As a young woman, I have always longed for the ability to find solutions to world problems and scientific inquiries. The state of our environment, modern research, and medical sciences have always been intriguing to me. From the moment I stepped into a science course, I was completely enthralled. My teachers always found a way to make their courses compelling; grabbing my attention and inviting me to express curiosity. I have always enjoyed the wonders of science, but my love has grown significantly from my experience in my STEM courses throughout high school. It is because of this that I have been inspired over these last four years to follow my passions and pursue a career in science. I have also always loved making art and expressing myself through the things I create. I pride myself on my ability to teach myself new creative mediums. Over the years I have soaked up everything I could; teaching myself embroidery, calligraphy, and even pottery. During my time at Hilton High school, I have also participated in many school-wide graphic design competitions and other artistic endeavors. In fact, in 2019 one of my watercolor pieces was recognized as a finalist for one of the annual Hilton High School Art Show awards. In the future I plan to use my love for creativity in my field to make my papers and presentations more easily digestible for my audience. I have also been selling some of my art to fundraise for climate change and environmental organizations.

A healthy planet will give way for healthy people to prosper. We all share this Earth as our home and when we treat it poorly, we are depriving ourselves of a clean environment. Pollutants like plastics and microplastics plague our oceans and destroy the homes of millions of sea creatures. Carbon emissions ruin our atmosphere and warm up the planet, creating crazy and dangerous weather phenomenons. Fracking, which is used by oil companies, poisons our groundwater and pollutes surface water, threatening wildlife. The list goes on and on, but if we as a whole can agree to start treating our planet better, we can all make a difference for future generations. In my career, I plan to make a difference in the environment by studying pollutants in our great lakes and finding new ways to counteract the pollution. My double major in toxicology will allow me to conduct these studies in college and pave the way for me to pursue a career in environmental sciences. I believe I can make a difference in our environment because during the COVID-19 pandemic after just a few weeks of lock down, the air pollution that was normally created from flights, cars, and manufacturers had come to a halt. After the air had a chance to clear up, CNN reported that the Himalayan mountains could be seen from Punjab, in northern India, for the first time in decades. This incredible sight showed me just how fast our planet could recover from our mistreatment if we could just stop for a minute and take a step back. We must allow our planet to recover from the years of manufacturing and mistreatment it has endured for the sake of future generations.

My name is Isabelle Price and I have always found ways to overcome the adversities presented by my mental health. I have struggled with both ADHD and anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. Together, they act as obstacles when I try to make friends or connect with my peers. These also create issues for me in my education since I struggle with focusing and sitting still. However, despite these hindrances, I have found ways to overcome them and be my best self. When I was little, I saw a plethora of doctors, specialists, and therapists who gave me different strategies I could use to cope in the classroom. Because of this, I have been able to qualify for Honor Roll every quarter since freshman year. I have been inducted into the National Honor Society as of 2020, and I have even gained admission into SUNY Fredonia’s Honors Program. After COVID-19 shut down in-person learning, I lost contact with my friends and struggled with my mental health. I chose to stay fully remote for my Junior year. My ADHD made this quite difficult, but I was tenacious and found strategies that I could employ to succeed remotely. I dove on the Hilton Varsity Dive team for five years despite relentless bullying from my teammates due to my different interests and hyperfixations. By continuing as a diver and pushing through my negative experiences, I have developed an undying love for my sport and a foundation for my college diving career. I have also gotten a job as a lifeguard where I am frequently complimented on my focus and my ability to watch the pool. I can serve as a role model for other kids with ADHD and anxiety by showing them that their struggles don’t have to hold them back. Despite my many challenges, I have been able to succeed in my education, sport, and even my job. In college, I know that my major will not be easy to complete. Biochemistry is intense and the path I must take to receive my degree will have lots of twists and turns. However, with lots of determination and some help from family and friends, I am certain that I will be able to continue my path to success.

I remember as a kid watching my grandfather give himself insulin shots for his diabetes. It always seemed scary to me and I thought that there must be a better way for people like him to get their insulin. Over time, I came up with a device that would sit comfortably on your skin and be able to dispense insulin with the push of a button. Of course this idea has already been brought into the world, and my grandfather has even purchased one and he loves it. I have seen it many times and I know how well it works, but I believe that my ideas could make this technology even better. When my grandpa was using his insulin pod machine back in 2020, he suddenly had to be rushed to the emergency room with a deadly blood sugar level. It was discovered that he had used a faulty insulin pod which hadn't been giving him his insulin. This incident nearly killed him and is the sole reason why I want to focus so heavily on type 2 diabetes and insulin treatment. After college I would like to become a biochemical engineer. I don't want anyone to have to worry about using a syringe for every insulin dose, or the possibility of a faulty insulin pod. A position like this would allow me to focus more of my energy on researching ways I can improve this product and bring a better treatment to fruition that could help people just like my grandpa.

While I am attending SUNY Fredonia, I will achieve many of my short-term and long-term goals. I plan to major in Biochemistry and eventually go on to work in biochemical engineering. Some short-term goals of mine are to maintain a GPA of 3.7 or above, gain admission into the honors program, and to become a college athlete and compete as a D3 diver. The long-term goals I have set for myself are to pursue my masters degree and doctorate from Albany School of Pharmacy, to enter the workforce confidently and find a well-paying job, and to limit how much debt I accrue while pursuing my education. Once I graduate with my bachelor's degree, I would like to pursue a master's degree and receive my PhD. I have always loved researching and learning about new things. Providing care and helping the ones I love has also been a passion. Pursuing a career where I can fuse both of them and make a difference in the lives of many seems worthwhile to me. My desire to continue my education comes from my commitment to serving my community and my passion for increasing female representation in STEM careers.

Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to pursue my passions and value my education; helping me to become the successful student that I am today. My mother is an English teacher and has always placed importance on being a good reader and writer. When I was a kid, she would always buy my sister and I lots of books, reading to us whenever she could. She told us how important it was as women, to be good writers and strong self-advocates. My father, who has been my biggest role model, always dreamed of becoming a comic artist. Sadly, his dream never came to fruition, but it exposed me to art at an extremely young age and prompted me to draw and paint whenever I could. My writing skills have gotten me quite far in life and have enabled me to earn a spot in the SUNY Fredonia Honors Program as well as take AP and IB courses throughout high school. I am certain that my writing, reading, and self-advocacy skills will continue to come in handy as I make my way through life on campus. In the future, I plan to make use of my artistic talent to make my scientific presentations and research documents pleasing to the eye and interesting to my audience. I would also like to use my art to host fundraisers and events to help raise awareness for global warming and the state of our environment.

