The Only Girl in the Room by Abigail

The Only Girl in the Room by Abigail - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I took my first engineering class as a freshman in high school, it didn’t take me long to realize that something was different. I was one of two girls in a class of more than 30 students. I knew females were underrepresented in STEM, especially in engineering, but this was the first time I saw this first-hand. That narrative continued through the rest of my high school experience; in every STEM class I had and every science-related club I joined; I was one of just a few female participants. My robotics teammate is even one of only two female robot drivers in the state of Utah this year. I always knew that I wanted to do something STEM related, however, being one of few female participants came with many challenges. I have often wondered if I really belong in STEM and have felt I need to prove that I was smart or creative enough to participate.

All of that changed when I attended SheTech Explorer Day as a junior. I joined SheTech as a freshman, but due to COVID-19, I was unable to attend an in-person event until I was a junior. Walking into Explorer Day, into a building filled with hundreds of other girls like me, girls who loved math and science and wanted to be in the same spaces as I did, was an unforgettable and life-changing experience. I had never been to a STEM-related event where there were more girls than boys. I was able to meet other girls who knew what it was like to be the only girl in the room. Girls who were excited to learn about math and science and be creative. During the activities, I didn’t feel like I needed to prove that I was smart enough to be there, and it allowed me to be more creative and learn so much more. That year I also joined my school’s robotics team where I was able to find other female friends who were interested in STEM.

Both of those experiences helped me feel much more comfortable in STEM spaces knowing other people feel the same way. I was also inspired to start to show other girls everything that they can accomplish in STEM and teach them that anything is possible. That is what motivates me. I want to be the person that young girls see that proves to them that they have a place in STEM. I am still in many classes where I am the only girl, but I have learned that I do belong in STEM spaces and that I can make important contributions. Now, I want to help other girls feel that same belonging, especially in engineering. I joined the SheTech student board this year which has allowed me to meet other girls with similar goals and start to help girls around me learn that they have a place in STEM. I want to continue to make contributions to STEM and show the girls around me what is possible and help them understand that they have a critical role to play.