By Nicole Piedrahita / Herald Forum
I grew up in a household where aerospace was a usual topic of conversation, as my dad works in the industry. I have also enjoyed science since early elementary school; hands-on experiments and projects with teams were fun for me.
But I didn’t consider a career related to science in the skies until the middle of high school, when a teacher showed my class the livestream video of NASA’s Perseverance rover landing on Mars in 2021. The teamwork it took for that mission to succeed captured my imagination. As I watched, I could feel the excited anticipation of the ground crew and their support for each other, and I knew I wanted to be part of a team like that one.
Since then, I participated in Washington Aerospace Scholars’ Mars mission simulation, which further cemented my desire to work on a team sending vehicles to space. Courses in biotechnology and Advanced Placement chemistry, along with Running Start science courses have given me the confidence that I can succeed in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in college and beyond. This fall, I will start the engineering program at the University of Washington in Seattle with the goal of completing a major in aeronautics and astronautics. Eventually, I hope to apply my skills to a team working on rocket engines and propulsion.
Recently, I was among the 46 graduating high school seniors in Washington state participating in the national STEM Signing Day, presented by Boeing. The event honors seniors who choose to pursue STEM education at technical programs, and two- and four- year colleges and universities. Like signing days for athletes, we each signed a letter of intent to pursue our STEM goals after high school. Receiving this honor from an industry leader like Boeing in recognition of my hard work and decision to pursue a STEM career feels empowering and exciting as I prepare for the next step in my education and career pursuit.
I feel a sense of hope to be part of the next generation of STEM thinkers and doers in Washington state. I’m excited to see the diverse, talented group of students honored on STEM Signing Day. My fellow honorees will be pursuing degrees, certificates, and apprenticeships in diverse fields like aviation maintenance, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, medicine, nuclear engineering and more. Whether students plan to keep airplanes running smoothly or improve people’s health through medical care, our communities need our innovation and entrepreneurship to keep our economy strong.
Companies are ready to hire in Washington state in many high-demand fields, like health care, data analytics, cyber security, carpentry, marketing, and more. In 2022, employers added about 115,000 new jobs in our state. Many of these jobs require education or training after high school, which is part of the reason I am choosing to continue to college. I see a degree — and the classes, internships, and access to experts — as an essential bridge to my dream career.
Unfortunately, not enough Washington students are pursuing college and career training programs after high school. Washington’s community colleges and four-year universities provide all kinds of learning options, and Washington offers one of the most generous financial aid programs in the nation. I hope more students will take advantage of both.
Students of color and young women are still underrepresented in STEM fields, including aerospace. I want to encourage these students to find an adviser early in school. Do not be afraid to ask about tutoring or extracurricular opportunities. For students whose first language is different than English, it doesn’t have to hold you back. There are resources for you.
Our communities and our state depend on all of our curiosity, persistence, and potential.
Nicole Piedrahita is a senior at Everett High School. She was honored on STEM Signing Day by Boeing.
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