Unabashedly Human. by Kristen

Unabashedly Human. by Kristen - June 2017 Scholarship Essay

I...am...SOARING. No one could catch me if they tried. With my cape perfectly assembled out of an old bed sheet and the lab coat my parents got me for Christmas I was unstoppable! Leaping over buildings which strangely resembled Legos, saving a damsel in distress who always turned out to be my younger sister, and defeating villains no one else seemed to see. All of course by using my superpower of being amazingly great at science!

When I was young I had the biggest obsession with superwoman and an equally undeniable love for science. Whenever I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I dealt with the constant struggle of pursuing my position as superwoman's successor or being a mad scientist. Finally, I decided, I'd be both. At that age, it seemed natural that I could be anything I wanted with no limits or barriers. My passion for science hasn’t changed, but my desire to be superwoman has.

As a proud student at Tufts University pursuing a degree in Engineering Management, I’d like to think I’m still using my love for science to make a huge impact in this world. As a wife, mother, student, and full-time employee, I feel as if I’d have to be superwoman to do all that I’m doing. However, I’ve realized that trying to be superwoman puts an unrealistic expectation on myself to be perfect without any vulnerabilities. Afraid to ask questions in fear of looking silly. Or afraid to make mistakes for fear of seeming unprepared or unworthy of the degree I seek. Afraid to admit my kryptonite. Worried that I’ll confirm someone’s stereotype about women or people of color in engineering. As a child I wanted to be superwoman, but as I’ve grown I’ve realized what’s even more beautiful than powerful perfection, is honest vulnerability. Yes, I still plan to be an engineer and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But if I had to combine that career with anything else, I’d choose to be unabashedly human.