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Maravilha Ani

1,725

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Bio

I am pursuing my Master's in Secondary STEM Education from Grand Canyon University. I have a B.S. in Biology from Stony Brook University.

Education

Grand Canyon University

Master's degree program
2020 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Education, Other

Stony Brook University

Bachelor's degree program
2012 - 2014
  • Majors:
    • Biology, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

      High School Math and Science Teacher

    • Substitute Teacher

      Brentwood Union Free School District
      2019 – 20201 year
    • Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 Teacher

      The Stony Brook School
      2020 – 20211 year

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Show your Mettle - Women in STEM Scholarship
    Holding a Bachelor of Science in Biology and close to receiving a Master’s in Secondary STEM Education, I am no stranger to the joys and struggles of pursuing a degree in STEM. I would be amiss to acknowledge my accomplishments without mentioning that I am also a female, a minority, and an immigrant. Overcoming the unique challenges that people in my demographics face as they pursue a STEM degree has made me passionate about inspiring young students like me to face these challenges head-on and go after their dream STEM careers. As I explore and pursue my varied interests, I have come to understand that saying “yes” to a career in a specific STEM area does not mean an automatic “no” to everything else about STEM. Knowing and loving many STEM topics can only help me as I seek to deepen my understanding and excel in my field. I decided to pursue a Master’s in Secondary STEM Education because I see teaching STEM as an opportunity to be a positive influence on young people in more than just their academics. While it is important for students to get a good educational foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, it is equally important for them to see that holding careers in these fields is not limited to people of a certain demographic. As a person who is black, female, and an immigrant, I want to show my students that nothing can stop them from working in the STEM career of their dreams if they are willing to put in the effort and stay motivated. Another reason I am pursuing this degree is to show my students that women and minorities should seek for more than just representation in STEM. We should strive to excel in our knowledge, and to use our expertise to bring about positive change in the world around us. One of the obstacles I have faced on my journey is the fear that I may not be choosing the right STEM career for myself. My current experience in the STEM field is varied and ranges from doing orthopedic lab research in college to teaching algebra and geometry to middle and high school students. My STEM interests are even broader and include things like plant ecology, astrology, and public health. Even as I near the finish line for my degree, I already find myself wondering if being a STEM educator can really fulfill my passion for STEM topics more than any other STEM career. I have come to realize that my love for a variety of STEM topics should not make me feel like I am being restricted if I focus on just one for my career. Rather, my diverse interests and experiences allow me to see things from multiple perspectives, and to communicate better with those who may be working in different areas of STEM. Pursuing a degree in STEM as a female minority is not for the faint of heart. Such people benefit from having good role models who can show them that not only is this goal possible, but it is also possible to excel in their STEM careers and make a positive difference through their work as well. I strive to be such a role model by pursuing excellence as I complete my degree and teach middle and high school students STEM. I have come to recognize my love for multiple STEM topics as an asset because it helps me to consider things from various perspectives. How grateful I am for the wonderful opportunity to pursue a STEM degree!
    Maravilha Ani Student Profile | Bold.org