For as long as I can remember, I have always loved math. In elementary school I would play Reflex Math games in my free time, and I was always among the first, if not the first, to memorise my math facts. When my teachers brought out timed multiplication tests, I was excited, not annoyed. I have competed in various math competitions growing up, with my most recent being a 14 hour math modelling competition. I, along with my four teammates, researched heat waves in Memphis Tennessee and created various models to answer the prompts given. We worked from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and completed the challenge with just under 10 minutes to spare! Needless to say, I am a bit of a math nerd. I first thought about physics near the end of my freshman year as I scheduled for my sophomore year. My entire schedule was planned out, but then my dad sent an email that encouraged me to try physics. Initially, I was a bit hesitant because it was a dual credit course that had mainly upper-classmen, and I was not sure how well I would do. However, my dad convinced me to take the class, and I am so grateful I took the chance. While I was excited to try it out, I could not have predicted how much I would enjoy the class. Physics allowed me to find practical uses with real world application for my math skills. Throughout the rest of high school, I have continued to nurture my love of math and science. My junior year, I took AP Calculus in addition to AP Physics. Both classes had their challenges, but as a whole I thoroughly enjoyed the concepts I learned. While I learned some real world applications in physics my sophomore year, AP physics is where I saw the practical applications that I truly enjoyed. We learned about torque, tension, centripetal force, and more. I discovered how to find the strength of cables required to hold signs and how mass and shape affects how fast an object can make it down a sloped ramp. I also could apply the concepts that I enjoyed in AP Calculus in using derivatives and integrals to connect position, velocity, and acceleration. Rounding out my highlights of classes that have fueled my interest in STEM. This past year, I took chemistry first semester and I am currently taking AP chemistry second semester. Chemistry is where I have had to work the hardest to master concepts, but I am finding that the challenge is drawing me in. While there are days where I am incredibly frustrated in class, it makes it all the more satisfying when the concept clicks. I had the same teacher for both chemistry classes, and he has certainly played a large role in my enjoyment of chemistry. Throughout my time in his class, I can tell how authentically passionate he is about his job and science in general. He does a fantastic job of explaining concepts, and he pushes us when he knows that we can be pushed. Throughout my time in math and science classes, I have learned how to problem solve and embrace challenges. While in general I am strong in those subjects, there are, and will forever be, aspects that are more difficult. By learning how to work through those challenges, I have grown to actually enjoy the more difficult aspects. I am so excited for college and the opportunity to further explore potential opportunities in engineering to combine my enjoyment of math and science.