Resiliency is not only the ability to bounce back after a hard day. It is the ability to reflect on hardship, to acknowledge it, accept it, and make a plan to move forward. During my undergraduate career, I struggled with topics that made me feel like biomedical engineering was not meant for me. I had failed general chemistry one and introduction to javascript. While my friends went on to more advanced topics in those fields, I was left with the embarrassment to retake the courses. However, I told myself that I would not let two courses, in fields that I did not want to further pursue, stop me from the degree of my dreams. I put java and chemistry aside and continued with the rest of my degree coursework. Oddly enough, I excelled in everything else, which increased my GPA and led me to amazing summer internships. I knew that one day I would have to face chemistry and java again, but in the meantime, I had to prove to myself that I am capable of my degree. Further down my academic career, I decided to take electrical engineering courses. I was previously afraid of electrical engineering because it was considered the hardest field. However, I set my fears aside and discovered that I have a passion for electrical engineering and that I am good at it. From that point on, I finally knew that I would minor in electrical engineering and focus my biomedical engineering degree towards medical devices. I am more than proud of myself. Although I am graduating later than anticipated, I have the confidence behind me to persevere. If it were not for my confidence, then having to see my closest friends graduate on time would have crushed me again. I believe that although my family was present to support me, I truly relied on my strong mindset to carry me. It is often easy to lie to your family and assure them you are well, but lying to yourself is too difficult to accomplish. I often like to reflect upon my actions and if I know that I am not being authentic to the myself, who is the one person I trust the most, then I cannot be at me greatest potential. The most resilient individuals are those who acknowledge a challenge and set aside their fears because they are confident. I know that I am my greatest supporter and I use that to push me to a greater future. I want to make a positive impact on the world by inspiring young black students to pursue engineering. I tell my story of experiencing ups and downs to high schoolers because I know how hard it can be to go from excelling in high school to experiencing the difference in college. I believe that the most innovative ideas come from diverse minds. Therefore, as educated African Americans, it is our responsibility to encourage the next generation. It would mean the world to me to know that the next generation of scholars not only look like me, but are increasing positivity in the world.

Resiliency is not only the ability to bounce back after a hard day. It is the ability to reflect on hardship, to acknowledge it, accept it, and make a plan to move forward. During my undergraduate career, I struggled with topics that made me feel like biomedical engineering was not meant for me. I had failed general chemistry one and introduction to javascript. While my friends went on to more advanced topics in those fields, I was left with the embarrassment to retake the courses. However, I told myself that I would not let two courses, in fields that I did not want to further pursue, stop me from the degree of my dreams. I put java and chemistry aside and continued with the rest of my degree coursework. Oddly enough, I excelled in everything else, which increased my GPA and led me to amazing summer internships. I knew that one day I would have to face chemistry and java again, but in the meantime, I had to prove to myself that I am capable of my degree. Further down my academic career, I decided to take electrical engineering courses. I was previously afraid of electrical engineering because it was considered the hardest field. However, I set my fears aside and discovered that I have a passion for electrical engineering and that I am good at it. From that point on, I finally knew that I would minor in electrical engineering and focus my biomedical engineering degree towards medical devices. I am more than proud of myself. Although I am graduating later than anticipated, I have the confidence behind me to persevere. If it were not for my confidence, then having to see my closest friends graduate on time would have crushed me again. I believe that although my family was present to support me, I truly relied on my strong mindset to carry me. It is often easy to lie to your family and assure them you are well, but lying to yourself is too difficult to accomplish. I often like to reflect upon my actions and if I know that I am not being authentic to the myself, who is the one person I trust the most, then I cannot be at me greatest potential. The most resilient individuals are those who acknowledge a challenge and set aside their fears because they are confident. I know that I am my greatest supporter and I use that to push me to a greater future.