Mariya Kalinichenko

"My name is Masha Kalinichenko. I am 15 and I am from the Dnieper. I study at the Lyceum of Information Technology (LIT-i) and am active in civic activities, volunteer. I am the President of Parliament in the Lyceum.

I’ve always been interested in how our world is working. So, I’m interested in astronomy and ecology. I am the current President of the Aerospace Center and have recently completed my research work names “The Star Encyclopedia: Dawns Closer Than They Seem” – that is the work I presented for the regional stage of Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

And what about ecology? Ecology is not just a term from a biology textbook. It examines all the changes that are happening in the world. Global warming, lack of water, air pollution, soil… Could our grandparents imagine that??? And what will happen in the future if we don’t change it not? We all need to take care of our environment and do our best to ensure that our next generation can also live on the planet that would be more technologically advanced.

However, the fact that I study hard and constantly develop in various fields does not mean I am a ‘nerd’ as teenagers like to say. For instance, I draw logos and make interesting startups that can make our lives better. And I think it’s very cool that I live at a time where the girls have the same chances as boys do. We can also change this world for better and improve it! I wish all girls who have ever participated in or will participate in STEM is FEM to be brave and open. The main thing is not to be afraid of ‘someone saying something’ and not to doubt yourself. And if I want to become an IT-woman, I will. You can do the same. Just remember that!"