To the little girl that is more interested in science and math, then dolls and makeup,

Don’t be afraid to want to play with toys that may be considered boy toys because they aren’t. Those toys are out there for anyone who wants to play with them.

When you go to playdates and all the other girls are playing with dolls, and you would rather go play with the boys and see what they are doing. Be brave and explore what interests you. You are not weird, you just like different things and there is nothing wrong with that.

When Christmas time comes don’t be discouraged to ask for a chemistry set or snap circuits, get excited for those toys and have fun playing with them. These toys now, will inspire you in the future.

As summer time comes along and all your friends are going away to summer camps, but none that interest you. Ask your parents for help and find those summer camps that have robots and science experiments. And I promise you when you get there, there will be other young girls there in the same boat as you.

Growing up, there will be people around that want to discourage you from pursuing the topics that interest you, pay no attention to them. If you have parents like mine, and I’m sure you will, they will encourage you and surround you with love so that you feel comfortable pursing the things you enjoy. Even when you are discouraged or frustrated with the world they will be there for you.

As you get older and more interested in STEM activities you will see that there are less girls around and more guys, but by then you will be so used to keeping up with the best of them, that you are more than exited to learn. Keep working hard and show those around you that STEM is not just for boys

At times you will find it hard to stay in the advanced science or math class, because it is not “cool” and you don’t want to be the outcast. I promise you this, you are not an outcast and there will be the friends that stick by you no matter what. Find the reason you love these subject and stay true to those reasons. However, there is nothing wrong with finding other interests outside of math and science. Join a sport, or find a hobby that can open other doors for you besides those in STEM.

When you get into high school it will be easier to find girls who are interested in the same bright path you are on. However, there will also still be your guy friends. For me I made friends with these 3 boys in middle school and to this day I am still friends with them. 2 of them are engineering majors just like I am. So as high school went on, I had all of my math and science classes with them, always having friendly faces in my classes. Be the strong female you have grown up to be and continue to learn and grow in the STEM fields.

So, to you, don’t be afraid to learn more about STEM or related to STEM. Don’t be afraid to be “uncool” because I am telling you this, you will find other girls with common interests and they will become some or your best friends, you will find guys that will be great friends. You will also find friends that have different interests, but still want to be your friend because of who you are.

Be you, investigate the things you want to, you will be loved, and you will have an amazing life in the path that you choose to live.