles around my textbooks just to see the words well enough to do my homework. Thinking back on it, I realized that our lives are shaped by reliable energy. It’s about giving kids a fair shot at learning, keeping families healthy, and helping people build better lives. Those experiences sparked my passion for energy engineering and shaped my sense of purpose: to create sustainable energy solutions that improve everyday life, especially for communities like the one I grew up in. As I’ve grown more passionate about my major, I want to promote awareness and innovation in green building design, with a focus on passive design principles that enhance energy efficiency at minimal costs. Too often, building projects prioritize profitability over sustainability, leading to inefficient designs that increase energy consumption and financial strain on occupants. By integrating energy-efficient materials and optimizing building geometry, I can help reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems, particularly in tropical climates like the Dominican Republic, where excessive heat absorption is a common challenge. My goal is to show that sustainable design isn’t just better for the environment—it’s also more cost-effective and practical in the long run. My engineering classes at Penn State have turned my passion for sustainable design into useful knowledge. Recently, I won first place in my division for the DOE Solar District Cup for Spring 2025, where my team designed and modeled an energy-efficient solar energy system at the University of Oregon while considering cost, community impact, and distributional energy equity. The competition has given me the opportunity to step into a leadership role, guiding the development plan, coordinating tasks, facilitating team discussions, and ensuring that our design not only meets technical requirements but also reflects a commitment to equitable energy access. A few days ago, I was accepted into the MASBio Summer Scholars Program, where I will further develop biomass research to uncover its potential for renewable integration, carbon sequestration, and innovative bioproduct development. As an active member of SHPE and the Food Recovery Network (FRN), I have had the opportunity to contribute to both STEM education and community service. With SHPE, I volunteered at the STEM Summit at Central Dauphin East High School, where I worked with students through hands-on activities designed to help them explore potential careers in STEM. I think my involvement shows initiative because I didn’t wait for an assignment or a requirement to start giving back—I sought these roles out. And I show innovation by how I approach them. For example, during the Summit, I didn’t just stick to the script. I made sure to adapt activities so they were hands-on and interactive, making sure students stayed engaged and felt confident asking questions, especially those who were shy or hesitant. I noticed many students didn’t initially view STEM as “for them,” so I tailored my approach to help break down those mental barriers. This was a beautiful experience, as we could see their excitement as they discovered new concepts. Through FRN, I actively volunteer every Thursday at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, helping serve food and support individuals facing food insecurity. Long term, I hope my involvement creates confidence and connection. For students at the STEM Summit, if even one or two decide to pursue STEM or feel more comfortable navigating those spaces, that’s a win.

How one perceives the environment profoundly influences one's view of themselves and the world. Our lifestyle isn't innate; it's shaped by various factors like environment, race, nationality, and culture. While changing one’s lifestyle is challenging, it is ultimately a personal responsibility. This challenge extends to objects we use daily, such as an old, malfunctioning computer that we hesitate to replace due to the anxiety of the unknown. At 12, I struggled with a pessimistic self-view, silenced by fear in school and overshadowed by parental expectations and my brothers' accomplishments. Fear of disappointment eroded my self-trust. A conversation with my Dominican grandmother, who asked, "Who's least aware of their transformations?" sparked my journey toward self-exploration. Her wisdom helped me realize the futility of seeking validation from others and inspired me to let go of limiting expectations. Growing up in a Dominican household, I learned the value of hard work, family, and community. My grandmother's wisdom taught me introspection and resilience, which fostered a problem-solving mindset and an aptitude for STEM disciplines. Despite initial self-doubt, my interest in science and mathematics grew during high school. Participating in debates and STEM contests, such as the Aspaen Cartagena Model United Nations - Virtual Conference 2020, boosted my self-confidence. Representing the only Dominican school, I earned a diploma for being a conciliator and providing solutions. This experience was transformative, showing me the power of my voice and ideas. In college, I continued to hone my skills and dedication by joining groups supporting STEM students. I mentored peers facing similar challenges, particularly aspiring Dominican women and underrepresented minorities in STEM. Our journey from historical limitations to seeking equal opportunities has highlighted the need for reforms to create a fairer playing field. My experiences demonstrated the importance of perseverance and support. I aim to mentor and inspire others to pursue STEM careers, helping them overcome obstacles with confidence and determination. Financially, my situation has been challenging. I live in a household with a single mother who has three children, two of whom are pursuing higher education. As of now, all of us siblings rely on loans since our household finances are insufficient to cover tuition. Each of us is working and seeking scholarships to provide financial relief for our mother. Particularly, a scholarship would provide crucial support for my educational expenses, helping to pay for textbooks, tuition, and other academic fees. As a Hispanic female student pursuing an energy engineering major, these resources will make a significant difference in my career, both in the short and long term. Reflecting on my experiences, I realize that my initial self-criticism prevented me from recognizing my strengths. With the support of my Dominican family, I overcame self-doubt and embraced my true self and aspirations in STEM. This newfound confidence allowed me to let go of past fears and find happiness in pursuing my goals. My journey has shown me that change is possible when one confronts one's fears and embraces one's true potential. By sharing my story, I hope to empower others to believe in themselves and strive for their dreams, no matter the challenges they face.

