essay-1

What, or who, initially sparked your interest in the field of technology/ STEM? I still
remember when I watched for the first time a robot competition on April, 16th 2017. I was
walking in front of the TV and stopped to see two robots fighting: one blue and the other red,
which were being controlled by two teenage boys. I was amazed by the perception of the
way they controlled the robot. In such a simple manner, and at the same time, how difficult it
must have been for them to program and execute. My 10 year old self was excited and
fascinated by something I didn't even know how it worked. That's when my passion about it
started. Days later, what was supposed to be just a robot fight, became something much
bigger. In the beginning, I used to think that it was just a hobby. However, as I grew up, I
realized that it is what I really want to work with. It awakened in me the need to be a part of it
and build similar things. That robot competition was a turning point for me to realize that this
is something that I want to do for the rest of my life
essay-2
Why is participation in this program important to you and how will it benefit you both
personally and academically? What type of skills do you hope to develop and improve during
the TechGirls program? This program can be the key for changing my life. It is important for
me because it means that I can have experiences that I always dreamed of and that I
thought were impossible to realize. Being from a country where technology is not a strong
point makes it difficult for people to have opportunities to understand how this plays a huge
role in the advancement of society. Thus, the participation in this program will give me
knowledge that I would never be able to have in Brazil. It will also benefit me personally
because it involves social experiences. This will be a great way to meet new people and get
to know the culture of different countries. Furthermore, it will boost my academics because it
opens opportunities to see up close the people who are taking the same steps that I want to
follow, and how this really works. I hope to develop both academic and social skills in depth.
I want to take advantage of everything that the program offers in terms of teaching, and use
these competences in the future, as well as improve learning the specific skills that the
program offers in English. I'll have the opportunity to improve the skills that I already have
during the program. In terms of the social sphere, learning together with the girls everything
that we have learned and still want to learn will improve our interpersonal relationship.
TechGirls is, for sure, a life changing experience.
essay-3
Describe a challenge you have faced and how you overcame it. When I was 13, I went
through a lot of eating disorders during the pandemic. When validation and acceptance were
based on models or goals of unattainable beauty that we only saw on the internet, it was
hard for me to accept myself. It started with me not eating meals during the day and it grew
until it became hours-long fasts. As time went by and the pandemic was coming to an end,
my psychological state was shaken. I talked to my mother and we decided that I should try a
sport or some physical activity that would encourage me to socialize. In 2021, I started
playing volleyball and my perception of things changed completely. Spending quality time
with people outside of social media is much more important than being online. Living with
imperfect people and realizing that perfection does not exist in the real world, made me
understand that I do not need to fit into stereotypes that are unattainable to be happy.
Joining the volleyball team was not just a way to escape my problems, but also a way to heal
things that I didn't even know were broken inside me.
essay-4
One of the requirements of the program is that you apply the skills you learn in creating a
unique follow-on project upon your return home. Describe how you would use the tech skills
you gain from this program to design a follow-on project. How would it help your community?
The technological skills acquired during the program will greatly contribute to the
development of my project. The in-depth and greater knowledge of the area of technology
and the areas in mathematics and science in which the program is focused will also facilitate
the way in which I will spread this knowledge further. Many people in my community, like me,
were born and raised in a small town where access to technology is scarce and they do not
have the opportunity to experience or at least learn a little about technology. Bringing them a
bit of the experience and awakening their desire and curiosity about the program and
technology itself, making them, like me, start to think of technology as an option for the
future. Considering the context of the small village where I live in Brazil, and aiming to bring
to my community the knowledge I mentioned before, the mentoring project would not only
help the students, but also those people who did not have a proper introduction to
technology and currently cannot do the basics and end up falling behind. Nowadays,
technology is essential and it would be a great help to my community as a whole, to be part
of such an incredible project like this.
essay-5
What are one or two words that describe you best and why? Resilient - this word defines me
not only in my studies but also in my life. I'm always trying to do my best and take the best
parts of my experiences and add them to my life. I'm consistently looking to be the best part
of myself. Trying hard now and continuing to try hard throughout my life is what makes me
unique. When you are born into a competitive world, effort and the fact of not giving up is
what will set you apart from other people. Goal-oriented - this word defines me because
having concrete goals, and wanting them so much makes me stronger every day. Changing
the perspective in which I see the world, seeing that it is possible to follow my dreams and
that being aware of this so early will take me far. This mentality defines me because it will be
with it that I will be able to achieve all the dreams that I had when I was twelve years old and
had imagined were impossible.
quest-1
What are the academic subjects you are most interested in?

I have always been interested in technology because scientific and technological progress -
the way it has changed the world - fascinate me. Other than that, Mathematics has always
been one of the things I have enjoyed doing the most. Finding results and trying to solve
puzzles are some of my favorite activities. I also consider Chemistry as one of my favorite
subjects because I can see a lot of potential in me whenever we conduct experiments and
do Chemistry-related tasks. Lastly, I especially love robotics since I have always enjoyed
programming and designing.
quest-2
Please list in the space below any
specific classes in which you have
participated in the field of technology/
STEM. At my school, we have
computer science classes. In these
classes, we work with platforms for
creating games. Furthermore, we have
observed how codes and programs
result to a whole new algorithm and we
gained hands-on coding experience
ourselves. We also had classes in life
projects where we underscored the
impacts, advantages, and
disadvantages that are currently
interconnected with the advancement
of technology. In addition, I have also
participated in online classes and
lectures where we learned more about
the technological landscape.
Mathematics and robotics were among
the classes I participated in.
quest-3
Please describe any extracurricular activities in which you have participated that relate to
technology/ STEM, how long you have been involved with each, as well as any awards or
honors received.I received honors in the Brazilian Astronomy Olympiad with a silver medal
(OBA) I have outstanding student medals for best grades in school including math, science
and computer classes. I also won a silver medal in the mathematics olympiad of Paraná
state schools (OMAP) In addition to actively participating in robotics at school as an option
for 2 years in mentoring to teach new students in the introduction to technology.
quest-4

Please describe any additional extracurricular/community activities (non-STEM related) in

which you have participated, and how long you have been involved with each.

I have been actively involved in the school council as the social media director since I was
in 8th grade. As part of the council, we always attend events where we can raise money to
donate food and promote charity events. I have been a class leader since I was in 6th grade
and I actively participate in activities that involve leadership because it is a role in which I
feel comfortable with the responsibilities and duties. I am also a volleyball player who has
participated in state games for three years, consistently representing my city.
quest-5
Please list in the space below your plans for future studies and/or possible occupations you
have considered.

In my future plans, I am certain that I intend to pursue a career in technology. As a potential

IT student, I anticipate to work and live with technology while understanding its fundamentals
and developing expertise. Aligned with this, I have always wanted to be multilingual, so I aim
to learn more than just English and Portuguese. Because technology is indeed involved in
multinational issues, I must strive to gain comprehensive understanding. Hence, I really want
to go to college before I work in the field of technology, so this experience would provide a
great benefit.