From Adversity to Purpose: What My Goldwater Journey Taught Me About Science and Perseverance
Growing up in a household shaped by instability and domestic challenges, I never imagined neuroscience, or even science, could be a path for me. With little exposure to STEM, the world of research felt distant and out of reach. Yet over time, mentorship, persistence, and curiosity opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Those doors eventually led me to becoming a Goldwater Scholar, one of the most prestigious honors for undergraduate researchers.
While that recognition was validating, the real value came from the lessons I learned along the way: how to communicate science clearly, seek out opportunities, and build confidence even when I felt out of place. In this article, I want to share those lessons and offer practical advice for students navigating similar challenges in their journeys.
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About the Contributor
