As a junior in high school, I enrolled in an AP calculus course, and it was a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Calculus is the branch of mathematics that deals with the finding and properties of derivatives, integrals, and functions. In short, calculus allows the determination of rates of change. Calculus forms the backbone of all STEM fields making it possible to analyze how something is changing and the impact of that change. I plan to study biomedical engineering and computer science at Brigham Young University starting this year, which both require the ability to use calculus to model and solve complex problems. Calculus has many valuable uses in computer science, including creating graphs and visuals, simulations, coding applications, and algorithm analyses. Calculus is also essential to creating artificial intelligence and helping machines learn to solve complex optimization problems. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing technology and workspace efficiency by automating many tasks and allowing technology to increase in capability. Biomedical engineering is also a beneficiary of the knowledge and use of calculus. Ways that calculus is used in biomedical engineering include finding tumor growth, dosage of drugs remaining in a body, heart rate, half-life of drugs, and cholesterol levels. Many biomedical products save lives and require calculus to develop those products. An example of a real-world calculus application is Amazon. Amazon is one of the most successful companies in the world because of "optimization." They use calculus to determine how to move a package from their warehouse to customer's homes in the least amount of time and using the least amount of resources, which is a direct application of calculus. The convenience of two-day shipping is one of many services that calculus has made possible for modern society. Learning calculus is essential to all people who wish to pursue a career in the STEM field, regardless of their specialty. A solid understanding of calculus opens doors to careers in physics, engineering, economics, healthcare, computers, and other technology-related fields. Calculus can be challenging to learn, and possesses a negative reputation among many students. However, calculus must be mastered by each new generation of STEM workers so they can innovate and push past the current limits of technology. Anyone can learn calculus with the right tools and support. If schools make adequate effort to offer tutoring and make it easily accessible to students, there will be students who do not achieve proficiency in calculus. In short, calculus plays a vital role in every field within the STEM umbrella. I am excited to use calculus in my university studies and future career opportunities. I would encourage all post-secondary education students to study calculus and apply themselves to master this paramount mathematics skill.