McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship - Khadra Burden

Summary

The speaker shares their lifelong dream of becoming a plant scientist, inspired by botanist George Washington Carver's groundbreaking work and his role in breaking racial barriers. The speaker highlights the lack of African-Americans in STEM fields, particularly in botany, and hopes that by furthering their education and pursuing a career as a lab technician, they can inspire other Black youth to follow similar paths. The speaker emphasizes the importance of representation, believing that achieving personal success will contribute to Black excellence and motivate others to do the same.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The speaker wants to further their education to become a plant scientist.
• 📚 From a young age, specifically third grade, they've aspired to work as a botanist.
• 🌿 Botany, the study of plants' physical and chemical processes, is their chosen field of study.
• 📖 They were inspired by George Washington Carver’s life story and contributions to botany.
• 💡 Carver's discovery of various plant uses fascinated them deeply.
• 🌍 They admire how Carver broke down racial barriers through his work in science.
• ✊ The speaker notices a lack of African-Americans in STEM fields, especially in botany.
• 🎓 By attending college and pursuing botany, they aim to fulfill a lifelong dream.
• 🌟 They hope to inspire other Black youth to believe in their potential in STEM fields.
• 💪 The speaker believes that Black Excellence inspires others and creates a sense of possibility.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to pursue a career in botany?

The speaker was inspired by George Washington Carver’s story, particularly his discoveries with plants and his ability to break down racial barriers.

When did the speaker first develop an interest in botany?

The speaker developed an interest in botany in the third grade.

What does the speaker hope to achieve by furthering their education in botany?

The speaker hopes to fulfill their dream of becoming a plant scientist and inspire other Black boys and girls to pursue STEM careers.

Why does the speaker admire George Washington Carver?

The speaker admires George Washington Carver for his achievements in botany and his role in breaking down racial barriers.

How does the speaker describe the current representation of African Americans in STEM fields?

The speaker notes that there are not many African Americans in STEM fields, including botany.

What career does the speaker hope to pursue in botany?

The speaker hopes to pursue a career as a plant scientist and potentially work as a lab technician.

What impact does the speaker hope to have on others by achieving their goals in botany?

The speaker hopes to inspire other Black children to pursue careers in STEM by showing them that they can achieve success as well.

How does the speaker view the influence of 'Black excellence'?

The speaker believes that 'Black excellence' is contagious and that seeing others who look like you achieve success can inspire similar accomplishments.

What personal connection does the speaker feel with George Washington Carver despite growing up in different times?

The speaker feels a connection with George Washington Carver because they both faced challenges as African Americans pursuing STEM careers, even though they grew up in different eras.

What broader social issue does the speaker address in their pursuit of a career in botany?

The speaker addresses the underrepresentation of African Americans in STEM fields and hopes to change this by becoming a successful botanist and role model.