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Bella Dougherty

5,785

Bold Points

11x

Nominee

3x

Finalist

Bio

Being a woman in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is both a privilege and a challenge. On the one hand, it's exciting to be part of a field that's driving innovation and transforming the world we live in. On the other hand, there are still too few women in STEM, and the obstacles we face can be daunting. One area of STEM that I've always been passionate about is computer coding. I love the logic, creativity, and problem-solving that coding requires. Whether it's building a website, creating an app, or writing a script, coding is like a puzzle that you get to solve over and over again. And the more you learn, the more possibilities open up. At the same time, I also care deeply about the environment. I believe that we have a responsibility to take care of the planet, and that technology can play a big role in that. From renewable energy to sustainable agriculture, there are so many ways that we can use our skills in STEM to create a better future for ourselves and the generations to come. However, pursuing a career in STEM is not always easy, especially when it comes to paying for college. The cost of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses can be prohibitive. This is where scholarships can make a huge difference in my life.

Education

University of Iowa

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Computer Science
  • Minors:
    • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

Thomas Jefferson High School

High School
2019 - 2022

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Computer Science
    • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
    • Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Technology

    • Dream career goals:

    • Help Desk

      University of Iowa
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Cross-Country Running

    Varsity
    2019 – 20212 years

    Awards

    • Varsity Academic

    Cheerleading

    Varsity
    2020 – Present4 years

    Awards

    • Academic Varsity

    Arts

    • Ovation

      Show Choir
      West Side Invitational
      2018 – 2020

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Service Club — Vice President
      2020 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Bold Study Strategies Scholarship
    My study strategies have changed tremendously throughout the years. I went to a project-based middle school, where the studying and homework outside of class was very limited. I had a tutor when I was a freshman in high school, she taught me very important study tips. I am going to discuss the three that has helped me the most. The first one and arguably the most important one is self-care and taking breaks from the stress that comes along with studying. I have found that if I stress about studying, I can not sleep. Which makes it incredibly difficult to do good on tests and other assignments I have to do at school. If I practice self care it reduces my stress. The second one was organization and keeping my bag and study space clean. If I do this I am able to find what I need, and remember what I have to do before it slips my mind. The third one is the simplest and has helped me the most. I use sticky notes, I LOVE STICKY NOTES! Sticky notes help me keep track of my todo lists, which can be pretty long during the school year.