My experience with my mental health has made me stronger and shown me that I can always find ways to overcome adversity. I have struggled with my ADHD and anxiety disorders my entire life. Together, they act as obstacles when I try to make friends or connect with my peers. These also create issues for me in my education and in the workplace since I struggle with focusing and sitting still. However, despite these hindrances, I have found ways to overcome my adversities and be my best self. Over the years, I have consistently qualified for the Honor Roll; even while taking many dual-credit and AP level courses. I have been inducted into the National Honor Society as of 2020, and I have even gained admission into SUNY Fredonia’s Honors Program. I dove on the Varsity Dive team for five years despite relentless bullying from my teammates due to my different interests. By continuing as a diver and pushing through my negative experiences, I have developed an undying love for my sport and a foundation for my college diving career. Even in the workplace, I have managed to rise above my obstacles and become a well-rounded lifeguard, who frequently is complimented on my ability to focus and watch the pool. In college, I know that my major will not be easy to complete. Biochemistry is intense and the path I must take to receive my degree will have many twists and turns. However, due to my past record of rising above my struggles, I am certain that I will be able to continue my path to success and set a positive example for women just like me.

My name is Isabelle Price and I am a senior at Hilton High School. From the moment I stepped into a science course, I was completely enthralled. My teachers always found a way to make their courses compelling; grabbing my attention and inviting me to express curiosity. Science has inspired me in so many ways throughout my life, and along the way, has become the topic that I am most passionate about. In the fall I will be attending SUNY Fredonia to study Biochemistry. With all of the new opportunities Fredonia will have to offer me, I would like to find one where I can work on some research and hopefully begin to create a new way for people to treat Type 2 diabetes. As a kid, I remember watching my grandfather give himself insulin shots for his diabetes. It always seemed scary to me and I thought that there must be a better way for people like him to get their insulin. Eventually, my grandfather purchased a new device that would help him with this. It featured a touch pad device and an insulin pod. The pod sat comfortably on his skin and had a needle and a small vat that would hold insulin. Once he entered the types of food he ate and the amounts he consumed, the pod could dispense the proper insulin dose with the push of a button. Ever since he started using it, his life has been easier. I was thrilled that my grandpa didn't have to give himself shots or prick his finger anymore. All he had to do was set the insulin amount on his little touch pad and push the button to receive the right dose of insulin. This piece of technology was life changing. After college I would like to become a biochemical engineer. I plan on using my degree to find even better solutions for diabetic individuals to get their insulin. I don't want anyone to have to worry about using a syringe for every insulin dose, or having to prick their fingers for a reading. A position like this would allow me to focus more of my energy on researching ways I can improve technology and bring better treatment methods to fruition.

The most inspiring book I have ever read would have to be the American comic series, Saga, written by Brian K Vaughan. Vaughan uses this series to dive into an ocean of topics where other authors wouldn't dare dip their toe. To start, the main characters in this story, Marko and Alana, are an interracial couple. Throughout the story, they struggle to find safety from their respective home planets of Wreath and Landfall, which have been at war for decades. This war has gone on for so long in fact, that the people fighting for it have no idea why it started in the first place. Marko's Wreath heritage can be identified by his horns, and Alana is identified as Landfallian by her wings. Together, they have a daughter named Hazel who has both horns and wings. Any correspondence, let alone procreation, between the two races is punishable by law, which makes finding safety all the more difficult for our otherworldly couple. Along the way, our main characters work through problems with things such as addiction, loss, and identity. One of the most notable events in the story is one where our couple encounters a transgender Wreath war prisoner and escape with her in tow, giving her freedom from her past situation as well as the freedom to be herself. Another arc in this story deals with power and corruption as we see a royal from a Wreath ally planet abandon his kingdom and begin living his life for himself and his newborn son. There is also a quite beautiful theme that runs throughout this story about how violence always brings on more violence, and as you read deeper into this series, this theme constantly pulls on your heartstrings, keeping you on the very edge if your seat.

When I joined my school's varsity diving team in eighth grade, I unknowingly signed up for four years of isolation, hazing, and bullying at the hands of my teammates. Over time, I learned how to detach myself from the girls and only focus on diving. Applying this to my time at practice enabled me to continue loving my sport. As girls who victimized me graduated and left the team, the bullying intensified. My coach, who was supposed to teach and encourage me, picked up the harassment where the others left off. I was not in a position where I could remove myself from this harassment and I had to trust a coach that was constantly mistreating me. As a result, I broke my hand in September of this past season. But rather than quitting, I got a waterproof cast and continued diving. I used my last few months on the team to change its atmosphere and dynamic. I told my younger teammates about my personal dive experiences and about the relentless bullying I endured from my previous teammates and the coach. We formed a safe space for each other and we became open and honest. Girls created relationships based around solidarity and kindness rather than hatred and bullying. I changed the way the younger girls viewed diving and I was able to change the way the team would evolve. My coach continued to harass me, but now that my teammates understood my situation, they were able to disregard her inappropriate comments and avoid being targeted themselves. I could not stand to let another girl receive the coach’s horrible treatment after I graduated. When the season ended, I was perfectly content. I left the team better than I had found it and created a healthier atmosphere for future divers to prosper.

As an 8th grader, I was given the opportunity to move up and join the varsity diving team. Upon joining this group of tight-knit girls at such a young age, I was subjected to isolation, hazing, and bullying. This experience dragged on for four years and in that time taught me how to purposefully detach myself from toxic situations and only focus on myself, regardless of what others say or do. Applying this skill to my time at practices enabled me to continue smiling and loving my sport. However, as girls who victimized me started to graduate and leave the team, the bullying seemed to intensify. My coach, who was supposed to be teaching and encouraging me, was picking up the bullying and harassment where the others left off. This presented me with a tough situation since in past years I was seen as equal to my perpetrators, but now the power I held was much lower than the person who was mistreating me. I was unable to remove myself from the harassment and was instead expected to trust and obey a coach that was constantly mistreating me. From forcing my younger teammates away from me, to misdirecting me on dangerous dives, this woman seemed to do everything in her power to put me down and prevent me from seeing through with my goals. However, I pushed through these hardships with strength and resilience. My love for the diving board became stronger than ever this past season. In fact, when I went to look at colleges, my face lit up when I saw the incredible pool that SUNY Fredonia had to offer me. Despite all the obstacles that I have faced during my diving career, the happiness that this sport gives me is unmatched and can shine through any negativity.

If I were to describe my values in three words, I would say that I value culture, equity, and diversity. Throughout history, minority groups have been overly targeted in workplaces. People are told to get rid of things that are culturally significant, such as an employer telling an African American to get rid of their locs because they are viewed as “unprofessional”. Culture and the preservation of cultural traditions are extremely important to me because these are the things that make us different from one another. It gives people the ability to take pride in their roots and express themselves. Women are generally forced to harden up in the workplace in order to be taken seriously, however I hope to enter my career in biochemical engineering and embrace my femininity at work. Equity is another big value of mine. Black, brown, and indigenous communities have been excluded and prevented from experiencing economic prosperity for centuries. These individuals are kept in poverty and given less opportunity than others. Promoting equity and working to raise awareness for these struggles can help give these people more opportunities to succeed. Lastly, I value diversity. When diversity is prioritized, more people can see themselves in roles where they were not portrayed historically. Women in science have seldom found a place in the spotlight, and by promoting diversity in the workplace and in schools, little girls everywhere can dream bigger and reach new heights.