"In the woods, we return to reason and faith," Ralph Waldo Emerson aptly observed in his essay Nature. Humans are an inquisitive species, driven by a desire to satisfy their innate curiosity about the surrounding environment. Whenever faced with uncertainties, they catalyze innovations in their respective areas to further understand the universe. The wilderness Emerson speaks about refers to the most fundamental impulses, the ability to question and explore given phenomena and their purpose. It breaks it down to our primary instincts, reconstructing and paving the way for new schools of thought. By taking strides towards understanding nature in its totality, and in pursuit of truth, humanity is driven to those unexplored territories of thought. As societies continue to develop and generate discoveries, new questions that are beyond current knowledge and technologies are raised. Rather than being content with our current models and explanations, the desire to investigate and know the nature of it on a deeper level drives us to continue pushing the limits of our thinking and current investigations. Each new perspective opens the door to the next phase of reasoning and understanding. To achieve a better understanding of the universe, critical thinking is essential. It is important to be made aware of its intrinsic value. It is one of the most important cognitive skills you can develop along the course of one’s journey. It helps in decision-making processes, prevents exploitation by others, and aids in the search for truth. It is a skill that leads to liberal thinking, providing a sense of independence and better development of reflective judgment. In terms of their cognitive abilities, what do good critical thinkers do that poor critical thinkers cannot replicate? To answer this question, cognitive skills and dispositions necessary for developing critical thinking must be classified. Some of the cognitive skills include interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation. The most important dispositions include being judicious, systematic, inquisitive, analytical, truth-seeking, open-minded, and confident in reasoning. People with weak dispositions cannot become good critical thinkers because they must meet the criteria mentioned above. One must possess a critical spirit, which means having curiosity about a wide range of topics, a concern for being and remaining well-informed, and flexibility in considering different alternatives and opinions. All of this is defined by cognitive skills and dispositions, which always go hand in hand. One can have the mental abilities to think and question, but if they are not put into practice or action, they are useless. Thinking is highlighted in two specific fields: popular culture and cognitive science. In popular culture, critical thinking and good thinking are often considered the same, but experts differ in opinion. Good thinking not only includes critical thinking but also encompasses creative and intentional thinking. In the field of cognitive science, two systems are described: the intuitive and the reflective. The first system is used in familiar situations where ideas can be more easily associated. In this system, five heuristic rules are used: availability, emotion, association, simulation, and similarity. The second system is used in unfamiliar situations, where more complete evidence and greater analysis are needed depending on the magnitude of the problem. In this system, the following cognitive heuristic methods are mentioned: satisfaction, illusion of control, anchoring with adjustments, and risk/loss aversion. These two specific fields are indispensable because they provide us with the ability to question, challenge, and dissent beyond our current knowledge. The reasoning that comes from critical thinking allows us to process information, draw conclusions, and solve problems. For example, how do you think humans can solve complex mathematical problems? This capability depends on our ability to use the systems mentioned beforehand. This concept is also illustrated in an experiment conducted by Plato. He demonstrates how Meno's slave, a boy who has never been taught geometry, can understand geometric exercises simply through guided questioning. Plato's experiment shows that inherent reasoning abilities can lead to the understanding of complex concepts, even without prior formal education. However, in addition to reasoning through critical thinking, it is equally important to develop empirical knowledge. A well-known example from literature is "The Blind Men and the Elephant," a famous Hindu fable that recounts the story of six blind travelers, each exploring different parts of an elephant. Each man touches only one part of the body and then describes to each other what they touched, comparing it to familiar objects. Each insists on their interpretation, denying the possibility that the elephant is anything more than the part they touched. "Wall!" "Snake!" "Spear!" "Cow!" "Carpet!" "Rope!" they shouted furiously. In the story, we can see that all touch the same truth (the elephant), but each is convinced that their understanding is the correct interpretation. It's important to