Letter to a future agricultural biotechnology researcher. From Aneth David.

Aneth David conducts research on the use of soil microorganisms to improve crop yield. She is a Next Einstein Forum Ambassador for Tanzania. 15 years ago, Aneth David was a shy teenager who was self-conscious and who feared life — feared what may be lurking around the corner. She was a dreamer but she thought that she was not good enough to excel in life. By age 11 she had moved across more than 3 cities, changing schools and friends at each turn, adding further to uncertainties about life. She tells us, “Now, I am a scientific researcher and academician in the early stages of her career, confident with my life path and doing a pretty good job at it. Here is what I would tell the teen me”. Read more about her scientific work and journey here and here, and follow her on Twitter @anethdavidd.

Dear Aneth,

I understand that life has not been particularly straightforward recently, understanding and adapting to your new environment, trying to make new friends and get good grades at the same time may seem daunting feats. Fear not and keep the spirit up, the future is much brighter though not less bumpy. You will face insurmountable challenges at each level and everywhere you go. You will also make a lot of mistakes along the way, some quite silly and embarrassing. Nevertheless, you will beat the odds and come out stronger, ready to face the next mountain after each turn. You harbour enough strength to take you through life and come out victorious. Yes, it will not be easy but it will be well worth it. Doubt yourself less, believe in you more. Be more confident: it will unset some people but it is so admirable and will open many doors too.

You will meet people who will try to distract you from your journey but many more will be on your side. They will let you stand on their shoulders giving you a better vantage point of life, and propel you to higher levels. Learn to identify these people early on and hold onto them, learning as much as you can from them. They are your greatest asset.

And oh, you are wonderful the way you are. Do not let anybody else tell you anything else. You don’t have to try and be like someone else, no matter what message society keeps sending out. Be comfortable on your skin and set your own standards.

The world will get better, a lot of new exciting things will be discovered, cool technologies that will improve life and make the world a whole lot better place to live will be invented. You will be part of this great world, witnessing and experiencing technological wonders unfolding. You will also do your lot with the sciences.

Be grateful for the challenges and hardships that you are currently facing, they are lessons preparing you for bigger roles in the future. They will equip you with abilities to excel as you go through life, they will make you wiser, do not forget these lessons. This is the finest moment you will ever have, make the best of it!

I believe in you.

With love,

Future older Aneth.

Representation Matters is a collaborative project between The Exploratory, African Women in Science and Engineering, Levers in Heels, and is supported in part by a Diversity in Science grant from The Biochemical Society.