My favorite book would have to be the American comic, Saga, written by Brian K Vaughan. Brian uses this comic to dive into topics where other authors wouldn't dare dip their toe. To start, the main characters in this story, Marko and Alana, are an interracial couple. Throughout the story, they struggle to find safety from their respective home planets of Wreath and Landfall, which have been at war for decades. This war has gone on for so long in fact, that the people fighting for it have no idea why it started in the first place. Marko's Wreath heritage can be identified by his horns, and Alana is identified as Landfallian by her wings. Together, they have a daughter named Hazel who has both horns and wings, which makes finding safety all the more difficult for our otherworldly couple. Along the way, our main characters run into problems with addiction, loss, and identity. One of the most notable encounters is one where they find a transgender Wreath war prisoner and escape with her in tow, giving her freedom from her past situation as well as the freedom to be herself. This comic also deals with the hardships of being in a long term relationship, and this topic becomes even more powerful when the reader sees that they have the whole world against them. I recommend this series to anyone who isn't afraid to read about exciting, relevant, real-world issues and how they can be dealt with by the amazing Marko and Alana as they travel through space with their little girl.

As a swim instructor at the YMCA, I’m not in a traditional leadership position; I’m not a manager and I have no direct reports, however, I have a leadership mindset and act as a mentor when I am instructing. During my lessons, I always try to make the kids feel comfortable. I create healthy relationships with them and encourage them to make progress. I take my work seriously and hold myself to a high personal standard when teaching to set a good example for my pupils. An example of these standards would be how I always participate in my lessons and activities alongside them so they feel more secure in participating. I also make sure I am giving each kid some form of 1 on 1 advice or coaching during lessons so that they not only feel important but so kids also gain a deeper understanding of what I am trying to teach. Another way I show mentorship at work is by being a strong collaborator. When I am working with another instructor, I make sure that I am being helpful and mindful of their lesson plans while they are leading, and when I teach with an assistant, I act as a mentor and make sure my assistant knows the lesson and can help out where it is necessary. Although I am not a manager, I still teach with a leadership and mentorship mindset. Through my actions, I hope to ensure the success of both the YMCA swim instructors and the kids we teach.

My name is Isabelle Price and I am a senior at Hilton High School. After I graduate, I will be attending SUNY Fredonia to major in Biochemistry. I have been a member of the Hilton Varsity Swim and Dive team for five years, winning the Diver of the Year award in 2019. I am also a member of the National Honor Society, and I have qualified for Honor Roll every quarter since freshman year. Outside of school I work as a waitress for Polska Chata LLC, a small family-owned Polish restaurant. Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to pursue my passions and value my education; helping me to become the successful student that I am today. Modern research and biological sciences have always been intriguing to me. As a kid, I witnessed many members of my family grow ill with things such as type 2 diabetes and cancer. Because of this, I have always longed for the ability to find solutions to world problems and scientific inquiries. In the future, I will become a biochemical engineer. Going to college will be the first step towards my future as a STEM professional. I have always been involved in my community. I volunteered as a counselor for the Hilton Summer Art Camp in 2018 and 2019, where I assisted in teaching kids about ceramics. I spent two weeks during both summers working with kids; along the way, I gained important communication and teaching skills. I was also an assistant dive coach for the Modified Swim and Dive team for three years, helping countless aspiring divers to reach their fullest potential. By coaching the modified team, I gained important leadership skills. I saw how my coaching impacted the team, and over time I was able to witness how each student grew as an individual from my feedback and coaching. During my first semester at SUNY Fredonia, my goals are to maintain a GPA of 3.7 or above, keep my place in the honors program, and to go All-American as a diver for the Fredonia Blue Devils. I am looking forward to my time on campus since I will be in an environment where I can finally spread my wings and satisfy all my curiosities about the world of STEM. My desire to continue my education comes from my commitment to serving my community and my passion for increasing female representation in STEM careers. I hope to complete my degree and graduate with as little student debt as possible.

The quality that I value most in myself is my tenacity. Growing up, I struggled to cope with my ADHD and anxiety. I was diagnosed at seven years old and started treatment soon after. I was aware of my symptoms, but I struggled with focusing, sitting still, and making friends. Over the years I saw a plethora of doctors, specialists, and therapists. Each one gave me different strategies I could use to improve my performance in the classroom. Most of them were centered around resetting my focus and keeping me from feeling restless. At first, I found it difficult to discreetly practice my coping methods during school, but I kept at it and gave each one plenty of individual practice both at home and in class. Eventually, I began utilizing my strategies regularly during school, sometimes without even thinking. By the time I had entered high school, I noticed that my grades had improved significantly. Throughout my high school career, I have won three Student of the Month awards recognizing my focus and work ethic. I have maintained a 3.7 GPA which has qualified me for the Honor Roll or better every quarter since freshman year. I have even been a member of the National Honor Society since 2020. People with ADHD typically develop their social and emotional skills at a slower rate than those without it. In terms of friendships, my time spent on the varsity dive team was rough. I was a member of the team for five years. Every day, I would walk into practice and sit down by myself on the mat. I was the first one there, but as my teammates arrived over the next ten minutes, each of them came in, sat on the mats, and distanced themselves from me. I tried my best to make connections with them, but it felt like I was always one step behind them. Because of this, I was constantly bullied, hazed, and isolated by my teammates. At one point, somebody even put a moldy, rotten apple into my bag, which ruined a number of my bathing suits. Over time, I learned how to detach myself from the girls and only focus on diving. Applying this to my time at practice enabled me to continue loving my sport. After four long seasons, my teammates all left for one reason or another. Some graduated, others quit. I was finally alone and able to shine. I placed 7th at the Elmira Invitational and took 3rd place in Watkins Glen. However, my greatest accomplishment this season was my Sectional score and place. In past years my teammates had always made nasty and inappropriate comments to me during this meet to try and hinder my performance. Without them, I had a clear conscience and was ranked 9th out of 30 divers with a score of over 380 points. As I have grown into the young woman I am today, I have realized that tenacity is an important quality for achieving success. When I face an obstacle or a tough situation, I never give up. My tenacious tendencies have always helped me reach my fullest potential. In college, I will be majoring in biochemistry. As an aspiring biochemical engineer, the courses that I am required to take will not be easy, and the field I wish to enter lacks adequate female representation. I plan to face these challenges head-on and push through them. My tenacity will be the key that unlocks the door to my success.

