As I reflect back to my childhood, I realize that I used the word “why” probably more often than any other word. I imagine my unquenchable desire to know the workings of anything and everything became much to the chagrin of my parents. As I progressed through elementary and secondary education, I had a plethora of different interests. I was allured with the idea of learning, regardless of the subject. However, I found that chemistry was especially interesting to me because every time I asked “Why?”, I was met with an answer so fundamental that I need not keep asking. Everybody’s brain is unique, and works in different ways. One person may not be able to spell, but may excel in mathematics. Another person may not be able to compute algorithms, …show more content…
Determined not to let the challenge during high school overwhelm my fascination, I continued to take classes like geometry, college algebra, and AP chemistry. As I entered college, I had a big decision to make. I knew that if I majored in a liberal arts or social science subject, I would likely prosper throughout my continued education. However, I also knew that my interest most deeply fell within chemistry. So I took a leap of faith and decided to major in chemistry, despite the difficulty which I knew it would pose. I have faced many academic trials, but I have found that with increased challenge comes increased …show more content…
I spent my first year of college at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. I then moved to Boise State University, where I spent a year before making my way back to my hometown of Pocatello. I think the time away was an important learning experience, and I have found a new appreciation for Pocatello and Idaho State University now that I have been away. Since attending Idaho State, I have had great experiences with my advisors and I have been involved with Chemistry Club. This year, I was a recipient of the NSF S-STEM Scholarship. It has helped me not only by allowing me some financial relief, but also by offering networking opportunities within and beyond the chemistry