Absolution From Neutrality by Janiyah

Absolution From Neutrality by Janiyah - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

For quite some time, it has felt like I’ve been undecided. Neutrality has been a constant companion for a large majority of my life. What color shirt do you prefer? Neither. What’s your favorite movie? I don’t have a favorite; I simply find some more enjoyable than others. What interests you? Many things, though nothing particular. Time after time, things have appeared equal in measure, yet there was never quite something that has encapsulated the spark so many people seemed to have for their passions. That was until I found something. Something that sparked an interest beyond the surface level. It was something deeper, more heartfelt. For me, that something was STEM.

My interest in STEM was first piqued in 8th Grade. This was thanks to a class that embodied the basics of technology and STEM as a whole. The completion of a simple assignment became the basis for my intended career, an envisionment of the future. Through learning about careers in fields like engineering and astronomy, as well as completing an assignment envisioning my future, I knew I’d found my calling. I imagined myself as an engineer, designing things to aid others or as a doctor who diagnosed and looked over her patients with superb grace and care. It's safe to say, I was sold. There it was, finally. A future that encompassed my interests. Mine. And my growing fervor for STEM only deepened from there. Though unsure about what particular career I’d have, I knew I'd find what fit me. My entrance into high school only ensured that.

That early curiosity didn’t fade; instead, it grew stronger as I entered high school. Having completed my first engineering, geometry, and chemistry classes during sophomore year, I felt even more certain of my desire to pursue STEM. With my parents' support, I found a summer program: The Battery Chemistry and Fuel Cell Program. The program proved enriching, as I conducted experiments with battery coin cells and developed conclusions from the results. Working in a lab environment, I was treated as though I were a researcher or scientist. Truly, it was astounding. Though appearing a bit stodgy initially, being granted access to work in a lab and conduct experiments caused a switch to flip. Researching battery cells and their components made me feel like I had truly found a place. My place. Assembling battery cells, weighing materials, reviewing basic chemistry equations, and discussing the results formed a rhythm of sorts. One born from the formation of hypotheses, testing, and refining. The very essence of inquiry. It was certain, my future was coming to fruition. All towards the area I strive to someday work in: astrophysics.

This ideal came to me through that same rhythm of research and the parallels I began to draw. In preparation for my future, I began researching various scientific fields, and that's when I discovered astrophysics. Truly, I was fascinated by the experiences that I heard about. This work involved mapping celestial phenomena like galaxies, meteorites, and the expansion of the universe. And for me, these experiences paralleled the lab work I'd conducted before my junior year, making inquiries about something theoretical and completing experiments based on such. All simply based on an inquiry. And that stuck with me. Such simplicity quenched my curiosity and comforted me. If such extraordinary research and feats could be conducted based on an inquiry, perhaps I do have a chance. The chance to ensure a future for myself, one that is exuberant and knowing. Knowing of myself and of my aspirations, whether that be leading a happy life or aiding others. But, most of all, exploring the unknown and contributing to the realm of astrophysics. These parallels drawn are what truly encompass what I’ve adopted as a dream and, most of all, a passion. And for that, I’m forever grateful.