"I had the opportunity to participate in the Northeastern Geological Society of America conference last spring, and was shocked by the lack of diversity of the attendees. As a Wellesley student, it can be easy to forget how STEM fields are dominated by white males, that being said, the lack of diversity in 2018 is honestly appalling. Although I had a wonderful experience at the conference, I left feeling emotionally exhausted and drained. Being a female person of color, I felt the need to prove myself as being worthy of science research. Although I am passionate about Geosciences, I cannot imagine a profession in research or academia and plan to become an Elementary School teacher. "