Tell us a little bit about yourself and your plans for college.

Our world is constantly changing, and technology and innovation are driving that change. I can’t imagine a world without cell phones, Netflix, and laptops, but not long ago when my parents were in high school, they never would have imagined raising their children with the technology we have now. Imagining what our world will look like for the next generation is difficult. Artificial intelligence, new computer programming techniques, new apps, and other new technologies will be changing the world in the next few years.

Already I have had many experiences where I have been able to learn about the world and how it works from my engineering and STEM classes. Last year I attended an event at which a speaker detailed the effects of Artificial Intelligence and its ethical implications. AI is one of the most significant technological changes facing our society and its potential impacts are unparalleled. Years ago, AI was only depicted in science fiction and hypotheticals, but now it helps in the classroom, keeps people safe on the road, and so much more. I am excited to keep learning about the incredible possibilities that AI holds and hopefully play a part in enabling artificial intelligence to solve major world problems.

Technology has the power to change people’s lives for the better. Technology and computers have allowed people with debilitating diseases to lead normal lives, given clean water to people who wouldn’t otherwise have it, and so much more. One of my classmates has Rhett’s disease, a condition that makes her unable to speak; a few years ago, someone developed a technology that allowed her to use a computer to communicate with the people around her. That was incredible to me, and I hope to eventually have that kind of positive impact on someone's life.

Abigail from Utah
High School Senior
Wasatch High School