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Blazing a unique trail for herself:

Arizona's Sonoran Desert Suffers Severely from Climate Change: MIT Senior Amber Velez, Dual Major in Mechanical Engineering and Creative Writing, Vows to Combat Crisis through Activism, Academics, and Fantasy Literature.

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Amber Velez, an MIT senior with majors in mechanical engineering and creative writing, has...
Amber Velez, an MIT senior with majors in mechanical engineering and creative writing, has witnessed the devastating effects of climate change in Arizona's Sonoran Desert. Driven by the desire to create change, she plans to engage in activism, further her STEM studies, and write fantasy fiction depicting improved and alternative worlds.

Blazing a unique trail for herself:

Hands-On Amber Velez Turns Challenges Upside Down

Amber Velez, a fearless problem solver, thrives on flipping adversity on its head. As a junior, her dreams of mastering the art of the aerial hoop, or lyra, were dashed by its high price tag. Determined not to let finances derail her passion, she set out to craft her own at MIT's campus lab.

To her surprise, she found a community eager to lend a helping hand at MIT. Using a tube roller tool, she painstakingly shaped the hoop's curvature, discovering that help was just a request away at this innovative hub.

Metalsmithing for the Win

Velez's creative spirit wasn't content with just one challenge. She honed her skills in metalsmithing at the Merton C. Flemings Materials Processing Laboratory, forging a sword with a dragon hilt using ancient technology. With the school's reputation for pushing boundaries, Velez was in her element.

The lyra and the sword aren't the only testaments to her craftsmanship. Velez moves her lyra between favorite spots on campus, suspending it from columns or trees, leaving a trail of artistic expression behind.

The Fruits of Persistence

As a college freshman, Velez arrived at MIT with a clear vision: to make a difference in the world by combining activism, STEM studies, and her love for storytelling. Her determination paid off when she assembled an engine by hand in her first mechanical engineering course, propelling her to declare her major.

But Velez didn't stop there. She forged her second major, Creative Writing in History, through the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS). Driven by her passion for history and representation in fiction, she embarked on a creative writing thesis, penning a collection of short stories set in the unique Sonoran Desert.

A Supportive Community

Velez also found a supportive community as a student blogger for MIT Admissions. Starting in her first year, she shared her experiences, struggles, and triumphs with an audience of aspiring students. Her heartfelt blog post about overcoming her fear of failing a physics class resonated with many, offering a key insight: vulnerability can lead to strength.

As Velez continues to make her mark at MIT, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for young, minority students, proving that pushing oneself, not perfection, is the key to success. Her extraordinary journey serves as a reminder that at MIT, curiosity is rewarded and problem-solving becomes an art form.

  1. Amber Velez's resourcefulness is evident as she turns adversity into opportunities, exemplified by her homemade aerial hoop crafted at MIT's campus lab.
  2. The MIT community, known for its innovation, gladly assisted Velez in shaping the hoop's curvature, demonstrating their eagerness to help.
  3. After crafting her own lyra, Velez dived into metalsmithing, fashioning a sword with a dragon hilt at the Merton C. Flemings Materials Processing Laboratory.
  4. Velez's creativity took root on campus, with her moving her lyra between favorite spots, adorning the environment with her artistic expression.
  5. Arriving at MIT with a clear vision, Velez combined activism, STEM studies, and storytelling to make a difference in the world.
  6. Her persistence paid off when she successfully assembled an engine by hand in her first mechanical engineering course, propelling her to declare the major.
  7. Fueled by her passion for history and representation in fiction, Velez forged her second major, Creative Writing in History, through the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS).
  8. Velez's blog for MIT Admissions, sharing her experiences, struggles, and triumphs, serves as an inspirational guide for aspiring students.
  9. Her heartfelt post about overcoming her fear of failing a physics class showed that vulnerability can lead to strength, resonating with many.
  10. Velez's story stands as a beacon for young, minority students, demonstrating that pushing oneself, not perfection, is the key to success.
  11. At MIT, where curiosity is valued and problem-solving becomes an art form, Velez's extraordinary journey is a testament to the power of self-development and personal growth.
  12. In her creative writing thesis, Velez penned a collection of short stories set in the Sonoran Desert, showcasing her dedication to education and self-development.
  13. Velez's journey in disciplines as diverse as engineering, physics, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, technology, and education-and-self-development invigorates the campus with a fusion of energy and learning.

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