My favorite artist is Yayoi Kusama, and I specifically love her Infinity Mirrors. I've never had the pleasure of seeing them in person, but I imagine that it would feel like floating through space in the best way. The way she uses the mirrors with a combination of lights and her popular dot work to make it seem like you're in a never ending abyss is so beautiful to me. I think that her art work makes people think about things retrospectively, and that's really cool.

Adaptability is a noun that we often use in the scientific field to describe a species’ ability to physically change its genetics over time to better survive the harsh exterior world. However, adaptability can be used to describe more than just Darwinism. I believe that adaptability is a very specific and important characteristic that some people have developed far more than others. In my case, I believe that adaptability is my most estimable quality. In the English dictionary, adaptability means, “the ability to adjust to different conditions or circumstances” (Dictionary.com). Throughout my life, I have faced adversity that has forced me to become adaptable. The biggest example of that is when I was diagnosed with an incurable chronic illness. I have had to rethink and reshape my life to fit the new normal as new challenges arise. This has been indescribably difficult; however, it has taught me that I am capable of moving forward and adapting to change in order to live the happiest life possible for myself. I equate being able to adapt to being able to not let things bother you, in a sense. Not letting a problem completely dishevel your life is a vital quality to have. When I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, a chronic brain condition that puts constant pressure on my brain and spine, and puts me in constant pain, the first thing my mother asked me was, “are you scared?”, and I remember just looking up at her and telling her, “Why would I waste my time being scared about something that I have no control over?” Since then, I’ve had more MRIs than I can count, more appointments with neurologists and ophthalmologists than I can remember, and more needles stuck in my spine than I’ve ever wanted; but I’ve adapted, and moved forward. I live my life the way that I want to, and I don’t let the doctor's appointments, or the pain, or the medications stop me. I’ve let this condition become a part of my life without letting it ruin anything, or take anything from me. Being able to adapt to a new lifestyle, one that involves medications, and constant doctor’s appointments, and a few limitations, has taught me that even something like a chronic illness can’t stop me, or scare me away from doing the things that I want to do. I have so many plans for my future. However, I’m a reasonable person, and I know that I will not achieve my goals without facing adversities and rough patches. The hardships that I have faced in the past have provided me with the most important tool for overcoming my future difficulties. Adaptability; I know that I will never face a problem that can uproot my entire life, because I am strong enough to move through it, and adapt to the changes. So yes, adaptability might be used to describe species in the exterior world; but aren’t we all part of a species, adapting to the harsh changes of our exterior world?

I plan to get my degree in Biochemistry, and work in a forensics lab. I am passionate about STEM because it is something that seeks to answer so many unanswered questions. STEM careers are on the front lines of information-seeking, and I hope to one day be a part of the group who answers some of the questions of the world. As a forensic scientist, I hope to work toward criminal justice and use science to make the world a safer place. I believe that my STEM studies will help me to prepare for an excellent career because I plan to pursue a career in the STEM field! My education will teach me everything I need to know about biology and chemistry in order to become a successful forensic scientist! Not only will STEM education help further my knowledge, it will help me to further my sense of discipline and determination to achieve my goals! Research takes time and patience, and these are two amazing skills to have, not just in the work place, but life in general! Learning about STEM is a perfect way to prepare me to be a hard-working, and successful woman in the work place and in life overall!

My name is Sydney Massey, and I plan to pursue my undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Middle Tennessee State University. I grew up surrounded by STEM, and I have always seen myself pursuing a degree in the science field. My father has a degree in physics and mathematics, and he works as an engineer in the medical device industry. My mother is more focused on the social sciences, and she recently graduated with a degree in psychology and chemical dependency. She works as an addiction counselor. I have always participated in the sciences whenever I had the opportunity; I have been a member of my my schools Science Olympiad team for many years, and I've taken introductory science, chemistry, and AP biology classes. My biggest influence in life is my mother. She has always encouraged me to do what I love, and pursue a career in something that I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. She tells me, "find a job that you love to do, and the money will come." She has always told me that it's better to be happy everyday and make just enough money, then be miserable and make a lot. This is something that has helped me to decide a career path, because even though I know that I could make a lot more in biopharmasuticals or medical engineering, I want to work in forensics. Working in a forensics lab everyday, I could never get bored. I'm so excited to be able to graduate and get a job in the forensics field and do what I love. My mother is a two-time cancer survivor, and she doesn't make a whole lot of money, and she's never owned a new car in her life; but everyday, she is so excited to go to work because she loves what she does. I aspire to be like her, and love my job every single day, even when my job is stressful, and I have deadlines to meet, and I have to work odd hours. I want to be happy with the choices I make, and the career I pursue is a huge part of that. After spending my high school years stressing about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, It feels so liberating to finally know what I want to do. I've always known that a STEM career would be a great fit for me, and I'm so happy that I'll be able to do what I enjoy.

Instagram: _syd_leigh I am proud to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community because it is full of acceptance. My journey of showing people who I am has been a hard one; from not being accepted, to being denied opportunities, it has been difficult for me to be myself, and sadly, this is the case for most LGBTQ people. I strive to show people that just because I'm not straight, that doesn't mean I can't succeed.