I’ve learnt a lot in these past two years as a mechanical engineer in university. That said, fall 2025 was a period where I prayed harder than I had in a long time. Which is why changing my degree path didn’t just feel like changing my major through the school’s online portal. At the time, it felt like closing the door. Like I’d be losing a part of myself. I remember being the nervous yet excited freshman leaving my family miles away across the state, wearing the Mechanical Engineering lanyard to meet others in my major. I’ve networked within the field and made friends who I talked with even today. To elaborate, my interest in engineering stemmed from my love for the environment. As young as 7, nature shows, any topic on wildlife was of interest to me. I’d convinced my parents to buy me a butterfly catcher. Growing up in Florida, anywhere I looked I was surrounded by lush green. I had many sketchbook pages with cool animals I’ve seen. Even a few silly comic strips or two of what I think they were telling each other. Every other year, I’d see an animal I didn’t know was native there. Even a 4-foot-tall wood stork, nearly as tall as me at the time! (I’ve definitely grown a lot since.) Every other National Geographic episode I’ve seen were problems animals were having in the wild. A few times, the problem that needed to be solved were the interactions with humans in the areas of the animal habitats, or animals passing through a road, as they didn’t have any other safe ways of travel. In the same season, a highway would be built that helped the people in that same community get to work with a faster time. tackling environmental issues with a technical approach was something that caught my eye. It had evidently made differences, and helped many people. Even in the STEM program back in high school, I’ve always loved working with other students on projects and creating new ideas. In this most recent Fall 2025 semester, my academic performance was impacted by illnesses. While starting off the semester in good standing most of August, I quickly got “freshman sickness” from being in the dorms—which consists of a regular cold—the first week of September. Between regulating the new environments as i headed to new lecture halls, and recovering with simple medications, I was getting better. Until I caught a Type B fever only 2 weeks after, which resulted in mental incapacity since I was weak. I had even lost a few pounds in this period. Between the physical limitations, and the mental fatigue, I didn’t even have it in me to draw anymore. Especially with the winter climate of October, this required bed rest, which physically prevented me from attending my lectures, and was difficult to properly navigate the work from different courses. Since I was unable to be present, it was difficult to navigate the assignments and requirements of all my classes. At some point, I was forced to choose between learning new, complex material and finishing past-due work. Despite my efforts to bridge the gap, the material I was originally struggling with, Chemistry and Calculus 1, only became more complex. I could not anticipate this medical crisis, nor prevent it. Although I attempted to keep up with my studies, there were numerous times this Fall 2025 semester where I was required to prioritize my health in order to somehow get back on track with my academics. Even as I reached out to my Chemistry TA, and various Math, Engineering, and Chemistry tutors, whenever I felt even a little better, for better breakdowns of concepts I missed, there was still a lot of catching up to do. Which is why I made the hard choice of switching my majors. I have switched from Mechanical Engineering to Environmental Science. I had weighed what damage has been done to my GPA, and what the future would look like with the rest of the curriculum. Then, I realized, changing majors is just a small pivot. Starting with taking my physical health and fitness more seriously, I’ve begun a routine of working out in my room as a way to get stronger, and prevent myself from getting so sick again. I’m slowly working my way up the dumbbell weight numbers. I even found a group of a few others to work out with at the gym. They helped me learn machines like the leg press (my current favorite). My goal within the STEM field hasn’t changed: I will continue to expose myself to opportunities to find solutions to problems. Environmental science is just another way to do so. There are many places in the world that could use an engineer, as well as an ecologist. A problem somewhere between coasts that require construction for better transportation for the citizens, also needs environment management. I still plan on improving the daily life of people in my community as well as others. The coursework and field experience equips me with skills I can apply to solve problems for communities worldwide. As I continue on with my new degree in Environmental Science, I hope to keep in mind Psalm 56:3: ‘Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.’ Looking back, I know He has always been there, even when it didn’t feel like it. I’m grateful to know He’s always by me. He’s looking over my shoulder as I answer the last questions on my finals. I’m never alone when making tough decisions. God hears me in my prayers, and sees every anxious day I've had. What if I don’t ace that test? What if I miss a deadline? Keeping intact my relationship with Him made me more confident in dealing with what life will throw at me, and has made me more hopeful, excited even, for my future.