My name is Isabelle Price and I am a senior at Hilton High School. From the moment I stepped into a science course, I was completely enthralled. My teachers always found a way to make their courses compelling; grabbing my attention and inviting me to express curiosity. Science has inspired me in so many ways throughout my life, and along the way, has become the topic that I am most passionate about. In the fall I will be attending SUNY Fredonia to study Biochemistry. With all of the new opportunities Fredonia will have to offer me, I would like to find one where I can work on some research and hopefully begin to create a new way for people to treat Type 2 diabetes. As a kid, I remember watching my grandfather give himself insulin shots for his diabetes. It always seemed scary to me and I thought that there must be a better way for people like him to get their insulin. Eventually, my grandfather purchased a new device that would help him with this. It featured a touch pad device and an insulin pod. The pod sat comfortably on his skin and had a needle and a small vat that would hold insulin. Once he entered the types of food he ate and the amounts he consumed, the pod could dispense the proper insulin dose with the push of a button. Ever since he started using it, his life has been easier. I was thrilled that my grandpa didn't have to give himself shots or prick his finger anymore. All he had to do was set the insulin amount on his little touch pad and push the button to receive the right dose of insulin. This piece of technology was life changing. After college I would like to become a biochemical engineer. I plan on using my degree to find even better solutions for diabetic individuals to get their insulin. I don't want anyone to have to worry about using a syringe for every insulin dose, or having to prick their fingers for a reading. A position like this would allow me to focus more of my energy on researching ways I can improve technology and bring better treatment methods to fruition.

To me, self-care is more than just my skin care routine. I see self-care as a necessity to maintain my mental stability. As a person who struggles with anxiety and depression, my mind can be an awful place. I must maintain the spaces in which I live, and my mind is one of them. Clearing my head is the same to me as cleaning my bedroom. I went many years doing this alone, talking to myself or writing in a journal, but recently I have started seeing a therapist. My therapist and I came up with a cycle to help me healthily resolve my negative emotions. During the week, I maintain my thoughts by visualizing clouds sweeping away any negativity I feel. Then when I talk to my therapist once a week, I reach up into the sky and bring down those clouds. It starts to rain, and I release the things that are bothering me. We let them rain for a bit and we identify where these raindrops are coming from. If something is bringing too much rain to my sunny skies, I do my best to spend less time on it. If the rain is coming from a relationship I must maintain or a task I have to complete, I bring an umbrella so the rain will not bother me. Sometimes an umbrella can be as simple as a five minute walk, but it still keeps me dry and clears my mind. Since I started therapy, my mind is less scary. I feel like I can focus better in school and talk to people without feeling anxious. Self-care looks different for everyone, and once you find something that works for you, even if it's a simple acne cream, you can begin to live your life to the fullest.

Patience is a virtue. I remember my grandmother telling me this when I was little. But I did not understand what it meant. Growing up I was always in the fast lane. I wanted to go out and experience things; I wanted to learn and soak up everything I could. I didn't want to slow down, but at 7 years old I was diagnosed with ADHD and my world stopped. I had to see new doctors, therapists, and specialists to help me cope with my symptoms. I found myself facing obstacles that towered over me menacingly. But with patience, I have found ways to rise above them and be my best self. By practicing and employing my new coping strategies in the classroom, I have been able to excel in my classes. I have qualified for Honor Roll every quarter since freshman year, and I was inducted into the National Honor Society in 2020. I have even gained admission into SUNY Fredonia’s prestigious Honors Program. During remote learning, my ADHD posed as a huge obstacle for me. I had only ever used my learning strategies in a classroom setting. However, I was patient with myself and gave myself time to relearn my old strategies to suit my new environment. I made changes that were able to help me at home and that I will be able to carry with me into college when I have to complete homework and other assignments on my own. In the future, patience will be the key to my success. My grandmother wanted me to know that patience is useful. It is a learned skill that is worth having in my back pocket. I want to receive my degree for the betterment of my future and my career, and my patience will get me through.

Over the years, I have found ways to love every piece of myself. However, the thing I love most would be my ADHD. Since I was very little, I have always been loud, opinionated, and driven. I always find new hobbies to fixate on and constantly teach myself new things. I have also always had tons of energy. The symptoms of my ADHD have not always been something I loved, but as I have grown up, I have come to realize how much they have helped me. My opinions and drive are often useful when I am helping to spread awareness for the things that matter to me. I frequently donate to charity and use my platforms online to get the word out about social issues. Most recently I have been giving a portion of my earnings to Ukraine every week. Recently, I found the perfect word to describe my love for learning as a personality trait; I am a philomath. Since I was in elementary school, I have taught myself everything I possibly could. I pick up obscure hobbies, like embroidery, and then hyperfixate and do everything I can to become a master. I am always looking for new things to learn and I am eager to share my knowledge with others. My excess of energy is great for getting things done. As I have gotten older I have found ways to combat my executive dysfunction and can now use this energy to be productive and complete tasks. In the workplace, my energy helps me to be a better waitress since I can get things out to people faster and not get over-exhausted. All my life I had looked at my ADHD as an obstacle; but over time, any obstacle can be turned around and used as a motivator.

“If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” (Albert Einstein) Modern research and medical sciences have always been intriguing to me. As a kid, I witnessed many members of my family grow ill with things such as type 2 diabetes and cancer. Because of this, I have always longed for the ability to find solutions to world problems and scientific inquiries. Going to college is going to be my first step towards my future as a STEM professional. From the moment I stepped into a science course, I was completely enthralled. My teachers always found a way to make their courses compelling; grabbing my attention and inviting me to express curiosity. I have always enjoyed the wonders of science, but my love has grown significantly from my experience in my STEM courses throughout high school. It is because of this that I have been inspired over these last four years to follow my passions and pursue a career in science. While I am attending SUNY Fredonia, I will achieve many of my short-term and long-term goals. I plan to major in Biochemistry and eventually go on to work in pharmaceuticals. Some short-term goals of mine are to maintain a GPA of 3.7 or above, to excel in my honors courses, and to become a college athlete and compete as a D3 diver. The long-term goals I have set for myself are to pursue my masters degree and PhD, to enter the workforce confidently and find a well-paying job, and to limit how much debt I accrue while pursuing my education. My desire to continue my education comes from my commitment to serving my community and my passion for increasing female representation in STEM careers. After college, I want to travel and see the world. I feel like it is important for people to go to other countries and see how different cultures and groups of people live their lives. I also love food and I have always wanted to go out and taste different cuisines from countries all over the world. A goal I have for traveling is to save up enough money to bring my mother on an adventure with me so that we can both experience foreign cuisine together. Once my life settles down into a routine, another goal of mine is to spend my free time serving my community. Community service has always been important to me and I would like to spend my adult life giving back in any way that I can.

