Self-eSTEM
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Self-eSTEM
Published on September 2, 2025
When Nalin first joined Self-eSTEM in 2016, she was a quiet second grader with a growing curiosity about the world around her. Now, nearly a decade later, she’s a confident high school senior exploring her future in STEM, thanks to a community that empowered her to speak up, lead, and dream big.
From her very first summer camp, Nalin discovered that STEM wasn’t limited to lab coats and textbooks. Through hands-on projects, field trips, and meaningful mentorship, she saw how science shows up in unexpected places like fashion, cooking, and design. What truly stood out to her was who was leading the way: women teaching women, especially women of color. “That kind of representation is so important for girls at a young age,” she shared. “It changes the way they see their future and opens up so many opportunities.”
Year after year, Nalin returned to Self-eSTEM camps and programs, each time growing more confident. She overcame her shyness and stepped into her voice, supported by staff who “build self-esteem” and make every session “fun and informing.” Nalin and her family have been so committed to making sure she continued with the program that they even cut their summer vacation short one year to ensure she could attend STEM camp. Today, she proudly says, “I’ve been going for a long time now and I really enjoy the program. I like every project we do… I’m very interested in all aspects of STEM and want to learn more so I can figure out a fitting career pathway to explore for my future.”
Now a high school senior, Nalin is focused on turning her passion into purpose. Her journey with Self-eSTEM not only shaped her academic goals but also helped her build a strong sense of belonging and community.
Watch Nalin’s Stories: