As a scientist, I want to be rooted in reality. However, as a student of life, the world is so large. I want to teach science to students and still allow their imagination to grow

I grew up in a household full of strong women. My mom became pregnant with me in her sophomore year of college, and decided that the best environment for me would be at home, with my grandmother, my aunt, and my mom. I am so grateful for that choice, because it has inspired me to advocate for the strength of women to this day. I grew up watching my mom finish college, advance in her career as a social worker, and yet be present for every moment of my life. She was there when I broke my leg, she was there when I failed my first exam, she was there when I won my first tennis match, and she was there for my first concerts. She never let the struggle of raising myself and my brother on her own slow her down. She was also strong enough to admit when she was struggling. She was willing to ask for help - because she wanted what was best for us at the end of the day, and sometimes she couldn't provide that alone. Now that I am at college, my admiration for my mom grew even more. I cannot even imagine trying to raise a child in-between classes, exams, and the social stress of college. I ended up at the same college she went to 20 years ago. At an all-women's' college, I continue to be surrounded and inspired by strong women. It brings me to tears to know that my mom succeeded in this environment, with me on her hip as she walked from class to class. It makes me smile to know that my professors once looked on my mom with admiration as she refused their pity and passed their classes. It makes me glow to know that my mom's roommates would watch me in the same building I now live in when my mom had an exam, because they loved her and wanted to support her no matter what. My mom is a personal hero, best friend, an advisor, and so much more. It is unfortunate for me to say, but if my mom hadn't gone through what she did, I don't think I would be as well-rounded of a student and person as I am. She inspired me to be independent, intelligent, and hard-working. She inspired me to be a good human and a strong woman. She is my rock, my light, and I am grateful for all she does.

I grew up in a small community and truly lived in that idea of "it takes a village". With a single parent, I was raised by grandparents, great-grandparents, my mom's friends, neighbors, and more. Being able to give back to that community that helped shape me into who I am is incredibly important to me.

The joy I felt when I decided and went through with switching my major was indescribable. I had been worrying about my future with a biochemistry major with no desires to go into research or the medical field. I decided that I wanted to try a pursue education, despite everyone around me telling me I shouldn't. That moment when I submitted my paperwork was amazing. I felt as if I was finally living the dream that I wanted to, not the one people expected of me.

As a woman who grew up surrounded by strong, independent single mothers, the idea of empowered women has stuck with me from an early age. Society tends to constantly push stereotypes upon us that appeal to a androcentric society - "Crying is for girls", "You hit like a girl", "Man up" - these all leave the impression that if you aren't male, you aren't strong enough for our society. They imply that emotions and feminine interests are weak and infantile. I think one way society can effectively empower women of all ages, and men as well, is to move away from damaging phrases such as these. "Man up". For me, I think that they emotion and actions I am currently emphasizing are not powerful enough. I am being told that to actually have an effect, I have to act like a man. "You hit like a girl". As a former high-school softball player, that phrase doesn't hurt as much. When I "hit like a girl", I'm hitting doubles and triples. For the young girls and women who don't have this past experience, they are being told that they are not strong enough, like men. "Crying is for girls". It is not always about physical strength. Sometimes, it is about your emotions as well. Men are taught to believe they can't cry because only women show their emotions like that. Not only is it toxic to men to have that mentality, but women too. They're taught that they have to be emotional. If they're not emotional, it is odd. If they're openly emotional, they're not taken seriously or told "they're on their periods". There is no chance of men and women having equitable platforms in life when women are being put down, both jokingly and seriously. To counteract this, we need to be avoiding these phrases that harm our view of genders. Instead of mocking someone for being emotional by comparing them to a girl, we need to show empathy and compassion. Instead of joking with someone about how they swing like a girl, take a crack at them in some other way. Or, don't even joke at all about it! What I am saying might seem like I am anti-humor overall. "Oh, she just can't take a joke." I've heard that over and over again. Why? When I hear someone making a comment, whether it be a joke or not, if it falls in the lines of sexist, homophobic, transphobic, racist, ableist, or worse, I don't let it slide. I ask them to explain the joke - explain why someone thinks the person who had no control over how they were born deserves to be laughed at about those circumstances. Or, I simply call them on their "joke". Why is it funny to mock someone in the first place? Humor can be a driving force for connection, entertainment, and more. Humor can bring friends and family together. Humor does not need to be demeaning. Instead of mocking your friend for "hitting like a girl", we should be empowering everyone around us. Avoid the sexism, don't cut out all the fun.

"Be like a lighthouse: be a beacon of hope, guiding others toward safer waters." One of my main goals in life has always been to place the people around me first. I want to guarantee a bright future for so many people, especially as a future educator. I want to be able to guide my students toward a safe and bright future that they can achieve through their education. I specifically want to focus on making my classroom as equitable and welcoming as possible. So many studies are coming out about the disadvantages female students, students of color, disabled students, and impoverished students all face in a classroom that is designed for white boys. Being able to adjust the way I teach to appeal to all is a goal of mine. To do this, I have to continually educate myself and always treat life as if I am a permanent student of the world. Then, I can share my knowledge with my students, and inspire a love of learning in them as well.

As a young woman who comes from a small town in rural Minnesota, the need for volunteer EMTs and firefighters was immense. I grew up in a household where we had need for the emergency services in our area; many of our neighbors have been visited by the ambulance or fire truck at some point in the last few decades. When my teacher, who is also a part-time volunteer EMT, offered a training course to become a certified EMT, I jumped at the offer. I wanted to be able to make a difference in my area the same way that our small ambulance crew had already been doing for years. However, I knew I wouldn't stay at home forever. I became certified just as I began college, and I felt as if I was abandoning my hometown. I did not think I would be able to use my EMT skills on a college campus. When I arrived at College of Saint Benedict, I discovered that its brother school, Saint John's University, hosted a volunteer EMT squad made up of thirty students who were all certified. I applied and was accepted. It was an incredible feeling to be able to actually use my ability and certification at last. It has now been a year since I have started to volunteer with the Saint John's EMT Squad, and the experience has been overwhelmingly gratifying. I have been on multiple calls with staff, students, and visitors, each of them unique in their own way. Being able to support them through a trauma as small as a wound to as large as a broken bone is a beneficial moment for all. I have been able to continue my training and re-certification with classes provided on campus. Overall, it is a rewarding experience. Along with the technical and on-call experience, I have also expanded my acquaintance and friend group. Many of the people I have come to work with on multiple occasions have become close to me; we have been able to discuss calls, train together, and form a trusting bond that is necessary among first-responders. The experience as a whole - being able to make connections, help people, and continue my emergency medical training - has been central to my college life so far. I hope to be able to recertify and continue to volunteer through my next two years, and even beyond. Being an EMT is an important aspect in my life that makes me who I am today, and I am grateful to the people who have helped me achieve this goal of mine.

My favorite scientist of all time happens to be Jane Goodall, the exceptional primatologist who is accredited with decades of important research is relation to apes and primates. I heard about Goodall when I was young, and she has continued to expand her love for science to young girls everywhere. Her research not only pushes for a passion to save our world and its species, but she is a perfect example of how even just one individual with hope can change our planet for the better.