I feel like I'm gonna write a lot. 

     I joined STEAM, well, I guess I didn't. I had to be in STEAM to get a bus ride to school, and I remember being so mad that these classes took away from what I could've had, like Band, or Art. I think Freshman year really sucked, but I've learned so much since then.

     As a sophomore with a crazy teacher like Mr. Hunter, I was pushed to create crazy projects. I think a lot of my ideas are weird, or seem too big, but I love to find creative ways to make them real. Some of my favorite projects are the Kinstikugi, Canva, and Garden ones from 10th grade, Companionship from last year, and this one.

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     I'm so glad I made Healing Through Hope. When I was given the opportunity to try and fix one thing about the world, I found something that matters most. I chose to find a way for people to know God because I want everyone to know His love, and to feel saved like how I know He saved me.

     When I first came up with this project, I had many people turn me down, say it's an awful idea- that's exactly why I had to make it, and with each Professional Review, I met more people who wanted this to be real. At the EXPO, I received so much support.

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     Each EXPO, 5 spotlight speakers share their stories and their projects on the big stage, I'm so proud of my peers and friends who did that. A few STEAM Seniors are also uniquely recognized; for their artistry, intuition, hardworking spirit, gritty work ethic, those who'll set out to change the world, and the legacy they'll leave behind. At the end, they present the STEAM Scholarship to a student for establishing a full commitment to the STEAM mindset throughout their high school experience and demonstrating an ongoing dedication to growth and leadership in STEAM. I copied that last bit from the certificate they gave me.

     I wasn't expecting that- to be recognized in that way. It feels like I don't deserve it, and it feels like the biggest honor. I feel loved and seen. Thank you, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Erickson, Mrs. Luoma-Overstreet, Mrs. Watson, Mr. Bowman, and Mr. Palm, for making me better, and always believing in me.

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     STEAM has taught me so much: I've been tasked with solving the craziest problems, and sometimes I fail, but I learn to be better, to find creative ways to succeed. I may not be an engineer when I grow up, but whatever comes my way, I'll know I can do anything.