One life experience that has shaped me into the person that I am today can be found in my varsity diving career. I broke my hand on the diving board freshman year while learning a reverse 1 and 1/2 somersault dive. This held me back from re-trying that dive for three years. Hitting the board is traumatic, especially when broken bones are involved, but I was resilient, and I kept diving. However, in an attempt to qualify for states, I worked on said dive again this year, and to my demise, history repeated itself. I suffered the exact same injury from three years before, which threw a wrench into my goals for my last season of diving. But this time it was different. I was able to work with my injury and eventually found ways that it could benefit me on the board. With dives that involve twists and somersaults, I used the weight of my cast to pull me around, which allowed me to perform better dives with less effort. All the while, I was able to make light of the situation and stay optimistic with my teammates. I was able to make lighthearted jokes and laugh about my situation in order to make my time on the board a bit less scary. I may not have made states, but I managed to place 9th in the sectional meet while I dove with a broken hand. And yet, this is only one scenario in which I was able to adapt to overcome a difficult barrier. It taught me that tenacity and persistence are key qualities to achieve success.

One way in which I try to leave a positive impact on the world is by leaving things in better shape than I found them. A great example of this can be found in my varsity diving career. My coach did not properly instruct me on a dangerous dive which led me to break my hand in September of this past season. However, I saw this as a challenge and rose above my obstacles. Rather than quitting, I got a waterproof cast and continued diving through the end of my senior season. Since I was the only senior, I used my last few months on the team to change its atmosphere and dynamic. I told my teammates about my personal experience with diving and I told them about the relentless bullying I endured from my previous teammates and the coach. We formed a safe space for each other and we became open and honest. Girls created relationships based around solidarity and kindness rather than hatred and bullying. I changed the way the younger girls viewed diving. I came up with ways to make dive fun despite the coach's nasty remarks. I was able to change the way the team would evolve. My coach continued to harass me through the end of the season, but now that my teammates understood my situation, they were able to disregard her inappropriate comments and avoid being targeted themselves. I stayed on the team because I could not stand to let another girl receive the coach’s horrible treatment after I graduated. When the season ended, I was perfectly content. I left my previous situation better than I had found it and I had created a healthier atmosphere for new divers to prosper in the future.

My dream life would look different depending on what I choose to do in these next few years. However, I have a specific path in mind that would make me feel the happiest. To start, I want to finish my higher education. Going to college is going to be my first step towards my future as a STEM professional. I am looking forward to my time on campus since I will be in an environment where I can finally spread my wings and satisfy all my curiosities about the world of STEM. As I continue to learn and grow, I plan to look for a job as a biochemical engineer where I can help find answers to modern scientific inquiries. Then I want to travel and see the world. I feel like it is important for people to go to other countries and see how different cultures and groups of people live their lives. I also love food and I have always wanted to go out and taste different cuisines from countries all over the world. I would also like to move in with my current boyfriend. He has always been there for me and living with him would make my everyday life ten times better. I would like to get two dogs, preferably one big dog and one small one, that we can take care of together. Once my life settles down into a routine, I would like to spend my free time serving my community. Community service has always been important to me and I would like to spend my adult life giving back in any way that I can.

My name is Isabelle Price and I am a senior at Hilton High School. From the moment I stepped into a science course, I was completely enthralled. My teachers always found a way to make their courses compelling; grabbing my attention and inviting me to express curiosity. Science has inspired me in so many ways throughout my life, and along the way, has become the topic that I am most passionate about. My desire to continue my education comes from my commitment to serving my community and my passion for increasing female representation in STEM careers. In the fall I will be attending SUNY Fredonia to study Biochemistry. With all of the new opportunities, Fredonia will have to offer me, I would like to find one where I can work on some research and hopefully begin to create a new way for people to treat Type 2 diabetes. I remember as a kid watching my grandfather give himself insulin shots for his diabetes. It always seemed scary to me and I thought that there must be a better way for people like him to get their insulin. Over time, I came up with a device that would sit comfortably on your skin and be able to dispense insulin with the push of a button. Of course, this idea has already been brought into the world. My grandfather has even purchased one himself, and he loves it. I have seen him use it many times and I know how well it works, but I believe that my ideas could make this technology even better. When my grandpa was using his insulin pod machine back in 2020, he suddenly had to be rushed to the emergency room with a deadly blood sugar level. It was discovered that he had used a faulty insulin pod that hadn't been giving him his insulin. This incident nearly killed him and is the sole reason why I want to focus so heavily on type 2 diabetes and insulin treatment. I am most excited about the newest breakthrough in type 2 diabetes treatment: Tandem Diabetes Care. Tandem Care has released new technology that will finally allow people with diabetes to connect their insulin to their smartphone and control their pumps more easily. The reason this tech is so important to me is because of my grandfather, who has struggled with Type 2 diabetes for over a decade. After college, I would like to become a biochemical engineer. I don't want anyone to have to worry about using a syringe for every insulin dose, or the possibility of a faulty insulin pod. A position like this would allow me to focus more of my energy on researching ways I can improve this product, and in the end, bring better treatment to fruition that could help people just like my grandpa.

Independence comes from more than just being on your own. It means more than just being self sufficient. I see independence as being yourself regardless of what other people think. When I started high school, I struggled to find friends. I spent many lunches alone and I didn't have anyone to talk to in my classes. I dealt with this as best as I could but eventually I became depressed and anxious. I was starting to convince myself that maybe I was the issue. Maybe there was something wrong with my personality, or clothing, or interests. Over time, I started to change myself to please others. I stopped wearing things I liked and I stopped talking about the things that really interested me. I felt like the only way to escape this loneliness was to completely change who I was. Surprisingly, this worked out for a short time. I had a few more friends and I was having conversations with people more often. But then, I started having trouble expressing myself and my emotions. I felt numb, and as years went on, I lost my true sense of self. In 2020, online learning saved me. I wasn't going in to school anymore. I didn't have to get dressed a certain way or talk to people that judged me. I could rediscover myself and live authentically again. It took a lot of self-confidence and positive self-talk, but after a while, I started to live my life for myself again. When you can live freely as your authentic self, you realize what true independence feels like. You free yourself from the judgments and predispositions of the world around you as you live without insecurity. When I finally started living for myself again, I finally tasted true independence, and I loved it.

