When I first opened the email inviting me to the Mission 44 Formula 1 event, in partnership with Girlstart, I was filled with excitement and curiosity. The idea of stepping into the world of Formula 1 to explore how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fuel motorsport was intriguing.

As the event drew closer, my excitement grew. Arriving at the iconic Circuit of the Americas was surreal, as it was my first time seeing the massive track in person, and the energy was electric. After a quick breakfast, we dove into our first F1-inspired STEM activity, and that’s when the magic truly began.

Then came a moment I’ll never forget, meeting Sir Lewis Hamilton. Listening to him share his journey through racing and his passion for driving change in motorsport was deeply inspiring. His words reminded me that no dream is too big and that representation matters, especially in spaces where it’s been historically lacking.

To help us center ourselves before the next round of challenges, we joined a mindfulness yoga session with lululemon. It was the perfect reset, allowing us to refocus and bring our best selves to the STEM activities ahead.

One of the highlights of the day was visiting the Ferrari and Pirelli engineers. As an aspiring electrical engineer, speaking with them was a dream come true. I got a first-hand look at how engineering powers every aspect of an F1 car, from monitoring temperature to optimizing fuel efficiency.

It was incredible to see how precision, innovation, and science come together to create machines capable of pushing the limits of speed and performance. That moment opened my eyes to a future I hadn’t considered before: a career in motorsport engineering.

The surprises didn’t stop there. I was honored to be interviewed by Sky Sports F1. It was my first time on camera, and while I felt a mix of nerves and excitement, I also felt empowered.

Sharing my thoughts and passion for STEM on such a public platform was a powerful experience. I hoped that someone watching might see themselves in my story and feel inspired to chase their own dreams.

This experience helped me step out of my comfort zone and realize the power of storytelling. It showed me how media and communication can amplify voices and spark change, especially for young women in STEM.

The Mission 44 and Girlstart event was more than just a day at the track. It was a journey of discovery, inspiration, and empowerment. It reminded me that STEM isn’t just about equations and experiments – it’s about driving innovation, breaking barriers, and creating a future where everyone has a place at the table.

Whether on the track or in the lab, STEM has the power to change the world, and I’m more excited than ever to be part of that journey.

Sahana, 15
Austin, Texas