In a heartfelt video, four women—Carla Franchesca, Abby Amelia, Holly, and another unnamed individual—share letters addressed to their younger selves, offering wisdom and encouragement gleaned from their journeys in STEM fields.
Through these candid reflections, they convey the struggles and triumphs they’ve faced. Carla Franchesca reflects on the anxiety of feeling like the odd one out and the doubts that often crept in during her early years, especially being the only girl in many of her classes. Yet she assures her younger self that those doubts are unfounded and perseverance pays off in the end.
Abby Amelia and Holly echo similar sentiments. They talk about the sacrifices and late nights spent studying, emphasizing that these efforts are worth it. Abby shares a poignant message that failing university classes and even dropping out does not spell the end of one’s journey. In fact, these moments of failure can lead to greater success down the line.
Holly brings a dose of reality by addressing the challenges of being a woman in STEM. She advises her younger self not to seek approval from those who belittle her because of her gender. Instead, she should trust in her abilities and continue to strive for excellence, knowing that her attention to detail and problem-solving skills are what make her perfect for her job.
These women also highlight the importance of self-belief and the value of a strong support system. Facing setbacks and moments of doubt is part of the climb towards achieving one’s goals. They remind their younger selves to focus on self-improvement and to cherish small victories along the way. Holly points out that the love for building things, whether it was playing with Lego or fixing up the family car, was a clear sign of her future in engineering, even if it wasn’t obvious at the time.
They also share the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from their work. From seeing a car on TV that contains something they’ve worked on, to the pride in realizing how their childhood interests have shaped their careers, these moments of joy make all the hardships worthwhile. Mistakes are framed as valuable lessons that contribute to personal and professional growth.
Lastly, they remind themselves—and by extension, others—to never lose the passion that sets them apart. The video is filled with optimism, urging an unwavering curiosity and the confidence that the best is yet to come. The women sign off with love and encouragement, wishing their younger selves the best and cautioning against questionable hairstyle choices, adding a light-hearted touch to their heartfelt messages.
The reflections shared by these women offer a powerful testament to the resilience and determination required to succeed in STEM fields. Their stories serve as a reminder that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, the rewards make it all worthwhile.