My name is Isabelle Price and I am currently a senior at Hilton High School. Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to pursue my passions and value my education; helping me to become the successful student that I am today. After I graduate this June I am going to attend SUNY Fredonia and study Biochemistry. I was also inducted this Spring as a member of SUNY Fredonia's Honors Program. In the future, I am hoping to become a biochemical engineer. I plan to work for a lab or research facility where I would research cures for chronic illnesses and help find new and better ways to diagnose them. I have always longed for the ability to find solutions to world problems and scientific inquiries. The state of our environment, modern research, and medical sciences have always been intriguing to me. From the moment I stepped into a science course, I was completely enthralled. My teachers always found a way to make their courses compelling; grabbing my attention and inviting me to express curiosity. I have always enjoyed the wonders of science, but my love has grown significantly from my experience in my STEM courses throughout high school. It is because of this that I have been inspired over these last four years to follow my passions and pursue a career in science. I have also always loved making art and expressing myself through the things I create. I pride myself on my ability to teach myself new creative mediums. Over the years I have soaked up everything I could; teaching myself embroidery, calligraphy, and even pottery. During my time at Hilton High school, I have also participated in many school-wide graphic design competitions and other artistic endeavors. In fact, in 2019 one of my watercolor pieces was recognized as a finalist for one of the annual Hilton High School Art Show awards. Going to college is going to be my first step towards my future as a STEM professional. I am looking forward to my time on campus since I will be in an environment where I can finally spread my wings and satisfy all my curiosities about the world of STEM. As I continue to learn and grow, I plan to combine my love for art and my passion for science to create compelling research presentations that will captivate my audience. I hope to make a difference in the world of STEM through not only my research but by representing women in a field where we are not typically portrayed. As more women enter the world of STEM, little girls everywhere will realize that they too can become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, or whatever their heart desires. Representation is key not only for white cisgender women, but also for women of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community such as trans women. I believe that as more women and minorities continue to enter careers in STEM, they will pave the way for future generations to thrive and follow the things that they are passionate about.

14 years old. When you're 14 years old, you don't know who you are. Then, you're thrown into an environment where you're surrounded by teenagers up to five years older than you. You are expected to talk, act, and dress a certain way. You might not want to talk, act, or dress this way, but if you want to survive socially, you will. I was 14 years old when I entered High School. I had two friends going in but after a few months, they drifted into different friend groups. I began dressing, talking, and acting differently as an attempt to fit in. But I still felt lonely most of the time. I was 15 years old when my sophomore year began. I had created a few relationships with my classmates from freshman year and was excited to spend time with them. I still dressed, talked, and acted the way I had to; in order to fit in, to be considered "normal". I turned 16 on March 15th 2020. The next day, COVID-19 had shut down in-person learning. All my hard work, my talking, acting, and dressing to fit in was for nothing. I had no friends. Nobody kept in contact with me; I was lonely again. I was 16 when I stopped caring; not about myself, but about what others thought of me. I was 16 when I found out how much I loved anime and rediscovered my passion for video games. I was 16 when I met my current best friend and bonded with him over Pokemon and Xbox games. I was 16 when I found myself again. I'm 18 now, and I'm happy. I don't need to fit in. I don't want to hide my passions and hobbies. I am finally proud to be me.

When I joined my school's varsity diving team in eighth grade, I unknowingly signed up for four years of isolation, hazing, and bullying at the hands of my teammates. Over time, I learned how to detach myself from the girls and only focus on diving. Applying this to my time at practice enabled me to continue loving my sport. However, as girls who victimized me started to graduate and leave the team, the bullying intensified. My coach picked up the harassment where the others left off. In past years I was seen as equal to my perpetrators, but now I held much less power than the person who mistreated me. Eventually, my coach misled me through a dangerous dive and I broke my hand in September of this past season. But rather than quitting, I got a waterproof cast and continued diving. Since I was the only senior, I used my last few months to change the team atmosphere and dynamic. I told my teammates about my personal experience with diving and as a result, we formed a safe space for each other. We became open and honest. Girls created relationships based around solidarity and kindness rather than hatred and bullying. I changed the way the younger girls viewed diving. I came up with ways to make dive fun despite the coach's nasty remarks. I was able to change the way the team would evolve. I stayed on the team because I could not stand to let another girl receive the coach’s horrible treatment after I graduated. When the season ended, I was perfectly content. I left my previous situation better than I had found it and I had created a healthier atmosphere for new divers to prosper in the future.

No matter what comes my way, I have always been able to make the best of my situation and overcome adversity. I have struggled with both ADHD and anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. Together, they act as obstacles when I try to make friends or connect with my peers. These also create issues for me in my education and in the workplace since I struggle with focusing and sitting still. However, despite these hindrances, I have found ways to overcome my adversities and be my best self. Over the years, I have consistently qualified for the Honor Roll; even while taking many dual-credit and AP level courses. I have been inducted into the National Honor Society as of 2020, and I have even gained admission into SUNY Fredonia’s Honors Program. I dove on the Varsity Dive team for five years despite relentless bullying from my teammates due to my different interests. By continuing as a diver and pushing through my negative experiences, I have developed an undying love for my sport and a foundation for my college diving career. Even in the workplace, I have managed to rise above my obstacles and become a well-rounded lifeguard, who frequently is complimented on my ability to focus and watch the pool. In college, I know that my major will not be easy to complete. Biochemistry is intense and the path I must take to receive my degree will have many twists and turns. However, due to my past record of rising above my struggles, I am certain that I will be able to continue my path to success and set a positive example for people just like me.

My favorite piece of art is more personal than you might think. The piece in question is a bowl that my grandmother made me. It sounds silly that out of all the artistic work that exists in the world that I would choose something so simple, but I assure you there's a good reason. My grandmother was never went to college, in fact, she was discouraged from expressing herself in a higher education. My grandma always loved art though. She had three kids and raised them all as a stay at home mom. As her children grew up and went on to live lives of their own, she frequently filled her time with painting, drawing, and even teaching herself pottery. After many years of practice, she had become quite good with a wheel and clay. She would frequent my uncle's pottery studio shop and would purchase all kinds of glazes, tools, and types of clay. She practiced her craft over the last 12 years and has been able to produce mugs, pots, cups, bowls, plates, and much more. She inspires me to follow my dreams even when nobody believes in you, which is why her bowl is my favorite work of art.

If I had to choose one, I would say that vaccines are my favorite scientific discovery. It sounds simple, but vaccines have done a lot for society, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The original idea for vaccines was discovered by Edward Jenner in the late 1700s while smallpox was taking the world by storm. He saw that women who had gotten sick with cowpox were immune to the smallpox virus. (buckinstitute.org) Later, Jenner's discovery led to the eradication of smallpox and saved countless lives. Many vaccines after that were able to follow in Jenner's footsteps. Polio, tetanus, chickenpox, rubella, and both hepatitis A and B have all been nearly eradicated thanks to vaccines. Vaccines have come quite far since the 1700s though. The CDC wrote that Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response inside our bodies. Meaning that people can be vaccinated and immune to diseases like COVID-19 without risking the potentially serious consequences of getting sick. This is huge for science. With mRNA, we may be able to create vaccines for just about any virus or disease that poses a threat to our collective health. COVID-19 was a great example of that. Within less than a year of the pandemic, on December 11th of 2020, the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer, was available to the public. Vaccination rates have skyrocketed since with an astonishing 5.04 billion people being vaccinated all over the world. Thanks to vaccines, we have a sense of normalcy again during this trying time in history. Schools, shopping malls, and restaurants are back open for the public. We can finally enjoy life outside of our homes again thanks to Jenner's amazing discovery of the vaccine back in the 1700s.

