From Middle School Doubts to Presenting at MIT: How I Found My Passion for STEM

When I received the exciting news that two of my research posters were accepted for presentation at the 2024 MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference (URTC), I couldn't help but reflect on my journey. It wasn’t long ago that I was just another student, filled with uncertainty about my future in STEM. I want to share my experience here—not just as a proud moment for myself, but as an inspiring story for students who might be unsure about pursuing a STEM path.

My story starts in middle school, a time when I faced the usual pressures of adolescence. Despite being a straight-A student, I often felt lost among so many options. Engineering? Computer science? Robotics? The choices were overwhelming. I watched my classmates dive into their interests, while I hesitated, not knowing where my passions truly lay.

Here’s the important takeaway: it’s perfectly fine to take your time figuring it out. I realized that curiosity became the key to unlocking my potential. Whether it was solving a challenge or designing a project, that desire to learn pushed me toward a fulfilling journey in STEM. During middle school I decided to take the STEM Academy entrance test to find out whether I was a good fit for the Academy. However it was a pleasant surprise when I found out that I was selected to participate in Edison STEM Academy.

During high school, I became fascinated by electrical and computer science. I was captivated by the challenge of designing devices that could operate independently. The idea of creating technology that could assist in real-world problems sparked my interest. I spent countless weekends learning programming languages and experimenting with robotics.

As I immersed myself in this world, through my internships at Rutgers WINLAB, I found mentors and friends who shared my passion. This support system was a game changer. They showed me that failure isn't something to fear but rather a stepping stone to success. For example, when my first robotics prototype failed to function, instead of giving up, I dissected the problem, learned from it, and ultimately improved my design. Each challenge made me more confident in my abilities and instilled a strong sense of empowerment in me.

Fast forward to today, and I presented my research posters for the MIT URTC. Conducting meaningful research has been both thrilling and nerve-wracking. I worked hard to delve into my projects: one focused on the integration of sensors in robotics, while the other explored the ethical implications of autonomous systems in our daily lives. This work has real-world relevance, especially as the use of AI in decision-making increases across various sectors.

Securing a spot at a conference like MIT URTC felt surreal. The venue buzzed with innovative research and brilliant minds, and I was reminded of my early middle school days—confused and uncertain. Now, I stood among future leaders of the STEM community, sharing my findings and learning from others.

Looking back on my journey, I encourage you all to embrace your STEM passions without hesitation. Whether your interests lie in engineering, coding, biology, or something else, pursue what captures your curiosity. The world of technology is vast, and there is a place for everyone. If you feel pressure from peers, parents, or within yourself—remember, your journey is unique. Explore different fields, take on challenges, and don’t be afraid to reassess your goals.

As I stood in front of my peers and mentors presenting at MIT, I felt immense pride—not only for my hard work but also for the journey that brought me here. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. You are allowed to explore, make mistakes, and learn along the way. What truly matters is to follow your passion with determination, letting it guide you to new opportunities.

By sharing my story, I hope to empower you to chase your interests in STEM. If you feel lost or unsure, remember: you don’t have to know all the answers today. Take that first step, ask questions, seek out mentors, and keep exploring. The path may be winding, but it can lead you to life-changing discoveries.

I stand here as proof that the journey from uncertainty to success in STEM is not only possible but also rewarding. Celebrate every small victory, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, and always strive to learn something new. By pursuing your passion, you will find both fulfillment and joy in your endeavors, just as I have.

So if you're in middle or high school and wondering if STEM is for you—take a leap of faith, explore, and remember: every great journey begins with curiosity and passion. You never know where it may lead you, but I promise it will be worth it.

Let’s inspire one another to embrace the world of STEM because the possibilities are endless!