note that each man only touches a particular part of the animal. Due to their perspectives, they construct their own ideas of what the elephant is. None of them can touch the elephant in its entirety, thus the image they create is incomplete. If they combined all their perceptions, they would have produced a clearer idea or at least a middle ground. However, there's also the possibility that touching it more than once makes no difference, as each of them may be trapped in their perspective of the truth. It all depends on how limited their experiences are at the moment of seeing the absolute truth. Just like every individual in the fable is bound by their limited experiences, we are frequently constrained by our own perceptions and practices. However, unlike the individuals in the narrative, we have the ability to overcome these constraints by broadening our knowledge and experiences. By acquiring the ability to reason and gather empirical knowledge, you can continually refine models of the universe, constructing new pathways. This practice enables the construction of the mind, which evolves with each discovery and insight. When presented with new information, the brain makes new connections and revitalizes, breaking tendencies that we, as human beings, tend to stick to due to routine. By exposing ourselves to change, we reconstruct what we learn by encountering new stimuli. As we begin acquiring these different experiences and data, we discover new questions—motivating us to research more and delve deeper into the nature of the universe.

As new technologies emerge unprecedentedly, the field of STEM has not failed to fall behind. Looking back, it was only 74 years ago that scientists gathered at Dartmouth College in the 1950s to confer about "learning machines." They asked themselves whether one day it would be possible to create a machine that could imitate human thinking patterns and behaviors. Today, AI has become an exceptional tool, integrated into every aspect of society. It leaves us with the following questions: What was the process behind it? How have these technologies evolved over the decades? How will they transform in the future? One might argue that the very essence of being in a STEM career is seeing your idea evolve to its final form and seeking incognitas that have yet to be discovered. This drive to continuously innovate and push boundaries is what fuels my passion for pursuing a STEM path. As a Dominican woman aspiring to pursue a STEM major, I want to act as a role model for women and underrepresented minorities searching for field opportunities. As of now, we have come a long way since those times when women were limited from everything politically and socially. The struggle for freedom has changed, but the social and historical impacts have substantiated the need for reforms to create a fairer and more level playing field. My journey has shown me that perseverance and support are crucial. Therefore, I wish to mentor and inspire them to pursue careers in these areas, helping them overcome obstacles so they can achieve their ambitions with confidence and determination, knowing they belong and can succeed in STEM fields, too. As a student studying Energy Engineering, I aim to promote awareness and re-education in green building design and generate significant transformations in the renewable energy sector. This aligns with my desire to contribute to advancements in STEM and serve as a mentor for underrepresented groups. When we evaluate the design process and develop a project, it is often the case that builders focus primarily on aspects such as profitability, without paying much attention to issues such as the layout and purpose of the unit. However, few care about determining the final use of that unit, whether for homes or offices. This is where we could have tools, especially in the field of passive design, that allow us to make decisions at an early stage and with minimal costs. This would enable us to construct buildings with carefully selected materials, oriented towards greater energy efficiency and sustainability. By addressing these shortcomings in traditional building practices, I aim to drive meaningful change in the industry. Once graduated, my first project would be in the Dominican Republic, where I was raised. It has seen growth in energy demand over the past ten years, boasting one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, due to our tropical climate, we always receive sun radiation. The heat can affect a building's design, especially since most of the Dominican population is concentrated in low places, not high places. For example, when the selection of resources is not correct, some materials and colors would absorb the heat and then require cooling with technology, which would put the user in a financial strain. To prevent this, I will use my power as a warning voice for constructors, helping them manage the building's geometry and use materials with high thermal insulation capacity. This project aligns with my goals of promoting sustainable practices and serving my community, drawing from the cultural principles of hard work and problem-solving instilled in me by my Dominican family.

