a rising senior in high school with a passion for the biological sciences. I am intending to major in Animal Science when I attend a university.

I am interested in STEM because it is where I can learn the most and make the largest impact in the future. Our modern society and economy revolves around STEM and pervades every part of our lives. I believe that focusing on these areas of study will secure me with a stable career. STEM also provides many hands-on opportunities and as a visual learner, this has helped me achieve academic success over the years. I feel that getting to work with other people interested in STEM or who are already in STEM is highly advantageous for me. I can learn with and from others who walk the same path as me and gain invaluable advice from those who have already walked it.

I have long aspired to become a veterinarian. I have a deep love for animals and caring for their well being is of great importance to me. I think that being a vet and having the opportunity to work directly with animals is the highlight of the job. It’s very rewarding to see how your hard work results in the healthier life of a creature. I’ve also explored other career options that pertain to wildlife such as a wildlife biologist, zoologist, or a wildlife conservationist. I’m mainly interested in working with animals and being able to make a difference in their lives.

that hindsight is always 20/20. It is often difficult when you are in the moment, but when you look back, you will thank yourself for the hard work and time that you put in. Without challenges that tickle your brain, you will never grow as an individual. Weaknesses can only turn into strengths when you confront them. Never be afraid to grow slowly, be afraid of standing still.

I’ve had various experiences working in teams, most of which are on school projects, but also in sports. For school projects, I’ve been able to lead my team by breaking down and planning out our project. This plan would include a complete to-do list, due dates/checkpoints to ensure we’re on schedule, and indications of who is responsible for what. I ensure that everyone agrees and participates to foster a cooperative atmosphere. So far, this has been a very functional strategy and has led my team to great success. In sports, I’m typically not the leader but am a very cooperative member. I always fully support and encourage my teammates till the end. Overall, I find that communication and responsibility are the most vital skills when it comes to working in teams. With those two skills, your team can break down any barrier to reach your common goal.

Ever since I was young, my parents have always stressed the significance of STEM in my life. I now believe that the early exposure I had gotten bred my fascination in STEM, specifically in the sciences. Curiosity and passion are true driving forces when it comes to learning and discovering the natural sciences. For me, deciding what I wanted to do when I grew up was the easy part, but putting in all the work and staying motivated takes serious perseverance and determination. Over the years, I have learned a lot about myself and how to be successful in an ever evolving world. However, there is still so much to learn and I hope that new experiences in the future will further shape who I am.

basketballtravelinghikingreadinglistening to music

I have enjoyed my biotech classes the most. At my school, I am a part of the Biotechnology Institute (BTI), a three-year, cross-curricular program that offers science-themed English and social studies classes as well as a series of courses in biotechnology. These courses have allowed me to explore science’s connection to the humanities and influence in the world through a science-centric curriculum. In this unique program, I have gotten access to state-of-the-art lab equipment and facilities, tours of biotechnology companies, interactions/networking with professionals in the scientific community through on-campus symposiums, and a year-long mentor program. There is also a significant career exploration component that students outside the program don’t get. In addition, the BTI program has built a strong sense of community with its students and personally, this has helped me feel more confident in reaching my goals. The challenges that are presented to us exercise our critical thinking and prepare us to succeed in college with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to give us an edge in the biotechnology industry. Altogether, these components have given me a unique high school experience!

The two most important skills that have helped me in my educational career so far are discipline and time management. Discipline has helped me stay focused on my goals and keep my work as a top priority. It has kept me hard-working, motivated, and encouraged while doing any task. Time management has allowed me to complete more in less time. It makes me feel more in control of time and reduces unnecessary stress. This skill has made me successful in consistently turning in assignments on time and building healthy study habits. I’ve learned to efficiently manage my time and to stick to a schedule, which cuts out distractions. Together, these two key skills have aided my success in academia and will continue to benefit me in the future.