Salomee Khawja is an S-STEM Scholar at New York City College of Technology. In this S-STEM Scholar Spotlight, Salomee shares how pivotal mentorship has been in cultivating a sense of community and increasing confidence to pursue different opportunities.
Headshot of Salomee Khawja.
The sense of belonging that I’ve cultivated in STEM has predominantly come from my experience working and collaborating with people in the career field I’m interested in. Seeking an internship
was the best decision I made, although I was at first fearful and doubted whether I deserved such an opportunity. I was even more delighted when the mentor I worked with at my internship told me that I couldn’t see how good I was and that all I needed was confidence and supportive people around me. To put it simply, I felt like I belonged only after I pushed myself to be in places where I wanted to end up, despite my apprehensions. This experience taught me that belonging in a community in STEM isn’t just about finding the right community—it’s about allowing yourself to be found by them.
By stepping into environments that seem challenging and perhaps impossible, the door opens to connections with people who share your passion and are excited to support your growth. The sense of belonging that emerges from these connections is powerful because it’s rooted in shared experiences, mutual encouragement, and the collective pursuit of knowledge. As a result, I made friends who connected with me on a deeper, more personal level—like family. The mentorship and collaborative efforts during my internship have been vital in shaping me as the person I am today. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are driven by curiosity and advancement has solidified my decision to further my studies in research as a chemist.
Connect with Salomee 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.