Coming from a single-parent household with three siblings pursuing higher education, the financial situation at home is dire. Having an absent father, our mother has always struggled to make ends meet. When we lived in the Dominican Republic all of us slept in one room, sometimes with no electricity for hours, and hot water couldn't be afforded. As of now each of us siblings is trying to alleviate the finances by working, however, it is affecting our studies. I arrive home really late at night, so there is no time for me to allocate to my studies. Despite this, I also help my brothers with tuition, hoping that their future can be secured. The scholarship will provide relief in all areas of my life, specifically tuition. I can distribute my time more efficiently, which would help me focus on my studies. By doing this, I can achieve my lifelong dream of being an energy engineer. Now as a third-year undergraduate, I will be taking various courses that can teach me skills for the future, I want to be able to continue my studies and give something back to society. Specifically, I want to work in the renewable energy industry, creating new technologies and operating facilities that will facilitate the mobilization to a greener, and more sustainable planet. Last year I worked at a solar company, gaining both technical and professional skills that have helped me throughout my career. I helped with the installation, maintenance, and repair of both residential and commercial solar panel systems. Through this hands-on experience, I gained a thorough understanding of solar technology, ranging from panel design and inverter performance to grid connectivity and energy storage solutions. This job solidified my admiration for renewable energy and deepened my wish to assist in the research and development of future clean sources. By combining what I learned at INTEC with Pennsylvania State University's advanced resources and facilities, I plan to contribute to the global transition to sustainable energy. Overall, I believe that sustainable development is a mission that involves all members of society. It requires collaboration from various sectors—government, through regulations; society, through responsible consumption; and the private sector, through innovation and implementation of sustainable practices. These objectives extend beyond energy generation. They encompass efforts to address poverty, promote peace, and create sustainable development and job opportunities. By uniting these efforts, we can drive comprehensive progress that not only improves energy systems but also enhances overall societal well-being.

The beauty of mathematics stems from its unwavering truth and universal applicability. While other courses can be influenced by bias or persuasion, which is often the case, arithmetic operates in a different manner, its heart being in the domain of logic and precision. Its equations and principles represent unbreakable laws that control everything from the motion of galaxies to the behaviors of subatomic particles. Math, to me, is more than simply numbers; it is a universal language that enables us to logically describe and make sense of the complexities we see in nature. Each formula reduces patterns and relationships to its most basic form, exposing unchanging truths about the reality that we live in. As a student in energy engineering, mathematics gives a solid basis for the analysis and optimization of complex systems that power our world. From thermodynamic cycles to electrical grids, each element can be described by equations that explain the underlying variables and forces active in the system. In terms of my career, energy engineering, what motivates me is the opportunity to use these mathematical principles to produce long-term energy solutions. The same equations that control natural physics can help us understand renewable energy, effective storage systems, and how to reduce environmental impact.

Have you ever wondered how similar a balloon is to the ozone layer? Balloons have fragile and thin surfaces, once a tear is made it can never go back to the way it was. Similarly, damage to the ozone layer can take decades to reverse, taking into consideration other natural forces affecting it. As an energy engineering student, I've spent a considerable amount of time studying the various factors that can contribute to or mitigate environmental damage. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I saw personally how important energy is in communities and for fueling economic growth. Our tropical climate and considerable sunlight demonstrated the enormous potential of renewable energy sources. However, I noted the country's excessive reliance on imported fossil fuels, as well as the issues posed by an aging energy infrastructure. This inconsistency sparked my interest in sustainable energy solutions and their ability to impact communities and economies. The Dominican Republic's reliance on imported fossil fuels adds to environmental degradation while also creating economic weaknesses. Toward the end of my high school years, I found myself motivated to pursue a degree in Energy Engineering at the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), and am now transferring for my third year to Pennsylvania State University. My academic journey itself has provided me with a deep understanding of various energy systems, from solar and wind power to advanced grid technologies. I became particularly interested in how these systems could be integrated into the existing infrastructure of developing nations to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Throughout my studies, I discovered that technical solutions alone are insufficient to meet sustainable energy goals. The success of renewable energy efforts is dependent on a larger framework of sustainable development that includes many different parties. To bridge this gap, I have engaged in various extracurricular activities and actively sought opportunities to expand my knowledge. I have attended numerous forums and conferences where experts discussed a wide range of topics, such as biomass as an alternative energy source, the design of green buildings, and the latest advancements in sustainable technologies. These experiences have been invaluable in broadening my understanding of the multifaceted nature of renewable energy and sustainable development. Inherently, I believe that sustainable development is a mission that involves all members of society. It requires collaboration from various sectors—government, through regulations; society, through responsible consumption; and the private sector, through innovation and implementation of sustainable practices. These objectives extend beyond energy generation. They encompass efforts to address poverty, promote peace, and create sustainable development and job opportunities. By uniting these efforts, we can drive comprehensive progress that not only improves energy systems but also enhances overall societal well-being. I intend to go deeper into sustainable energy research and development, utilizing the university's facilities and diversified academic environment. I am excited to work on initiatives that incorporate renewable energy into smart grid systems, thereby increasing energy efficiency and sustainability. By combining what I learned at INTEC with Penn State's advanced resources and facilities, I hope to contribute to the global transition to sustainable energy.

When seen through different lenses, our views of the world can become entirely different. How one perceives the environment affects how one sees oneself or the world. Your lifestyle is not something you are born with, and as people grow up, different factors like environment, race, nationality, and culture shape their worldview. However, changing one's way of living is a significant challenge, often involving a struggle with conformity, much like the reluctance to replace a familiar but malfunctioning computer with a new one due to the anxiety of the unknown. At age 12, I found myself silenced by fear in school, driven by the weight of parental expectations overshadowing my identity. My brothers' accomplishments loomed large, leaving me striving to match their success. Fear of disappointing others consumed me, eroding my trust in both myself and those around me. It wasn't until a conversation with my Dominican grandmother that I began to unravel this internal conflict. Her thought-provoking question, "Who's least aware of their transformations?" pushed me to face the self-criticism that comes from trying to fit in. With her support, I set out on a path of self-exploration, letting go of the limitations imposed by expectations. Growing up in a Dominican household, I was immersed in a culture that values hard work, family, and community. My grandmother's wisdom taught me to value introspection and resilience. These cultural principles nurtured in me a seated determination and an aptitude in STEM disciplines. Initially hindered by self-doubt, everything shifted during my high school years when I participated in debates and STEM contests. For example, during the pandemic, I participated virtually in the Aspaen Cartagena Model United Nations - Virtual Conference 2020, where I obtained a diploma for being a peacemaker and providing important ideas for solutions. In college, I upheld my abilities and dedication by participating in groups that aim to assist students in STEM fields. I took part in mentoring initiatives, providing advice and encouragement to fellow students who were dealing with challenges I had faced before. As a Dominican woman aspiring to pursue a STEM major, I wanted to act as a role model for women and underrepresented minorities seeking opportunities in the field. My journey has shown me that perseverance and support are crucial. Therefore, I wish to mentor and inspire them to pursue careers in these areas, helping them overcome obstacles so they can achieve their ambitions with confidence and determination. Looking back, I could only see the parts I didn't like about myself because I was resolved from the start to not like myself. However, my Dominican family helped me overturn the cornerstone of my self-doubts. Through them, I found the courage to embrace my true self and my aspirations for pursuing a STEM career. Through this newfound confidence, I was able to let go of the fears that once held me back.

At the tender age of 10, my life took an unexpected turn when my mother left the Dominican Republic for the United States in pursuit of better job prospects. I had to stay behind with my father, a virtual stranger to me, as I was still in school, and my mother didn't want to disrupt my education abruptly. My father had divorced my mother when I was just a year old, so I hardly knew him, except for the occasional Sunday morning visits when he would pick me up. Our interactions were minimal, and I would often cry whenever he came around, clinging to my two older brothers for comfort. Needless to say, when my mother left, I felt utterly out of place and lost. One day, the school psychologist summoned me and asked me to draw my family as part of a test. I found the request odd but complied, drawing the first thing that came to mind. Afterward, she analyzed my drawing, probing me about the individuals depicted and the reasons behind my choices. I answered her questions, and that was the end of it – I was never asked such questions again. Little did anyone know, I spent countless moments crying alone in the bathroom, the running water muffling my tears of longing for my family. At eleven years old, I became an introvert, withdrawing into myself, and people often questioned my reticence, which I could never explain. Looking back, I realize I was terrified of being hurt and struggled to trust others. However, I also feared remaining trapped in that mindset, so I joined a debate class to challenge myself. My first competition, ACMUN XV, was an international event where I had to debate various topics with other students. The mere thought of speaking out loud made my hands tremble, and I felt like all eyes were on me, judging my every move. Nevertheless, I mustered the courage to step out of my comfort zone. As I spoke, I realized I was too self-conscious, seeing only my flaws and forcing myself to find "good points" in an empty attempt to like myself. As the competition progressed, I gradually gained the confidence I so desperately needed. Unexpectedly, I found myself growing closer to my father, whom I had never given a fair chance. One night, he revealed that the psychologist had warned him of my potential academic decline due to my state of mind, as I had only drawn my mother and brothers as my family. However, I never let my grades suffer, a testament to the resilience and courage of my younger self, who found happiness even in her loneliest moments. Now, as an energy engineering student, I aspire to be a role model for women and underrepresented minorities seeking opportunities in STEM fields. Recognizing the need for reforms to create a fairer playing field, I wish to mentor and inspire them to pursue careers in these areas, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their ambitions with confidence and determination, knowing they belong and can succeed in STEM fields too. I will use my experience as a guiding force, empowering them to find their voices.