My desire to continue my education comes from my commitment to serving my community and my passion for increasing female representation in STEM careers. In the fall, I will be attending SUNY Fredonia to major in Biochemistry. In the future, I want to become a Biochemical Engineer and help develop better ways to diagnose and treat chronic illnesses. I have always loved researching and learning about new things. Providing care and helping the ones I love has also been a passion. Pursuing a career where I can fuse both of them and make a difference in the lives of many seems worthwhile to me. Receiving a higher education will enable me to do research and gain experience in my field. It will also aid in training me to use the equipment necessary to pursue my career. I will have the ability to hold higher-paying jobs and work with confidence. This will allow me to be more financially stable and provide for my future family. Socially, going to college will expose me to a new environment with new experiences, which will force me to create connections and interact with new people. It will teach me how to become a stronger self-advocate and give me the ability to strengthen my advocacy for the things that I am passionate about. The long-term goals I have set for myself are to pursue my master's degree and Ph.D. and to go all-American in my diving career. I have always loved springboard diving and I have been a member of my school's varsity team for five years. Ever since I was young, I dreamed of competing at a higher level. College will serve as a perfect chance for me to make myself known in the world of springboard diving while also pursuing my degree. I hope that as more women enter the world of STEM, little girls everywhere will realize that they too can become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, or whatever their heart desires. Representation is key not only for white cisgender women but also for women of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community such as trans women. I believe that as more women and minorities continue to enter careers in STEM, they will pave the way for future generations to thrive and follow the things that they are passionate about. I hope that my journey into the world of STEM can make an impact through both my research and my role in representing women in a field where we are not typically portrayed.

My name is Isabelle Price and I am a senior at Hilton High School. Growing up I owned countless children's books about women and their influence in the world of STEM. These books were incredibly inspiring to me at a young age and had given me the courage to go forth in my education and soak up all the science I could. From the moment I stepped into a science course, I was completely enthralled. My teachers always found a way to make their courses compelling; grabbing my attention and inviting me to express curiosity. Science has inspired me in so many ways throughout my life, and along the way, has become the topic that I am most passionate about. My desire to continue my education comes from my commitment to serving my community and my passion for increasing female representation in STEM careers. In the fall I will be attending SUNY Fredonia to study Biochemistry. With all of the new opportunities, Fredonia will have to offer me, I would like to find one where I can work on some research and hopefully begin to create a new way for people to treat Type 2 diabetes. I remember as a kid watching my grandfather give himself insulin shots for his diabetes. It always seemed scary to me and I thought that there must be a better way for people like him to get their insulin. Over time, I came up with a device that would sit comfortably on your skin and be able to dispense insulin with the push of a button. Of course, this idea has already been brought into the world. My grandfather has even purchased one himself, and he loves it. I have seen him use it many times and I know how well it works, but I believe that my ideas could make this technology even better. I remember when my grandpa was using his insulin pod machine back in 2020, he suddenly had to be rushed to the emergency room with a deadly blood sugar level. It was discovered that he had used a faulty insulin pod that hadn't been giving him his insulin. This incident nearly killed him and is the sole reason why I want to focus so heavily on type 2 diabetes and insulin treatment. After college, I would like to become a biochemical engineer. I don't want anyone to have to worry about using a syringe for every insulin dose, or the possibility of a faulty insulin pod. A position like this would allow me to focus more of my energy on researching ways I can improve this product, and in the end, bring better treatment to fruition that could help people just like my grandpa.

My name is Isabelle Price and I am a senior at Hilton High School. From the moment I stepped into a science course, I was completely enthralled. My teachers always found a way to make their courses compelling; grabbing my attention and inviting me to express curiosity. Science has inspired me in so many ways throughout my life, and along the way, has become the topic that I am most passionate about. My desire to continue my education comes from my commitment to serving my community and my passion for increasing female representation in STEM careers. In the fall I will be attending SUNY Fredonia to study Biochemistry. With all of the new opportunities, Fredonia will have to offer me, I would like to find one where I can work on some research and hopefully begin to create a new way for people to treat Type 2 diabetes. I remember as a kid watching my grandfather give himself insulin shots for his diabetes. It always seemed scary to me and I thought that there must be a better way for people like him to get their insulin. Over time, I came up with a device that would sit comfortably on your skin and be able to dispense insulin with the push of a button. Of course, this idea has already been brought into the world. My grandfather has even purchased one himself, and he loves it. I have seen him use it many times and I know how well it works, but I believe that my ideas could make this technology even better. I remember when my grandpa was using his insulin pod machine back in 2020, he suddenly had to be rushed to the emergency room with a deadly blood sugar level. It was discovered that he had used a faulty insulin pod that hadn't been giving him his insulin. This incident nearly killed him and is the sole reason why I want to focus so heavily on type 2 diabetes and insulin treatment. After college, I would like to become a biochemical engineer. I don't want anyone to have to worry about using a syringe for every insulin dose, or the possibility of a faulty insulin pod. A position like this would allow me to focus more of my energy on researching ways I can improve this product, and in the end, bring better treatment to fruition that could help people just like my grandpa.

If I were given a position where I could influence others, I would first and foremost stand for equality among BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Americans. However, in our current political and social climate, I would most certainly stand with Ukraine. Putin has caused immense pain and suffering in Ukraine for months now, and I would do everything I could to help. I would host large fundraisers and events to support the Ukrainians, and if I had my own house, I would surely host a refugee family. Currently, I am not a highly influential figure of any sort, but I still do everything I can to support Ukraine. I work for a Polish restaurant as a waitress, and I always donate at least half of my tip money to Ukraine. My family frequently donates to other fundraisers as well, and we are currently considering hosting a refugee family. I wish I could do more as an 18 year old to support this cause, and as an influential figure with a little bit of help from my followers, I would surely be doing much more.

One life experience that has shaped me into who I am today can be found in my varsity diving career. I broke my left hand on the diving board during my freshman year while learning a reverse 1 and 1/2 somersault dive. I needed a cast but continued diving through the end of the season. Hitting the board is traumatic, especially when broken bones are involved, but I didn't want this small setback to ruin my love for the diving board. However, this experience did hold me back from re-trying that dive. Three years later, during my last season of diving, I was determined to qualify for the State Championships. To do this, I would need to learn more difficult dives to increase my scores. Meaning that I would have to re-learn my reverse 1 and 1/2 somersault. I tried it out and I loved it. I was doing great during the first three weeks. I performed my reverse during many dual meets with precision and grace scoring no less than 7's each time. But to my demise, history eventually repeated itself. I ended up hitting the board again and suffered the same injury in the same place from three years before. As I sobbed in the urgent care waiting room, I realized that a huge wench had been thrown into my goals for my last season of diving. My chances to qualify for states had been ripped away from me in an instant. I was devastated. Thankfully, I was cleared to dive for the remainder of the season, but I was required to wear a cast. However, since I had suffered this injury in the past, I was able to find ways that my cast could benefit me on the board. With dives that involve twists and somersaults, I used the weight of my cast to pull me around, which allowed me to perform better dives with less effort. I learned new twisting dives and was able to perfect my back 1 and 1/2 somersault thanks to my cast. All the while, I was able to make light of the situation and stay optimistic with my teammates. I was able to make lighthearted jokes and laugh about my situation to make my time on the board a bit less scary. In the end, I did not qualify for states. But I still consider my final season to be a smashing success. While diving with my cast and broken hand, I managed to place 7th at the Elmira Invitational, and in Watkins Glen, I took 3rd place and stood on the podium for the first time. But my greatest accomplishment this season was my Sectional score and place. I was ranked 9th out of 30 divers with a score of over 380 points. Overall, this experience taught me that tenacity and persistence are key qualities to achieving success. When you take a minute and think outside the box, the things that are holding you back might just give you the motivation to push forward.

As a kid, I always loved learning new skills and teaching myself how to do things. My curiosity has led me to learn everything I could from embroidery to origami. I would also pick up obscure hobbies and teach myself everything I could about them. I collected rocks and minerals in elementary school, and read anything I could about igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. I also taught myself how to sew in middle school, both by hand and with a machine, which came in handy when I was creating patterns and sewing masks for my family 3 years later. Recently, I found a word that describes this exact type of person. I am a philomath. This term is derived from the Greek language and it describes somebody who has a deep-rooted love for learning new things. Knowing that I am a philomath allows me to embrace this part of myself and call it by its correct name.I take pride in my love for learning and I am excited to see all of the new things I can learn once I start my life at college.

I struggle with both ADHD and anxiety disorder. Together, they act as obstacles when I try to make friends or connect with my peers. These also create issues for me in my education since I struggle with focusing and sitting still. To combat my hyperactivity, my parents took me to see a plethora of doctors, specialists, and therapists who gave me different strategies I could use to cope. Right as I started to figure things out, my family moved during my 5th-grade year. As I struggled even more with peer connections, I used art to express myself. When I started high school, I found myself with a small group of friends. After COVID-19 shut down in-person learning, I lost contact with my friends and struggled with my mental health. I chose to stay fully remote for my Junior year. My ADHD made this quite difficult, but I was tenacious and found strategies that I could employ to succeed remotely. I used agendas to keep myself organized and took frequent brain breaks to increase my productivity. Overall, despite these adversities, I have found positive ways to successfully overcome them.

My name is Isabelle Price and my dream is to become a woman in STEAM. I am currently a senior at Hilton High School, and I live in Rochester, New York with my mom, dad, and sister. Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to pursue my passions and value my education; helping me to become the successful student that I am today. After I graduate this June I am going to attend SUNY Fredonia and study Biochemistry with a double minor in Art and Design, and Toxicology. In the future, I am hoping to become a pharmacist. I plan to work for a hospital where I would research cures for chronic illnesses and help get patients the medication they need. I have always longed for the ability to find solutions to world problems and scientific inquiries. The state of our environment, modern research, and medical sciences have always been intriguing to me. I have also always loved making art and expressing myself through the things I create. I pride myself on my ability to teach myself new creative mediums. Over the years I have soaked up everything I could; teaching myself embroidery, calligraphy, and even pottery. During my time at Hilton High school, I have also participated in many school-wide graphic design competitions and other artistic endeavors. Going to college is going to be my first step towards my future as a health professional. I am looking forward to my time on campus since I will be in an environment where I can finally spread my wings and satisfy all my curiosities about the world of STEAM. As I continue to learn and grow, I plan to combine my love for art and my passion for science to create compelling research presentations that will captivate my audience. I hope that as more women enter the world of STEAM, little girls everywhere will realize that they too can become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, or whatever their heart desires. Representation is key not only for white cisgender women but also for women of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community such as trans women. I believe that as more women and minorities continue to enter careers in STEAM, they will pave the way for future generations to thrive and follow the things that they are passionate about. I hope to make a difference in the world of STEAM through not only my research but by representing women in a field where we are not typically portrayed.

As a swim instructor at the YMCA, I’m not in a leadership position; I’m not a manager and I have no direct reports, however, I have a leadership mindset and act as a mentor when I am instructing. During my lessons, I always try to make the kids feel comfortable. I create healthy relationships with them and encourage them to make progress. I take my work seriously and hold myself to a high personal standard when teaching to set a good example for my pupils. An example of these standards would be how I always participate in my lessons and activities alongside them so they feel more secure in participating. I also make sure I am giving each kid some form of 1 on 1 advice or coaching during lessons so that they not only feel important but so kids also gain a deeper understanding of what I am trying to teach. Another way I show mentorship at work is by being a strong collaborator. When I am working with another instructor, I make sure that I am being helpful and mindful of their lesson plans while they are leading, and when I teach with an assistant, I act as a mentor and make sure my assistant knows the lesson and can help out where it is necessary. Although I am not a manager, I still teach with a leadership and mentorship mindset. Through my actions, I hope to ensure the success of both the YMCA swim instructors and the kids we teach.

As an 8th grader, I was given the opportunity to move up and join the varsity diving team. Upon joining this group of tight-knit girls at such a young age, I was subjected to isolation, hazing, and bullying. This experience dragged on for four years and in that time taught me how to purposefully detach myself from toxic situations and only focus on myself, regardless of what others say or do. Applying this skill to my time at practices enabled me to continue loving my sport. However, as girls who victimized me started to graduate and leave the team, the bullying seemed to intensify. My coach, who was supposed to be teaching and encouraging me, was picking up the bullying and harassment where the others left off. This presented me with a tough situation since in past years I was seen as equal to my perpetrators, but now the power I held was much lower than the person who was mistreating me. I was unable to remove myself from the harassment and was instead expected to trust and obey a coach that was constantly mistreating me. From to forcing my younger teammates away from me, to even misinstructing me on dangerous dives, this woman seemed to do everything in her power to put me down and prevent me from seeing through with my goals. However, I saw this as a challenge and rose above my obstacles. After a misinstruction from my coach led me to break my hand in September of this past season, I had hit rock bottom. But rather than taking a break or quitting, I got a waterproof cast and continued diving through the end of my senior season. I placed 3rd in the Watkins Glen invitational, and took 9th place in the Section V championship meet.