My name is Aditi, and I am a Girls Inc. Eureka participant. Girls Inc. was built on the foundation of empowering girls to be strong, smart, and bold. To me, being smart is a critical part of Girls Inc., and it has shaped countless lives over its 20-year history.

When I think about being smart, it’s not just about grades or academic performance. Being smart is about curiosity, innovation, and resilience. It’s about seeing challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities to grow. Girls Inc. has shown me that intelligence isn’t something you’re simply born with—it’s something you build.

My journey with Girls Inc. has been nothing short of transformative. Through the Eureka program, I’ve immersed myself in STEM experiences that expanded my mind and inspired my future. I’ve explored the intricacies of biotechnology, programmed solutions to real-world problems through code, and even conducted college-level experiments in professional labs.

One of my most memorable moments with Girls Inc. was during a challenging experiment on the bioindicators of nutrients in common fruits and vegetables. The experiment was led by Professor Yoshimoto at UTSA, and my group was so excited to see our results. But when we heated the plates where the nutrient indicators were supposed to show, nothing happened. We were completely stuck. Instead of giving up, we decided to re-run every step of the process, carefully troubleshooting until we realized the problem.

That moment taught me something I’ll never forget: being smart isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about persistence—the willingness to fail, adapt, and try again until you succeed.

Girls Inc. has also shown me that knowledge is a tool for connection. Whether I’m working alongside my peers or learning from incredible mentors, I’ve discovered that intelligence thrives in collaboration. Girls Inc. has fostered an environment where I can not only learn but also lift others up, proving that we’re smarter together.

As someone who dreams of becoming a cardiologist, I now know that the path ahead may not always be easy, but it will absolutely be worth it. Through Girls Inc., I’ve seen the power of uplifting others and how sharing knowledge can create a ripple effect of empowerment.

I want to leave you with this: intelligence is limitless. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what you look like, or what others say you can or cannot do. What matters is your willingness to learn, ask questions, and rise to the challenges ahead.

Girls Inc. has given me—and so many others—the tools to succeed and the belief that we are strong, smart, and bold. Because of Girls Inc., girls like me can dream bigger, work harder, and achieve more than we ever thought possible.