Where do I find my strength?

One of my favorite experiences thus far in STEM was attending a program with all girls at the University of Texas at Austin. Talking with other girls about our collective experiences working in various facets of STEM was fascinating. We were humorous and full of ambition. Working with girls was liberating. We all yearned for support, and support we did. I learned about leadership and took those skills with me. The project we created as a team was significant in the way it symbolized our love for STEM.

Less recently, I took my first computer science course, AP Computer Science Principles, during my freshman year of high school. Of course, knowing my luck, this had to be towards the peak of the pandemic. Our school adopted a hybrid schedule (rightfully so), and we spent more than half of our school time not physically in the school building Aside from my inability to go back to sleep early in the morning, my interest in CS fought off morning drowsiness and grew with each day. I cannot confidently say that the course taught me much about the details of computer science itself, but I learned about what it truly meant to be a computer scientist; moving forward even when there seems to be no end in sight. My final project was littered with moments of uncertainty and blind tenacity. Every change to every line of code brought me closer to both success and breakdown.

One of my favorite experiences thus far in STEM was attending a program with all girls at the University of Texas at Austin. Talking with other girls about our collective experiences working in various facets of STEM was fascinating We were humorous and full of ambition. Working with girls was liberating. We all yearned for support, and support we did. I learned about leadership and took those skills with me. The project we created as a team was significant in the way it symbolized our love for STEM.

That is, until I made it to the end. I spent days venting to my parents about the project. My teacher and I vigorously sought out solutions In a brief moment of revelation, it all ended. Stress was replaced by euphoric pride. Within the span of a semester, I had seen all that computer science had to offer; creativity, struggle, victory. It unearthed strength that was always inside of me, but I could not have found that strength on my own.

Thank you, Mom, Dad, and Shaniya. I understand that none of you are computer scientists, and most of what I say probably sounds like a dead language. Thank you for sticking with me during the process of developing my abilities as a programmer. I love and appreciate you all.

Thank you, Jack. Today, I feel your love in every text that checks up on me during a lengthy robotics meeting You’re always by my side when I need you You luminate my life, and I love you. Thank you, Wren. You were one of the only girls in our class, and I am glad we became friends and teammates. Continue being your jovial self.

Thank you, Connell. I didn’t know you at the time, but you were busy making a mark on robotics that inspires me to match your sheer intellect. You have contributed to a space where your succeeding programming captain will be a girl.

Thank you, Mr. Neal. I have a feeling that I didn’t always take your guidance, but I’m sure it stimulated my thought-process anyway. You always believed in me and have lifted me to greater opportunities. Your dedication to STEM education is crucial to the future of South Carolina’s students.