It hasn’t been an easy path to obtain a second degree, but Cynthia-Rae M. is determined to follow her dreams. The Paliwal Club of 100 STEAM Scholars Fund winner has a current degree in biological sciences and is working on a nursing degree at the University of Texas at El Paso.

What is your professional dream?

My dream is to become a nurse educator and clinical researcher to help improve the nursing practice.

What does being in the Paliwal Club of 100 mean to you? 

It means that I do not have to feel alone as a woman in in STEAM. Being in the Paliwal Club of 100 allows me to be a part of an organization with other motivated, hard-working, and like-minded women. For me, it also means that the financial burden of college can be buffered.

Women are underrepresented in the S.T.E.A.M. (science, tech, arts or math) fields and music industry. How can we change this? 

I believe one of the ways to change this underrepresentation of women begins with encouragement and support. I am a passionate believer that every person needs a support system who can encourage them and help motivate them to pursue their dreams in any field.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

As a student seeking a second degree, the obstacle that has been most difficult for me to face has been the financial burden, but I have been determined to follow my dreams of pursuing a new career in science. Applying for scholarships and grants was extremely time-consuming and often left me feeling stressed and, sometimes, even hopeless that I may not be able to afford the tuition. I persevere because I know, one day, I will have a successful career in a field that I enjoy.

How will this grant from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals?

This grant will help me purchase materials that I will need throughout my undergraduate career as a nursing student as well as help fund my licensure exam at the end of the term. Thank you so much choosing me as an award recipient!