My “Pie in the Sky” dream is to become an engineer who designs technology that makes life easier for people who are often overlooked. When I imagine my future, I see myself creating tools that help families like mine. I see solutions that simplify complicated systems, improve access to education or healthcare, and give people the confidence to navigate a world that can feel too big. This dream feels bold and a little out of reach, but it also fills me with excitement. It gives me something to move toward even on days when progress feels slow. The spark for this dream began in childhood. I grew up in an immigrant family, and I watched my parents struggle to understand digital forms, school systems, and the endless maze of daily tasks that rely on technology. I became the translator for both language and technology. I saw how intimidating a computer screen could be for someone who did not grow up with it. At the same time I discovered how powerful technology could be when it was designed with real people in mind. That contrast stayed with me. It planted the idea that engineering could be a way to build bridges instead of barriers. My dream continued to grow through school. Every science and math class felt like another step toward learning how the world works. When I joined robotics, I felt something click inside me. Building a device that moves because of wires, code, and teamwork felt like magic and logic combined. I realized that engineering lets me create things that live outside my head. It turns imagination into something that can help someone else. That realization made my dream feel bigger and more serious. To reach this dream I know I need education, persistence, and community. I plan to study engineering in college and challenge myself with difficult courses. I expect moments of frustration and confusion, but I also know I have the resilience to work through them. I want to seek out internships, research opportunities, and mentors who can show me what real world engineering looks like. I want to join communities of women in STEM so I can learn from their courage and contribute my own. I also know that reaching my dream requires me to stay connected to the reason I started. My goal is not only to build technology. My goal is to build technology that matters. I want to stay grounded in the experiences of people who feel unheard or unseen. That means listening, observing, and paying attention to the problems that are easy for others to miss. I hope to design tools that simplify everyday tasks or open doors for people who often face more obstacles than opportunities. My dream feels big, but it feels possible. It asks me to grow, to stay curious, and to trust that small steps can lead to something meaningful. I want to be a woman who dreams out loud and follows that dream with action. That is my “Pie in the Sky,” and I am ready to work toward it.

My name is Stephanie Mariel, and I have always believed in the power of helping others. From a young age, I saw how small acts of kindness could leave lasting impressions. Whether it was a teacher staying after school to tutor a struggling student or a nurse comforting a patient in pain, these moments showed me that compassion can make a real difference. Witnessing these examples inspired me to build a life and career focused on service, compassion, and giving back to the community. Today, I am pursuing a degree in Biology with a pre-medical focus. I chose this path because it combines my love for science with my passion for helping people. Becoming a physician is not just about treating illnesses; it is about caring for the whole person—offering hope, support, and understanding during their most vulnerable moments. My ultimate goal is to work in underserved communities where access to healthcare is limited. I want to ensure that every individual, regardless of where they live or what resources they have, can receive quality medical care. However, my ambitions go beyond a career title. I believe that true success comes from the impact we have on others, not just our own achievements. Outside of my future profession, I plan to stay involved in my community through volunteering at clinics, mentoring younger students who dream of careers in healthcare, and creating outreach programs that promote health education and wellness. I believe that healthcare and education are connected—when people are educated about their health, they are empowered to make better decisions for themselves and their families. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can help communities grow stronger and healthier. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that meaningful change does not happen overnight. It takes patience, hard work, and a willingness to show up, even when progress feels slow. I am committed to putting in the effort, not just in my career, but in my daily life. Whether it's offering my time, my skills, or simply listening to someone who needs support, I want to live my life in a way that reflects my values of service, compassion, and dedication. Looking ahead, I am excited about the journey in front of me. I know there will be challenges and obstacles, but I believe that every experience will help shape me into the person and professional I aspire to become. My dream is to leave a positive mark on every community I serve, to lift others up, and to inspire the next generation to do the same. I am proud of where I am today, and even more excited about the impact I can make in the future. My goal is simple: to leave every place and every person better than I found them, and to live a life dedicated to service, growth, and hope.