Picture your classmate standing in front of the class given an expo marker, but their has handwriting changed...again. It was only awkward when I started asking others about their own handwriting. I'd usually comment "Nice cursive," or "How come you don't let your letters touch the top of the line?" I was already the quiet kid in class. Even being the tallest girl in classes, I knew a thing or two about standing out. I didn't just collect pens. I started collecting the bolded lines of texts in printed receipts, photos of book covers I saw in the store. Fonts were my thing. Stylized, daily usage, even different forms of chicken scratch. In classes, kids had all types of sparkled pens, metal pens, or even pencils with fluffy chains on the ends. Little did I know these would be my first glimpses into my passion for art. Exploring what I could make on paper, and what I could make it with led to endless curiosity. I imagine I also stood out when I started asking to borrow the utensils, and random sheets of paper of others around me. I wanted to feel the flow, if only for a sentence or two. It wasn't entirely weird to ask, but it did raise a few eyebrows. Sometimes it would be the first sentence I ask to someone who sat next to me for lunch if they had paper out. It would go something like: "Nice journal. Do you mind if I have a sheet?" "But you have paper right in front of you." "Yes, but yours seems to be thicker for some reason..where'd you get it?" I was already a slow writer. Sweating while other students waiting on me to finish in-class writing assignments was something I'd grown accustomed to. Hand-to-paper short answers on tests gave everyone the same complaints--growing up, writing essays by hand were inescapable. So maybe this was just my way of making the four-page writing prompts more interesting. At least when the school was first taught the Cornell Note Taking method, I was able to stay focused. I learnt how to show importance of topics through these stylized font changes. Perhaps it was speed, boredom, or simply a way to engage others in conversation. Sequoya was the name, and the art of writing was my game. I learnt of calligraphy, and started collecting different types of pens. Handwriting was a form of art for me. I might even say, now as a prolific artist, that it was the first art form I introduced myself to. At some point I realized I could achieve shadows, underlines and more with just my no.2 pencil. Ball point sizes were usually thin. Brush pens felt more...painterly. After some time, I experimented with color. Naturally, I started sketching a character or two with their own pen or pencil, just so I could experiment with flow of the ink or led on paper. That's when I learnt I was good at drawing. Even now, I use all kinds of sketchbook papers and notebooks, and I'm always making art. As someone teased for being shy, having interesting handwriting turned into a great pathway to make new friends. And my curiosity and inquisitions turned into something I couldn't imagine my life without.

When I think about a concept so engaging that makes me lose track of time, I picture something that leaves me with more questions than answers, an idea that I am fascinated with. Something that makes me want to learn more. One thing that captivates me is how vast yet balanced the natural world is, and the beauties and wonders it has to offer. Every new animal with a unique adaptation, beautiful feather pattern, or interesting way it communicates, I added to my all-included document I called Global Gems. I’ve been building on it for weeks, a paper trail with drawings and descriptions. Ecosystems and explanations. A compilation of loose-leaf papers with concepts of ‘what would I do’ scenarios when faced against a problem in a different terrain. When I was 6, one of my first calendars was a gift from my dad: the monthly landscapes. They were captivating photos from photographers around the world, anywhere from the rushing waterfall in the sweet-smelling forest of the Amazon, to the neon-streaked night sky of the aurora borealis. I’d gone through all around the world in under 10 minutes. I smiled cheek to cheek noticing the photographer’s info’s on the back, as well as a good number of links. The company’s simple yellow rectangle logo in the corner was something I’d get familiar with as the years went by. National Geographic. From one of their magazine subscriptions, I could flip through selfies of vets, scientists, explorers, along with explanations: the unique homes of animals, and specific elements that enable them to survive there. I could stand next to a researcher and wonder about the way of life of an Emperor Penguin—why do penguins waddle anyways? How does their climate affect their endangerment? On one hot Florida morning in Broward County, I was doing volunteer work in Fern Forest Nature Center for clean-up in a forest. Our guide told us what plants to look out for when pulling out weeds in the lush green. When she had said the words ‘poison ivy?’ I trusted that I knew enough to avoid it, thanks to the helpful warning: “leaves of three, let it be.” as the guide had held up 3 different look-alikes we could encounter. I’d seen the subtle differences, but at first glance they looked the same to me. Imagine that. Mother Nature decided, “Why not add an itchy, borderline bothersome plant mixed along the others to keep any living thing on their toes.” Yet, many animals eat it as an essential food source. Balance at its finest—even poison ivy has its place. The relations in ecosystems all around the planet has always been a captivating concept. The communities in the spheres of the Earth all play their own part in life, a balance that nature keeps in check. I've always been fascinated with the question, "why?" Looking deeper in forests gives me even more answers to for how things are, who survives what. Because I never stop asking where, I find more animals, more beautiful sceneries in different biomes scattered across the globe. “Toto, we’re not in Florida anymore.” It wasn’t until my family moved to Washington State where I’ve seen and walked through such a great difference of ecosystems, and terrain. That was when I saw my first moose at a park—it walked up to me. I’ve only ever seen them in videos and pictures. I’ve seen the blankets of snows for the first time. A family of deer in the distance on a mountain. A moment I’ve captured that will never be forgotten. Now, my Global Gems compilation houses everything that I’ve found interesting over the years. Simply thinking about how large the world is, the different wonders, and the little details, is something I can get lost in. On days when I feel down, this concept comes to mind sometimes. The world is still spinning. In many places, it's actually thriving. And I can too. I hope to continue these conversations on universal concepts with others I know. Questions lead to answers, answers can lead to solutions, and maybe even something tangible. While I’ve crossed the nation and moved from my hometown, my physical location hasn't prevented me from thinking beyond. The larger-than-life wind turbines I pass from my new hometown every month reminds me that our planet runs on the resources that are literally, out-of-this-world. Not everyone has been to space, but thanks to those who did the journey, we know it's there. For instance, with a single wind turbine, we borrow wind currents caused by the Earth's rotation in order to fuel nearly half of my town. Pursuing my university education for a degree in mechanical engineering will allow me to play my part in constructing and designing tools, devices, and bigger projects. "Our universe is a boundless source of inspiration, from the microscopic processes of cell division essential to life, to the macroscopic forces described by the Laws of Motion when wind hits turbine blades and the exertion of force supplies us with electricity. By applying the principals of our universe through practical engineering solutions, I hope to learn to address real-world challenges and help drive technological advancements that improve lives.

To create lasting change, I plan to tackle problems one day at a time. My passion for mechanical engineering comes from my belief in using innovative solutions to improve daily life within our communities. As a rising college freshman, I plan to pursue a degree in this field and a career focusing on quality of life, contributing positively to the world around me. At an early age, watching my father selflessly help others during the hurricane inspired me to pursue this career, where I can prioritize providing solutions for our community. Volunteering exposed me to environmental issues, which inspired my interest in using science and technology to solve these problems. Being unhoused while trying to pursue my education has been a struggle, amongst the other challenges homelessness brought. During this time, I had to try to study and submit assignments while on the road with nowhere to stay. Overcoming this has also taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and perseverance—skills that have become my academic staples. My firsthand experiences with adversity have allowed me to develop a unique perspective, making me more aware of the challenges others might face and the importance of helping them. I will pay it forward to my community in ways that I can. One memorable time volunteering at the Fern Forest Nature Center, clearing trails taught me the importance of local preservation and our social responsibility to do our part in whatever ways we can. These past experiences shaped my desire to give back to my community. As I continue my education, I plan on using the skills I learn to address these environmental issues and improve the quality of life for individuals in all communities. In this journey as the first engineer in my family, I am eager to work on projects that make daily life easier. The problem-solving skills needed by engineers can improve the lives of many others in tangible ways. I plan to use these skills to work on other projects addressing global issues, such as sustainability and climate change. I believe the knowledge and resources of the STEM field can significantly contribute to addressing these challenges. My educational goal is to obtain a high-quality education with a mechanical engineering degree, with a mission of positively impacting our homes and communities. However, achieving these goals is challenging without financial assistance, as covering tuition, textbooks, and living expenses is difficult without external support. Receiving this scholarship will help ease the financial strain of my education, allowing me to focus more on my studies, in turn, developing the expertise to build solutions.

