Awesome Math Girls

Balencia Vaughan-Edelin is a rising junior at Dwight Global Online School and a student at Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. While she spends much of her time pursuing her passion for ballet, she is equally enthusiastic about STEM. From participating in math clubs and competitions to developing a love for chemistry and problem-solving, Balencia enjoys exploring how math and science help explain the world around us. Whether she’s solving a challenging trigonometry proof, conducting chemistry experiments, or preparing to take physics, she sees every opportunity as something to be curious about. 

If you could instantly become an expert in any STEM field, what would it be and why?

It would be really cool to become an expert in physics. Not only am I taking it next year, but I also think it’s one of the most fascinating STEM fields because it bridges science and math. There’s so much complexity to it, and I love how physics helps explain the world around us, from motion to forces that we experience every day.

What first sparked your interest in math and science?

I first became interested in STEM during middle school. After the pandemic and years of online learning, coming back to school made math and science feel much more engaging. I had some amazing teachers who made subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics exciting to learn. I also enjoyed seeing how different STEM subjects build on one another and connect to real-world situations, rather than just focusing on the basics.

What is your favorite area of math, and what makes it interesting to you?

This is a difficult question! I usually enjoy algebra because I like how systematic it is. There are clear steps you can follow to solve a problem and reach an answer. However, I also really enjoyed the trigonometry unit I took this year. I loved working with identities because it felt like solving a puzzle. A problem could look incredibly complicated at first, but after applying the right identity or manipulation, everything would suddenly simplify. It was always satisfying to see a complex expression turn into something as simple as 1.

Was there a specific class, project, or experience that made you realize you loved STEM?

Tenth grade really solidified my love for both math and chemistry. My chemistry teacher made difficult concepts easy to understand, and by the end of the year, I realized how much I had learned. Looking back, I could do things that would have seemed impossible to me at the beginning of the course. My math teacher also played a huge role. Even though the class moved quickly, she made the material feel approachable and encouraged us to ask questions. Both classes helped me recognize how much I enjoyed learning STEM subjects.

What is a challenge you’ve faced in math or science, and how did you overcome it?

One challenge I faced was adjusting to high school math. In middle school, tests felt less stressful, and I never worried much about the outcome. When I entered ninth grade, however, the assessments became more rigorous and carried greater weight. I had to learn how to manage test anxiety and avoid getting discouraged by mistakes. Over time, I became more organized with my studying and developed better habits. Most importantly, I learned to remind myself that one test score does not define my abilities.

Is there a teacher, mentor, family member, or friend who has inspired your STEM journey?

My grandmother has been one of my biggest inspirations. She studied math and has always been passionate about STEM. During the pandemic, when my learning experience felt limited, she would regularly call me to discuss math and science topics. She challenged me to think beyond what I was learning in school and helped strengthen my foundation. Without her encouragement and support, I don’t think I would be where I am academically today.

What is a STEM accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of?

One accomplishment I’m especially proud of was participating in MathCounts with my middle school math club. It was one of the first times I had worked on a math team rather than pursuing math independently. Competing alongside my teammates was both exciting and rewarding, and I loved being part of a group that shared the same enthusiasm for math.

If you could pursue any STEM career in the future, what would it be and why?

I could definitely see myself becoming a scientist. Of the sciences I’ve studied so far, chemistry is my favorite. I love its experimental nature and how large scientific concepts can be explained through simple chemical principles. I enjoy asking questions, making hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. The process of discovery is what makes chemistry so exciting to me.

What advice would you give to younger girls who are interested in math and STEM?

I would encourage them to stay curious and never be afraid to try new things. If you’re interested in math or STEM, don’t let self-doubt stop you from exploring those interests. Even if you don’t think you’re naturally good at a subject, improvement is always possible through hard work and persistence. Watching yourself grow and succeed in a challenging subject is incredibly rewarding, so don’t let anything stand in the way of pursuing what excites you.

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