School didn’t connect for me until a Pierce teacher showed me STEM | Opinion

As a young child, I struggled with reading, writing and grammar due to dyslexia. School was frustrating, and I often felt overlooked. By seventh grade, I was reading at a third-grade level and doubted I’d even finish high school.

Everything changed when I joined my school’s new robotics and computer science program. It was the first time I connected with learning, where creativity and logic came together. The teacher who led the class believed in me when few others had. That encouragement and exposure to STEM opened a door I didn’t know existed.

For the first time, I felt excited about the future. Even though I still face challenges, STEM gave me confidence and purpose. Now, instead of barely getting by, I’m planning to go to college and pursue a career in technology or computer engineering.

My journey thus far is why being honored at the 2025 Washington State STEM Signing Day meant so much to me. Presented by Boeing, the event recognized my fellow honorees and me as we signed letters of intent to pursue our goals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

It was empowering to be celebrated not for where I started, but for where I’m headed — toward a new chapter at Clover Park Technical College, where I plan to study Network Operations and System Security. For me, STEM isn’t just a field of study; it’s a way to shape a brighter, more innovative future.

That future is being built right here in Washington. Employers across our state are creating exciting opportunities in fast-growing fields like healthcare, advanced computing and manufacturing. And, as the job market changes and the economy continues to evolve, one thing stays the same: The best opportunities are going to those who have the credentials and training to meet them. That’s why I’m going to Clover Park Technical College this fall; I want to build the foundation for the future I want.

But there’s still work to do, for me and my peers. Only about 40% of high school students in Washington are expected to complete a credential after high school, such as a degree, certificate or apprenticeship. It’s a tough statistic, but I believe we can change it. I want to see more of us continue our education and step confidently into the future. If you’re uncertain about what comes next, that’s completely okay. There are so many different education and training options out there, and the most important thing is finding the one that fits you.

To any student who is unsure about pursuing STEM, I say: give it a chance, even if school hasn’t always made sense to you. I was able to succeed academically, thanks to STEM. You don’t need to be perfect or have it all figured out; you only need curiosity and a willingness to try. STEM is about problem-solving, creativity and imagination. It gave me purpose and showed me that despite the challenges, I could build a future I never thought possible. So, try that coding club, engineering class or science competition — you might find more than just a subject you enjoy. You might find a path that can transform and change your life.

This story was originally published June 12, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "School didn’t connect for me until a Pierce teacher showed me STEM | Opinion."