To create lasting change, I plan to tackle problems one day at a time. My passion for mechanical engineering comes from my belief in using innovative solutions to improve daily life within our communities. As a rising college freshman, I plan to pursue a degree in this field and a career focusing on quality of life, contributing positively to the world around me. At an early age, watching my father selflessly help others during the hurricane inspired me to pursue this career, where I can prioritize providing solutions for our community. Volunteering exposed me to environmental issues, which inspired my interest in using science and technology to solve these problems. Being unhoused while trying to pursue my education has been a struggle, amongst the other challenges homelessness brought. During this time, I had to try to study and submit assignments while on the road with nowhere to stay. Overcoming this has also taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and perseverance—skills that have become my academic staples. My firsthand experiences with adversity have allowed me to develop a unique perspective, making me more aware of the challenges others might face and the importance of helping them. I will pay it forward to my community in ways that I can. One memorable time volunteering at the Fern Forest Nature Center, clearing trails taught me the importance of local preservation and our social responsibility to do our part in whatever ways we can. These past experiences shaped my desire to give back to my community. As I continue my education, I plan on using the skills I learn to address these environmental issues and improve the quality of life for individuals in all communities. In this journey as the first engineer in my family, I am eager to work on projects that make daily life easier. The problem-solving skills needed by engineers can improve the lives of many others in tangible ways. I plan to use these skills to work on other projects addressing global issues, such as sustainability and climate change. I believe the knowledge and resources of the STEM field can significantly contribute to addressing these challenges. My educational goal is to obtain a high-quality education with a mechanical engineering degree, with a mission of positively impacting our homes and communities. However, achieving these goals is challenging without financial assistance, as covering tuition, textbooks, and living expenses is difficult without external support. Receiving this scholarship will help ease the financial strain of my education, allowing me to focus more on my studies, in turn, developing the expertise to build solutions.

My first few experiences with sharing my art sparked something in me. When I heard my town would bring in authors for a local book signing. I wanted to help with the event, contributing my art skills. So that week, in between homework, I had dedicated myself to painting bookmarks that would be a gift to anyone who supported the authors who presented at the bookstore. I had taken my time with each, painting the details, then laminating it the next day. Not only was I able to give back to the bookstore, but I was also able to support the authors! Bob Ross has always been my inspiration. Even before my parents had bought me my first paint set, and sketchbook, he was my lens into the art world. Watching his captivating process of creating landscape paintings inspired me to create my own landscapes, displaying them at my local farmer's market. Presenting my art on those few Saturdays has evolved into launching PoetryandPainting.com. The goal was, in addition to my community, to reach people in other locations who wanted a painting in their home. With the requests for paintings of lost pets, the canvases I create for them bring comfort in their time of grief. Soon, I received pictures of my landscapes, and customized canvases of poems in different places in their homes. This journey of mine continued with the knowledge that I can provide a service to others, sharing the feeling I get whenever I look at a lovely painting. We need more positive and encouraging art and I believe I can be a good voice at helping young people like me to just be content and happy. My vision for the future includes coordinating art events in libraries and schools, empowering students to express themselves creatively. In the future, I aspire to paint live at weddings, a real-time capture for couples' memorable moments. As I continue to grow with PoetryandPainting, I get more excited for how I will be able to make a positive impact. What had started with my love for painting, turned into sharing my art with others, for others. I hope to keep sharing my art, expanding to more than the canvas. Being able to make differences for communities, and getting to make someone’s day better, is now something I always look forward to.

“Have you ever thought about sharing your art with others?” my dad asked. Until that point, I hadn’t. It never crossed my mind that others would want to see it, or even like it. A sketch has gotten me through rough moments. With landscape paintings, the stroke of my paintbrush gives me calm after a long day at school. I hadn’t thought about sharing with others until my dad mentioned it. “Sleep on it,” my dad said. “If you want, we can head to the farmers market, set up a table and try to share your art with others. Some people might like it. Maybe.” What started as a question blossomed into forming meaningful bonds and bringing a sense of joy and togetherness to our community. That question has resulted in my greatest achievement so far, when I started PoetryandPainting. During Covid-19, my life was tossed upside down, like a falafel. As a result, I picked up painting seriously and it was a great outlet for me. Between schoolwork and having to stay indoors most of the time, I’d managed to find a sense of balance and calm with the strokes of my brush. One of the