As new technologies emerge unprecedentedly, the field of STEAM has not failed to fall behind. Looking back, it was only 74 years ago that scientists gathered at Dartmouth College in the 1950s to confer about “learning machines.” They asked themselves whether one day it would be possible to create a machine that could imitate human thinking patterns and behaviors. Today, AI has become an exceptional tool, integrated into every aspect of society. It leaves us with the following questions: What was the process behind it? How have these technologies evolved over the decades? How will they transform in the future? One might argue that the very essence of being in a STEM career is seeing your idea evolve to its final form and seeking incognitas that have yet to be discovered. As a Dominican woman aspiring to pursue a STEM major, I want to act as a role model for women and underrepresented minorities who are searching for opportunities in the field. As of now, we have come a long way since those times when women were limited from everything politically and socially. The struggle for freedom has changed, but the social and historical impacts have substantiated the need for reforms to create a fairer and more level playing field. My journey has shown me that perseverance and support are crucial. Therefore, I wish to mentor and inspire them to pursue careers in these areas, helping them overcome obstacles so they can achieve their ambitions with confidence and determination, knowing they belong and can succeed in STEM fields, too. With my education, my objective is to promote awareness and re-education in green building design and to generate significant transformations in the renewable energy sector. Usually, when we evaluate the design process and develop a project, it is often the case that builders focus primarily on aspects such as profitability, without paying much attention to issues such as the layout and purpose of the unit. However, few care about determining the final use of that unit, whether for homes or offices. This is where we could have tools, especially in the field of passive design, that allow us to make decisions at an early stage and with minimal costs. This would enable us to construct buildings with carefully selected materials, oriented towards greater energy efficiency and sustainability. Once graduated, my first project would be in the Dominican Republic, where I was raised. It has seen growth in energy demand over the past ten years, boasting one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, due to our tropical climate, we always receive sun radiation. The heat can affect a building’s design, especially since most of the Dominican population is concentrated in low places, not high places. For example, when the selection of resources is not correct, some materials and colors would absorb the heat and then require cooling with technology, which would put the user in a financial strain. To prevent this, I will use my power as a warning voice for constructors, helping them with the management of the building’s geometry and making use of materials with high thermal insulation capacity.

When I was 10, my mother flew from the Dominican Republic to the United States in search of job opportunities. I had to stay with my father because I was still attending school, and my mother did not want to take me out of it so suddenly. To me, my father was a stranger; he divorced my mother when I was one year old, so I didn't know much about him. He was just the person who used to pick me up every Sunday morning. We didn't talk much at that time, and I even used to cry to my two older brothers whenever Dad came to pick me up. So when my mother left, I felt extremely out of place in that situation. One day, I went to school and heard the school psychologist calling my name over the speaker. She had me take a test where I had to draw my family. I thought it was strange—why would the psychologist suddenly ask me to draw my family? With a hint of doubt, I drew the first thing that came to my mind. Afterward, she analyzed my picture and asked, "Who are the ones in the picture? Why did you draw them?" I looked at her and answered the questions. When we were done, I returned to the classroom. After that, I was never asked such questions again. Truthfully, no one in my family knew that I cried every day in my bathroom because of how lonely I felt without my brothers and mom. I turned on the water and bathed so the sounds couldn't be heard from the outside. At that point, I was eleven years old and became extremely introverted in the classroom. People often asked me why I didn't talk, and I never knew how to respond. Looking back, I believe I was so afraid of being hurt that I had issues trusting other people. However, I was also afraid of staying in that state of mind. So, I started going to debate class in hopes of challenging myself. My first competition was an international one, ACMUN XV, where I had to debate a variety of topics with other students. I can still remember the sensation of my hands trembling at the thought of speaking out loud. It felt like everyone was staring at me, judging my every move. However, even with that feeling, I gathered up my courage and decided to step out of my comfort zone. When my quivering lips started speaking, I realized I was too self-conscious. I understood it was because I could only see the parts I didn't like—forcing myself to find "good points" felt empty. It felt like I was making things up just for the sake of it. I could only see my flaws because I was resolved from the start to not like myself. As the competition went on, I gradually gained the confidence I desperately needed. At that time, I never thought I would achieve something so out of my comfort zone. I started growing closer to my father, whom I never really gave a chance to know better. One night, he told me that after the consult, the psychologist called and said she expected my grades to start going downhill because of my state of mind. She explained to my father that I only drew my mother and brothers as my family, no one else. However, not once did I ever let my grades fall. To that, I give credit to my younger self, who found the resilience and courage to be happy even in my loneliest moments. Now, as an energy engineering student, I want to act as a role model for women and underrepresented minorities who are searching for opportunities in the STEM field. The social impacts throughout history have substantiated the need for reforms to create a fairer and more level playing field. Therefore, I wish to mentor and inspire them to pursue careers in these areas, helping them overcome obstacles so they can achieve their ambitions with confidence and determination, knowing they belong and can succeed in STEM fields too. I will use my experience as a guiding force, hoping to empower them to find their voice.

