What Stands Out With STEM by Kathryn

What Stands Out With STEM by Kathryn - August 2020 Scholarship Essay

As someone who has enjoyed the adventures of science, the challenges of math and has had a heavy interest in technology I have wanted to go into the STEM field since well before middle school. An ideal college for me would be unique and stand out well above the average university.
One characteristic that would make a unique STEM-oriented college program would be the level of hands-on activities. Going into the science field will require a ton of labs especially for classes like biology and chemistry. Learning big concepts often requires practicing those concepts over and over until they are mastered. This can either be done with the traditional paper and pencil method of “practice makes perfect” or a hands on lab. For the majority of students, including myself, seeing and participating in a biology lab with lactase enzymes would help me understand the concept of catalysts much better than a regular worksheet over the subject as well as boost my interest in the topic. It is common for colleges to have a great science program but not have a good amount of interactive activities for students. Hands on labs and research projects would make my dream college unique because of the ability of these interactive activities to boost interest and better prepare students like myself for entering the job field.
Another characteristic essential and unique to a college with a focus on STEM fields is a friendly environment. While any degree in the STEM field is rewarding it can be extremely challenging. With tough classes like organic chemistry and evolutionary ecology, science degrees require above average students with colleges that are more flexible and friendly than other universities. Colleges with a welcoming environment where I would feel comfortable studying with any group of fellow students who share the same passion for science as I do would be outstanding! This would help fuel my interest in going into a science degree program and workforce.
A friendly environment and hands-on interactive activities are vital for STEM college programs I am interested in but also make them unique. Both of these special characteristics would make the ideal university and program stand out for me.