Finding My Place in STEM

Author: Archika Dogra, 11th grade

My very first STEM camp was a Lego coding workshop at a community center. I walked in timidly the first day, holding my mother’s hand as she registered me. As soon as we made our way down the hall to the room, I froze. Inside were a group of boys playing with Legos, laughing, and racing toys. There wasn’t a single girl in sight. I tugged on my mom’s sleeve asking her to inquire whether there were any other girls- with the answer being a definitive no. To say the least, I cried and begged so much to not attend the camp my mom got our credit transferred to a soccer camp instead.

Not being able to see others around you that you can relate to is one of the most isolating feelings in the world. It took me a while to find my inclusive environment in STEM, through many trial and errors. However, today as a high school student I have researched artificial intelligence at Stanford, interned for NASA, worked on projects at the University of Washington, and founded an international organization for STEM diversity.

It may have taken me a while to find my place in STEM, but sometimes I feel that other girls never end up finding their place and lose their passion in hope of something more inclusive and comfortable. Let’s break the glass ceiling and have a 50-50 vision for the future of STEM together!

Submission Date: Aug, 16th 2018