things I decided to do was go to farmers markets and sell my art in person. And I loved it! Live painting a custom canvas for someone in under 20 minutes seemed impossible, let alone showcasing my art to others. Seated under my booth, I surveyed the bustling crowd, anxiety making my palms sweat. Or maybe that was the hot sun. I was able to make an idea and help others in my own way. Although, it wasn’t all smooth sailing at first. I was afraid when I started setting up my painting stand, watching people pass. Seated under my booth, I surveyed the bustling crowd, anxiety making my palms sweat. Or maybe that was the hot sun. Then I remembered why I had to persevere, what drove me out here on that Saturday in the first place: providing personalized, uplifting art for others to cherish in their homes, sharing the feeling I get after looking at one of my paintings. I had something to bring to the table, quite literally. As I talked with the first customer at the table under my booth, I became less anxious about the painting, and how it would look when I was done. I’ve learnt I could overcome my fear of public speaking. Eventually, with my dad as the poet, we’ve made numerous pieces with a customized poem and painting on canvases. Soon enough, we were able to launch PoetryandPainting.com. I'm now able to create art for more people, extending beyond my local community! With the requests for paintings of lost pets, the canvases I create for them bring comfort in their time of grief. This journey of mine continued with the knowledge that I can provide a service to others. Within a few months, I had the chance to teach an art class in a small town outside of Spokane. Before I learnt I didn’t have to be afraid of public speaking, this wouldn’t have been possible. Working with the community center director and city hall, we planned a hands-on poetry and painting event. The concept was simple: I would teach the participants to write a four-sentence poem or a haiku, then how to paint a single flower stem with a flower petal. People of different ages and backgrounds were able to walk home with a small canvas of their own. I was able to teach them the fundamentals of art to keep at it, with the hope they get to harness their own feelings of positivity whenever they paint again. My vision for the future includes coordinating art events in libraries and schools, empowering students to express themselves creatively. Moreover, I aspire to paint live at weddings, a real-time capture for couples' memorable moments. As I continue to grow this company, I get more excited for how I will be able to make a positive impact. What had started with my love for painting, turned into sharing my art with others, for others. I hope to keep sharing my art, expanding to more than the canvas. Being able to make differences for communities, and getting to make someone’s day better, is now something I always look forward to.

“Have you ever thought about sharing your art with others?” Until that point, I hadn’t. It never crossed my mind that others would want to see it, or even like it. “Sleep on it,” my dad said. “If you want, we can head to the farmers market.” During Covid-19, life was tossed upside down, like a falafel. I picked up painting seriously and it was a great outlet for me. Between schoolwork and having to stay indoors most of the time, I’d managed to find a sense of balance and calm with the strokes of my brush. One of the things I decided to do was go to farmers markets and sell my art in person. And I loved it! Live painting a custom canvas for someone in under 20 minutes seemed impossible, let alone showcasing my art to others. Seated under my booth, I surveyed the bustling crowd, anxiety making my palms sweat. Or maybe that was the hot sun. I remembered why I wanted to brave through it: providing personalized, uplifting art for others to cherish in their homes. I had something to bring to the table, quite literally. I was able to make an idea, and help others in my own way. Thanks to my passion for art, I have grown a passion for event planning for communities. I plan to keep on creating meaningful connections, and bridging the gaps of our differences. This initial idea, executed on a hot Saturday, blossomed into a website: poetryandpainting.com. I'm now able to create art for more people, extending beyond my local community! Some customers requested paintings of their lost pets, bringing comfort in their time of grief. I’ve even received a few pictures of my canvas with their furry friend in their homes. This passion of mine continued with the knowledge that I can provide a service to others. I’d been given the exciting opportunity to teach an art to my community: Working with an official from the city hall, we planned an event for a town for a few hours on a weekend. In a span of the afternoon, I again witnessed the sense of accomplishment and joy that art brought to people of different ages and backgrounds. My goal is to use art as a tool for emotional expression, personal growth, and community connection, ultimately creating a lasting, positive impact on both individuals and society. Being able to make differences for communities, or simply making someone’s day better is always something I strive for. I hope to keep sharing my art, expanding to more than the canvas. I used to drive by walls around my city, filled with motivational graffiti. I’ve loved seeing it, the otherwise blank walls now had a positive message I could look at on my way to school. Being able to help create those projects for people across the world would be amazing. Coordinating events in libraries, painting with students in schools is something I’d also like to initiate in the future. I’d be grateful a dream of mine: the opportunity to paint live at weddings, an on the spot capture of a couple’s memorable moment. As I continue to grow my career, I get more excited for how I will be able to make a positive impact for others.

