My name is Solange Corinthian, and I proudly identify as a Jamaican/American raised in the Bronx, New York. Growing up in a working-class household, financial hardship was a constant reality. My single mother worked tirelessly to provide for me, but resources were often limited. I learned early on how to stretch a dollar, how to be resourceful, and how to stay focused on my goals even when the path wasn’t easy. These challenges didn’t discourage me; they motivated me. I became the first in my family to pursue a dual degree in STEM through the 3+2 engineering program at St. Lawrence University, with plans to transfer to RPI to study biomedical engineering. I’ve worked part-time jobs, applied for scholarships, and taken on leadership roles to support myself and others like me. I’ve also been part of programs like CSTEP and HEOP, which have provided critical academic and emotional support. However, with recent changes in our economy, presidential policies, and Supreme Court rulings, many of the financial support systems I once relied on have been stripped away. I’m now learning firsthand the weight of independence that Black women often carry. I am navigating higher education while managing financial strain, systemic barriers, and the pressure to succeed not just for myself, but for my family and future generations. My passion for STEM—especially biomedical engineering—stems from a deep curiosity about the human body and a desire to make healthcare more equitable. A wide range of medical conditions run in my family, including breast cancer, which has deeply impacted the women I love. These experiences have fueled my determination to be part of the solution, to help develop technologies that detect, treat, and prevent illness in ways that are accessible and inclusive. But what drives me just as deeply is the painful reality of healthcare disparities. I’ve seen firsthand how access to quality care can depend on your zip code, your income, or the color of your skin. It breaks my heart to know that so many people suffer, not because there isn’t a cure or a treatment, but because they can’t afford it or don’t have access to it. I hate the toll this takes on human lives, on families, on futures. Healthcare should be a birthright, not a privilege. And I refuse to accept a world where that isn’t true. That’s why I’m here: to be part of the change. One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was a biophysics experiment I designed and executed at St. Lawrence University. Using Arduino-compatible sensors, I analyzed physiological and biomechanical responses to different stimuli like LED lights, buzzers, and exercise-induced fatigue. I also studied neuromuscular control in both hands to evaluate cerebral processing speed and coordination. The project challenged me to troubleshoot technical issues, refine data collection methods, and think critically about how the body responds to stress. It was a powerful reminder that science is not just about discovery; it’s about understanding people. I chose this field because I know my passion will forever burn blue for it. This isn’t a scheme to get rich quick. It’s a calling. Biomedical engineering is an area I plan to dedicate my life to because I know the impact I’m creating is far greater than even the vision I have now. I want to design medical technologies that are inclusive, accessible, and culturally informed—solutions that serve communities like the one I come from, where brilliance exists but access often doesn’t. Everyone in my life already calls me “Doc.” They say it’s my calling, and they can’t wait to see me in the news, leading the next wave of innovation to help people everywhere. That belief in me, especially from those who’ve seen me struggle, keeps me going. I continue my education not just for myself, but for my future children and their children so they won’t have to face the same setbacks I’m enduring today. I believe that by investing in my mind and my mission, I can help shape a future where opportunity is no longer a privilege, but a right. Reading about Eric W. Larson’s life and values deeply resonated with me. Like him, I believe in the power of education to transform lives and in the importance of advocating for equity in science. As a woman of color in STEM, I carry forward that same commitment to break barriers, uplift others, and create a more inclusive future in science and engineering. Despite financial setbacks and systemic challenges, I’ve never let go of my vision. I’ve taken on leadership roles, conducted independent research, and pursued every opportunity to grow because I know that my journey is bigger than me. I’m building a foundation not just for a career, but for a legacy of impact. I want to be the kind of engineer who doesn’t just build devices, but builds bridges—between science and society, between innovation and inclusion. I envision a future where the technologies I help create improve lives in communities that have long been overlooked. That’s the kind of impact I’m working toward. From my first science fair project in middle school to presenting my biophysics research in college, every step has been a milestone. These moments remind me why I started and why I won’t stop.