I chose Energy Engineering as my career choice due to my objective being to promote awareness and re-education in green building design and to generate significant transformations in the renewable energy sector. Usually, when we evaluate the design process and develop a project, it is often the case that builders focus primarily on aspects such as profitability, without paying much attention to issues such as the layout and purpose of the unit. However, few care about determining the final use of that unit, whether for homes or offices. This is where we could have tools, especially in the field of passive design, that allow us to make decisions at an early stage and with minimal costs. This would enable us to construct buildings with carefully selected materials, oriented towards greater energy efficiency and sustainability. Once graduated, my first project would be in the Dominican Republic, where I was raised. It has seen growth in energy demand over the past ten years, boasting one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, due to our tropical climate, we always receive sun radiation. The heat can affect a building’s design, especially since most of the Dominican population is concentrated in low places, not high places. For example, when the selection of resources is not correct, some materials and colors would absorb the heat and then require cooling with technology, which would put the user in a financial strain. To prevent this, I will use my power as a warning voice for constructors, helping them with the management of the building’s geometry and making use of materials with high thermal insulation capacity. As a Dominican woman aspiring to pursue a STEM major, I want to act as a role model for women and underrepresented minorities who are searching for opportunities in the field. As of now, we have come a long way since those times when women were limited from everything politically and socially. The struggle for freedom has changed, but the social and historical impacts have substantiated the need for reforms to create a fairer and more level playing field. My journey has shown me that perseverance and support are crucial. Therefore, I wish to mentor and inspire them to pursue careers in these areas, helping them overcome obstacles so they can achieve their ambitions with confidence and determination, knowing they belong and can succeed in STEM fields, too.

“Say there’s someone who worries about himself and says, “I am a pessimist.” One could rephrase that to instead say, “I have a pessimistic view of the world.” You could consider that the issue is not personality but rather the view of the world. It seems that the word “personality” is nuanced and suggests being unchangeable. But if we’re talking about a view of the world, well, then, that should be possible to alter.” Excerpt From The Courage to Be Disliked The Courage to Be Disliked teaches that not everything is visible to the naked eye. When seen through different lenses, the views we drink into oblivion could become entirely different when seen in another manner. In other words, how one perceives the environment affects how one sees oneself or the world. Naturally, your lifestyle is not something you are born with, and as people grow up, different factors affect their view of the world, such as environment, race, nationality, and culture. However, how someone lives is their responsibility, and the biggest challenge is changing it. Eventually, it's a problem with conformity. It happens with objects as well, for example, imagine a computer you have in your house, it may be old and sometimes malfunctions, but because you have had it for so long, you can't imagine using a new one. Thinking of the unknown creates a sense of anxiety. Similarly, I used to have a pessimistic view of myself. While reading the book, I understood it was because I could only see the parts I didn't like—forcing myself to find "good points" felt empty. It felt like I was making things up just for the sake of it. I could only see my flaws because I was resolved from the start to not like myself. I was lacking the courage to be happy. Reading The Courage to Be Disliked helped me realize that true happiness comes from accepting myself as I am. This shift in perspective has given me the confidence to pursue my goals and embrace my strengths and weaknesses.