Katherine Ho: Represent in Mathematics and Engineering (RIME)

Represent in Math and Engineering, also known as RIME, is a student-led organization that has the ultimate goal of encouraging minority groups to pursue educational opportunities and professions within the STEM field. RIME also has a mission to fight for the access to STEM-related careers and overall education for underrepresented groups, which has been denied on multiple occasions. With this initiative, RIME aspires to increase inclusivity within the STEM community through its advocacy for STEM education for all, determination to spread awareness through journalism, and inspirational projects! 

After a school year full of laziness and lack of ambition, my interest in literature and the knowledge that I’ve gained drove me to address the issues that prevail within our world and take action. This comes to show that anyone can take the initiative to make a change in the world. I was lucky enough to have a friend that was very driven. Her drive and motivation inspired me to be the spark to my own flame, leading to me taking my own initiative. The summer after that school year was when I started helping with posters and the RIME website, igniting this new type of excitement within me. This would eventually lead to my contribution in RIME, hosting various STEM workshops to promote outreach! This step towards dynamism pushed me to educate myself and further spread the knowledge that I have had the privilege of attaining. 

Before the formation of RIME, I was narrow-minded and never considered getting involved with engineering. I felt that engineering was a subject that was not meant for me, leading me down a path of missed opportunities. However, RIME inspired me to be open-minded, inciting me to search for opportunities to deepen my education and knowledge of the world around me. Initially, it was very difficult to allow myself to invest in this project, but I grew to love these subjects and developed a profound passion for them. I defeated these difficulties despite all of the things that hindered me, giving myself no way out. I can only hope that my initiative and perseverance can inspire other young girls to fight for themselves and never cower away from difficulty. Running towards difficulty built my character, and I sincerely urge young girls to not fear the darkness, but become it to overcome it! Knowledge is power.

As of right now, I plan to start a new organization that focuses on creating a platform where all voices can speak up about their experiences about injustice through music, poetry, and art! You are a canvas, and the way you choose to speak up is the paint brush, and I highly encourage young girls to always speak up for their rights. Self-expression is what paints the image of who you want to be. 

Be the needle that stitches the fabric of communities with the thread of strength, justice, and vocalization. Take action and be the change that needs to happen within your community. You are valiant, your feelings are valid, and your power is boundless.

Links to RIME: https://rime4change.wixsite.com/represent

Social links: @llama_undercover206

@phhs_rime