By Nora Smart, Class of 2025
This article is a part of a series of student stories of growth curated for the 2025 One Event. If you enjoy this story, please donate and tell us which student’s story inspired you to give.
Last year I spoke on this same stage about my journey within One Stone as I’ve gained the confidence to be an empowered woman in STEM. Since then, I have engaged in a chemistry experience with an expert in biomimicry, been a summer intern with Forsgren Associates—a civil engineering firm, and applied to 14 colleges—planning to pursue a major in biomedical engineering. At One Stone, we talk about exploring passions, growing relevant real-world skills, and making a difference. Throughout my almost four years in this space, I’ve done a lot of self exploration and reflection. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone and into the uncomfortable. I’ve learned to question why I do what I do, I’ve been challenged to understand what values and passions truly drive me, and I’ve been a part of opportunities that have empowered me to create, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to the world around me. In doing this, I’ve found not only my voice, but my Why. My “Why Statement” is to observe nuances and complexities so that the intricacies of other people are seen and appreciated.
I now know that I love STEM because I care about people.
I deeply value the humans I surround myself with, and this understanding will continue to drive me as I develop my professional identity as an engineer. Engineering is about so much more than excellence in technical skills—it is a relational, human endeavour. To me, being relational within engineering means engaging in the communities we’re contributing to and collaborating with a diverse group of perspectives and knowledge. Engineering isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about considering the nuances and complexities of how we are impacting and relating to people, communities, and the environment.
I am committed to innovating at the intersection of technical knowledge and societal and environmental consequences. And I care deeply about solving problems in which people are the priority.
I’ve been able to discover and capitalize on my why, my voice, and my confidence through the relationships, experiences, and challenges that I’ve engaged and dug into at One Stone. My voice which is rooted in a belief in myself will guide my growth into the future.
