On August 12, 2014, Maryam Mirzakhani, professor of mathematics at Stanford University, won the Fields Medal. 

Why is this noteworthy you ask? First of all, the Fields Medal (also known as the International Medal for Outstanding Discoveries in Mathematics, which is a mouthful) is the most prestigious prize a mathematician can receive. It's basically the Nobel Prize for mathematicians. Second of all, out of the 56 times this award has been given out, Mirzakhani is the first and only woman to receive it.

This is significant, especially when men greatly outnumber women in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). It shows that the females who are involved in these areas are now starting to be recognized for their contributions. And with that recognition, we are paving the way for young girls to get involved in the STEM fields. Because, let's face it, in the United States, girls aren't exactly being pushed to study math or science or engineering. They are less likely to be encouraged than boys to pursue these difficult studies. It may not be purposeful. It may not be explicit. But, it still happens.

First, let me just say that I do not study a STEM field. But, regardless of that, I have noticed that STEM women tend to be stigmatized. I mean, of course girls can't do math or physics, and we should just let the big boys handle it, right? And, if you, for some insane reason, still want to pursue this path, good luck having a social life. When and how are you going to find yourself a husband with all that work? Is your pet poodle going to take care of you when you get old? These are all overly dramatized stereotypes, but unfortunately, that doesn't mean they don't exist.

When my closest friend in high school told me that she wanted to pursue aerospace engineering, it caught me off-guard. "What?" I blurted out. She did not fit the image of what an engineer should be. She was bubbly and girly. She liked to go shopping and would freak out over boys. Why would she want to be an engineer? Then I wanted to slap myself upside the head. How could I think like that? Sure, she liked girly things. But, she was also interested in Calculus and Physics. Whenever the teacher taught how to apply a new concept, she would persist with questions until she not only knew the how, but also the why. It didn't take rocket science to be able to understand why she wanted to pursue this career. She wanted to push herself to keep learning, make discoveries, and invent the future. She wanted to be an engineer. And to think that I, for even one second, thought against it just because of some outdated beliefs, makes me feel ashamed. Because, in reality, I couldn't be more proud of what she wants to accomplish.

So here's to all of the female engineers, mathematicians, scientists, and more. Thank you for making new discoveries. Thank you for bringing ideas to life. Thank you for inspiring me and many others to pursue our passions despite all odds. 

Specifically to Maryam Hirzakhani, congratulations on your achievement. You may be the first, but you certainly won't be the last.