To inspire girls to consider careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the Youth Science Center held its first ever STEM essay contest for girls.
Winners of each division were honored at a gala dinner and received a signed certificate from Gwynne Shotwell, President of Space X Corporation as well as a financial award for their essays.
Annabelle Kim, the Elementary Division winner from Mesa Robles Elementary in Hacienda-La Puente Unified, wants to be a Biochemist or an Environmental Engineer. Tiffany Chan, the Middle School winner from Oswalt Academy in Rowland Unified, wants to be an Oncologist, a physician specializing in the treatment of cancer.
Bernadette Lim, from St. Lucy’s Priory of Glendora, sees her future combining medical research and humanitarian work. With this interdisciplinary career, she hopes to bridge the gap between science and the society it administers to.
All three contestants had to address which part of STEM they were interested in for a future career, what work or projects they see themselves doing, and address why this work would be important to their futures.