My reason for pushing a degree in STEM is for representation for women (it’s also my biggest dream). I have always wanted to be a pilot but I never saw any women pilots so as a young girl I never thought of it as a career path. As a sophomore in college I was unhappy with my major and was not interested in any of the majors offered; nothing sounded right. Then one day I was at the airport flying home and I saw a woman pilot and in that moment I thought - “I wish that was me”- and since then I have been working towards that goal. I have transferred schools that will offer me better opportunities for the aviation field and I have found mentors to guide me as well. Although there is a push for women in STEM fields there is never talk about what obstacles women have overcome as a result of their gender in male dominated fields. From my research I have heard and seen female pilots talk about the sexual harassment they have to put up with, the passengers who undermime them thinking they are flight attentendets, the pay disparity between men and women, and this only scratches the surface. This is buffaling to think that in the twentieth century, decades after the first women took flight, women make up less than 5% of commercial pilots. This is why I want to pursue a degree in aeronautical science. To make a difference for young women and girls. I would further support women pursuing aviation degrees by becoming a mentor so I can share and give advice about a career path in the aviation field, I would help fund scholarships for women pursuing an aviation degree, and most of all I would try to encourage women to be a part of the aviation field.

My reason for pushing a degree in STEM is for representation for women (it’s also my biggest dream). I have always wanted to be a pilot but I never saw any women pilots so as a young girl I never thought of it as a career path. As a sophomore in college I was unhappy with my major and was not interested in any of the majors offered; nothing sounded right. Then one day I was at the airport flying home and I saw a woman pilot and in that moment I thought - “I wish that was me”- and since then I have been working towards that goal. I have transferred schools that will offer me better opportunities for the aviation field and I have found mentors to guide me as well. Although there is a push for women in STEM fields there is never talk about what obstacles women have overcome as a result of their gender in male dominated fields. From my research I have heard and seen female pilots talk about the sexual harassment they have to put up with, the passengers who undermime them thinking they are flight attentendets, the pay disparity between men and women, and this only scratches the surface. This is buffaling to think that in the twentieth century, decades after the first women took flight, women make up less than 5% of commercial pilots. This is why I want to pursue a degree in aeronautical science. To make a difference for young women and girls.