I’ve survived. In my last year of high school, I’m getting ready for the next chapter as the graduating class of 2024. His footprints have always been alongside mine. He’s been with me. Always. My relationship with Jesus affected my faith by giving me strength to overcome situations. It made me more confident in dealing with what life throws at me, and has made me more hopeful, excited even for my future. During Covid-19, life was tossed upside down, like a falafel. I picked up painting seriously and it was a great outlet for me. Between schoolwork and having to stay indoors most of the time, I’d managed to find a sense of balance and calm with the strokes of my brush. One of the things I decided to do was go to farmers markets and sell my art in person. And I loved it! Showing my art to others was something I didn’t think I could do. Painting a canvas for them, in under 20 minutes, on the spot, was also something that seemed far out of reach. As I sat at the booth, I looked at all the people milling around. I was afraid that when folks would come to me I would not know what to say. Or worse yet, what if they don’t like the canvas I made them? Not too long into the farmers market, I heard a voice saying not to worry. Others will appreciate that I’m making something specifically for them. As I talked with them under my booth, I became less anxious about the painting, how it would look when I was done. I was afraid when I started setting up my painting stand, watching people pass. I built a website called poetry and paniting.com. Now I get to paint for people anywhere, not just for the people in my community. For a few, I’ve been able to paint lost pets. What had started with watching me talk about my love for painting, turned into sharing my art with others, for others. If not for listening to that voice on that Saturday, I would’ve missed this opportunity. With many instances like that one, I’ve been more willing to listen as I prepare for college. I’m excited to be a mechanical engineering major. My hope is that within the STEM field, I will be exposed to opportunities to build solutions to problems. I hope that what I learn in college with my engineering major can be applied anywhere, for anyone that needs it. As I continue my education, I will keep reminding myself that I can do anything. Whether facing a problem that seems impossible, or not knowing the right mistake, I’ll keep reminding myself that He will always be there for me. Leaning on the Holy Spirit, I can overcome anything, be guided to make the right decisions. As I continue to college I hope to keep in mind Psalm 56:3: ‘Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.’ Looking back, I know he has always been there, even when it didn’t feel like it. I’m grateful to know He’s always by me. He’s looking over my shoulder as I answer the last questions on my finals. I’m never alone when making tough decisions. Jesus hears me in my prayers. Anxious days as a student. What if I don’t ace that test? What if I miss a deadline? Whenever I have worries, I know to let go and let God. When I have done all I can, there’s nothing more for me to do but to pray.

My interest for engineering stemmed from my love for the environment. As young as 7, nature shows, any topic on wildlife were of interest to me. I’d convinced my parents to buy me a butterfly catcher. In Florida, anywhere I looked I was surrounded by lush green. Every other year, I’d see an animal I didn’t know was native there. Even a 5-foot-tall wood stork, nearly as tall as me at the time! Every other National Geographic episode I’ve seen were problems animals were having in the wild. A few times, the problem that needed to be solved were the interactions with humans in their habitats, or animals passing through a road, as they didn’t have any other safe ways of travel. In the same season, a highway would be built that helped the people in that same community get to work with a faster time. tackling environmental issues with a technical approach was something that caught my eye. It had evidently made differences, and helps many people. Years later, my dad showed me that I don’t need to wait until I have a degree to make an impact. It was a regular Saturday. My dad had finished making us tuna sandwiches. What had started with watching me talk about my love for painting, turned into sharing my art with others, for others. Within the next months, I started helping people in my own way through my company called Poetry and Painting. I make customized paints for others in my community. And I loved it! I developed intake forms to for people to tell me what they’d like painted. I use JotForm and Google Docs to manage their orders. The site was full of dropdowns to make the ordering more user friendly. Making adjustments with my team, at the end of the day, I was able to hand off the canvases to their owners. I believe art is for everyone, so I started finding ways to share it. I started off small, within the few miles of my town. Soon, I had the chance to teach an art class to my community. They were able to walk home with a small canvas of their own. Working with an official from the city hall, we planned an event for a town. I truly enjoyed making the paintings for people in my community. Between working with my team to manage the communications between customers, scheduling with event organizers, I enjoyed every step of the process. My hope is that within the STEM field, I will be exposed to opportunities to build solutions to problems, maybe even make daily machines better. There are many places in the world that could use an engineer. A problem somewhere between coasts that require construction for better transportation for the citizens, fueled by solar panels. A problem that hasn’t been seen yet, but could make a certain part of our life easier. I plan on improving the daily life of people in every community. I hope that what I learn in college with my engineering major can be applied anywhere, for anyone that needs it. Whether engineering something to help the people from different communities, or even building something to help other wildlife around the world, I’m looking forward to be able to create working systems that can improve the world’s way of life. Pursing a degree in STEM allows me to find solutions to problems, and allows me to do so in practical ways.