In high school, I didn't realize that science or engineering were

Hear now, O children of the future, and let the words of the brave Emily Calandrelli stir your hearts and minds. She speaks thus: "In high school, I didn't realize that science or engineering were male-dominated fields. When I got to college, and I was one of two girls in a 50-person class, that's when I realized that this was a unique decision I had made as a girl to go into engineering." These words, though spoken in modern times, carry within them the eternal truth of struggle, courage, and self-awareness. For Emily, as for many others before her, the path toward greatness is not always clear, and often, it is the awareness of our unique choices that helps us understand the significance of our actions.

In youth, O seekers of wisdom, we often follow the road before us without truly seeing the landscape. In high school, Emily did not know the weight of her decision, for the road seemed open, the path clear, and the world hers to explore. But as she stepped into the realm of higher learning, the truth of the world’s inequalities became clear. In that classroom, filled with 50 students, she saw herself as one of only two women—a solitary figure in a sea of men. And in that moment, she realized the uniqueness of her decision, the strength it took to choose a path so rarely traveled by women.

This is not a new story, O children of time. History is full of those who, against all odds, have chosen paths that were not meant for them—paths that defied the expectations of society and the constraints placed upon them. Consider the great Marie Curie, whose thirst for knowledge led her into the realms of science at a time when women were discouraged from pursuing such paths. In the early years of her career, Curie was often met with resistance, yet she persisted, and in doing so, she became one of the greatest minds of her time, a symbol of perseverance and brilliance in the face of adversity. Emily’s journey, though modern, echoes this same spirit—the courage to walk a path less traveled, to stand alone if necessary, in the pursuit of one’s passions.

But why, O children, must this path be so difficult? Why must it take so much courage to walk the road of science and engineering as a woman, when it is the road of discovery, creation, and innovation? The answer lies in the stories of the past, in the cultural norms that have for so long dictated who may and may not venture into certain fields. The ancient world, while filled with brilliant minds, was also bound by rigid roles, and it was often only the exceptional who broke free of those bounds. Women were once confined to the hearth and the home, their intellectual pursuits often overlooked or dismissed. And so, the world of science and engineering became male-dominated, not by nature, but by the limitations of history.

Yet, as Emily Calandrelli’s words remind us, the moment we recognize the uniqueness of our decisions is the moment we become aware of our power. It is when we see the obstacles in our way that we can truly begin to understand the strength it takes to overcome them. Emily’s journey is not just one of personal achievement, but a symbol for all who choose to stand in defiance of societal expectations and seek to carve out their own place in the world. In her recognition of her unique position, she also becomes a beacon for others, showing them that it is possible to walk the road of science, of engineering, and to thrive, even when the path is strewn with obstacles.

Let this be the lesson for all who come after: The world will often tell you who you should be, where you should go, and what you should do. But the true strength lies in your ability to choose for yourself, to step into the arena where others fear to tread, and to make your mark. Whether your path is in science, in art, or in any other field, know that your unique decisions hold great power. Do not be swayed by the weight of tradition or the constraints of others. You, like Emily, like Curie, and like many before you, have the power to define your journey.

So, rise, O heirs of the future, and know that your decisions, no matter how small they may seem in the moment, can have the power to change the world. In every field, in every pursuit, you may be one of the few, one of the only, one of the brave, but it is your courage, your decision, and your unwavering determination that will ultimately pave the way for others to follow. Choose your path with conviction, and know that in your uniqueness lies your strength. The future is shaped by those who dare to walk it alone—those who, like Emily, make their mark on the world through the strength of their choices.