Raising aspirations for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

I'm currently studying Environmental Science at International College Portsmouth (ICP).

I would like to make a difference to the world, even if it is only a small way – my love for mother nature and seeing the destruction of the natural course of life is urging me to help. My mother studied an environmental related course and helped me researching the areas I was interested in, both my parents support my decision to study environmental science.

Having a lot of money isn't as important to me as living in a safe and protected environment. I would like to work for the United Nations because there are a diversity of people within the organisations from all of the world who work on different problems facing the environment. It is exciting to think that I could possibly work on projects in multiple areas to help solve a range of problems.

Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan social, environmental and political activist inspired me to make a difference. She founded the Green Belt Movement and is the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize. She proved that you can make a change no matter where you come from.

I feel like more women in the field of science encourage other women to feel like they belong – there are also more role models to look to for inspiration. Don't worry about what people say, if your heat tells you to do it, then it's worth it!

Blog post written by Anita Maritim, Kenya.