Rachel Bang (she/her) is an S-STEM Scholar at Metropolitan Community College Kansas City. In this S-STEM Scholar Spotlight, Rachel describes the initial spark and passion for learning that has led to being part of a community connected by curiosity and ambition.
Photo of Rachel Bang when she was in the military, taken by a dear friend on her first day at her permanent duty station.
My journey into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) began long before I even knew what the acronym stood for. From a young age, I was drawn to the worlds of math and science, fascinated by the intricate patterns of numbers and the mysteries of the natural world. These subjects weren’t just academic pursuits; they were woven into the fabric of my everyday life, shaping how I viewed the world and approached problems.
Growing up, I found myself immersed in a supportive yet competitive environment that nurtured my curiosity and fueled my passion for learning. Whether it was solving math puzzles with classmates or conducting simple science experiments in my backyard, I thrived in the exhilarating challenge of discovery. It was this combination of camaraderie and intellectual stimulation that made STEM not just a subject of study, but a way of life.
However, it wasn’t until I was 16, on a plane bound for Korea for the summer, that my fascination with STEM reached new heights. As the aircraft taxied down the runway and soared into the sky, I marveled at the sheer complexity and ingenuity of modern air travel. It was a moment of epiphany, as I realized that behind the seemingly effortless act of flying lay a vast network of scientific principles, engineering marvels, and human ingenuity.
From that moment on, I was hooked. I devoured books and documentaries on aviation, engineering, and related fields, hungry to understand the inner workings of the machines that defied gravity and connected the world. I was captivated by the sheer scale of the challenges faced by those in the aerospace industry, from designing aircraft to navigating the intricacies of flight dynamics and propulsion systems.
Rachel Bang on a staircase in Dallas as she explored a large American city for the first time.
Moreover, I was inspired by the collaborative nature of STEM disciplines, where experts from diverse backgrounds come together to solve complex problems and push the boundaries of what is possible. It was this sense of collective endeavor and shared purpose that drew me deeper into the world of STEM, where I found not just a passion, but a community of like-minded individuals who shared my curiosity and ambition.
In conclusion, my journey into STEM was a natural evolution fueled by a lifelong fascination with math and science, nurtured in a supportive and competitive environment. The moment of clarity I experienced on that plane to Korea ignited a fire within me, driving me to explore the depths of STEM disciplines and pursue a path fueled by curiosity, passion, and a sense of wonder. Today, as I continue to journey deeper into the realms of STEM, I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped me into the person I am today.
Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn.
The S-STEM Scholar Spotlight series shares stories, builds community, and highlights students and alumni and their S-STEM programs. Learn more and submit your spotlight today.
