There is a misconception that scientists are all by-the-books, meticulous, and boxed into one specialty. This doesn’t have to be the case at all! You don’t have to fulfill any sort of stereotype. Look for what excites you and motivates you in your every day life. It’s important to remember that you only have one life, so if you can find your fun, it will be much more enjoyable.

Creating new knowledge is a team effort. With diverse teams, scientists can broaden their horizons and pursue more complex solutions. You don’t have to be good at everything. A lot of science is about finding and working with others that can do things that you can’t. Progress needs a team!

Oftentimes the things we think make us “not belong” are also our strengths. Whether it’s your creativity, your culture, or even a love of style, there are always unexpected ways that it can enhance the work you do. By harnessing all of your differences, you’re not only bringing fresh skills to science, but also increasing your changes of coming up with creative ways to solve problems.