by: Grace Klevorn

Throughout my time in high school, I was never exactly sure what I wanted to study at college, so I took a variety of courses to explore my options. I took several math and science courses and pondered becoming an engineer, but decided it was not the path for me. However, my AP computer science class made me realize that I am fascinated with technology. I decided to major in accountancy due to my love of math and numbers but knew I wanted to incorporate technology in my academic career. When deciding on which college to attend, the University of Illinois really was a no brainer because the accounting program is amazing, and the engineering school is even better. I loved the idea of working and learning from the engineering students on campus because the program is so prestigious and I was interested in engineering and technology. 

My desire to incorporate technology into my academic career led me to two incredible opportunities: the Hoeft Technology and Management Program and MakerGirl. The Hoeft Technology and Management Program is an opportunity in which I will gain a minor in technology and management by collaborating with engineering students and taking some engineering courses. And of course, one of MakerGirl’s co-founders participated in this program, while the other co-founder was an accounting major. 

I joined the MakerGirl team in the spring of 2019 and am now a rising junior at the University of Illinois. MakerGirl has exposed me to a countless number of unique opportunities and allows me to combine my passion for technology with my love for helping others. Not only have I been able to develop leadership skills, network, learn from inspiring individuals, and impact young girls’ views on STEM, but MakerGirl has shown me that my major does not define what industries I can work in or what organizations I can be a part of. Despite being a business major, I can include STEM in my academic and professional career. My favorite part of MakerGirl, aside from interacting with the young MakerGirls, is learning from and collaborating with the ChangeMakers on our team that are majoring in engineering and technical STEM fields. I find so much joy in learning from others and it is eye-opening to see how all of our different backgrounds come together to create such a fun, collaborative environment. I truly hope to be involved with MakerGirl in some capacity past graduation, but most importantly, I hope to impact the young MakerGirls half as much as MakerGirl has impacted me.