When Daniel first stepped into the world of DiscoverSTEM, he was already a bright 16-year-old with a passion for mechanical and aerospace engineering. Hailing from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Daniel was the kind of kid who’d spend weekends on road trips, fishing with his family, or strumming his guitar. But beneath all that, there was a burning curiosity for science and a drive to make a real impact in the world.
A Perfect Fit
It was during the daunting search for college prep activities that Daniel stumbled upon DiscoverSTEM. He knew that universities would want to see something more than just good grades—they were looking for career-specific experiences. After some online digging, DiscoverSTEM stood out as the perfect match. Not only did it cover the engineering aspects Daniel was passionate about, but it also offered something extra: a clear path from learning to innovating. “DiscoverSTEM presented like the perfect fit in terms of what was taught and implemented for students,” Daniel recalled.
A Shift in Perspective
From the very first session, DiscoverSTEM challenged Daniel’s way of thinking. He’d always been the kind of person to charge head-on into problems, but the program taught him to step back, consider the bigger picture, and understand the root causes before diving into solutions. This new approach not only helped him in STEM subjects but also transformed how he tackled literature and other liberal arts courses at school. As Daniel put it, “DiscoverSTEM taught me to take a step back and look at problems holistically, considering the causes and impacts before looking for solutions.”
And it wasn’t just about academics. Daniel’s leadership skills took a leap forward as well. As the leader of the Innovation Team at DiscoverSTEM, he got to practice communicating effectively—a skill that proved invaluable when he applied it to community outreach programs and group projects at school. Presenting his first final innovation as a team leader was a pivotal moment, one that gave him a newfound confidence in both his abilities and his future.
Discovering Strengths
Before joining DiscoverSTEM, Daniel saw school as just an obligation. But working with a team of like-minded students, each bringing their own perspective to the table, made him appreciate the value of learning in a way he hadn’t before. “Working within a team environment and listening to other students’ perspectives helped me become appreciative of the schooling system I currently have,” Daniel shared. He began to see connections between different subjects, understanding how each point tied into the next rather than viewing them in isolation.
One of the most exciting parts of the program for Daniel was being part of the patent development team. The thrill of seeing his ideas materialize, especially when filling out the patent paperwork, was something he’ll never forget. “When filling out the patent paperwork, that was exciting for the entire team,” Daniel said. It was more than getting the job done—it was about the journey of innovation and the pride that comes with seeing a project through to completion.
Looking Ahead
As Daniel gears up for the next chapter of his life, DiscoverSTEM has already made a lasting impact. It’s solidified his decision to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, a field where group work and innovative thinking are key. He’s set his sights on taking more leadership positions and even becoming a mentor at DiscoverSTEM in the future. “I want to take more leadership positions and become a communication leader,” Daniel stated, reflecting on his goals.
For students considering DiscoverSTEM, Daniel has a simple message: Give it a try. The program isn’t just about learning STEM subjects—it’s about learning how to think, how to solve problems, and how to work as a team. “Coming there, I walk out learning something new every day,” Daniel emphasized. The trust his team placed in him and the lessons he’s learned have been life-changing, and he wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.