MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Seanna Clark, 17
The lack of women in the field of science did not deter or intimidate Palm Beach Lakes High School valedictorian Seanna Chanel Clark from pursuing her dreams of having a career in this field because she has a strong mother who supports her goals completely, she said. Clark aspires to be a forensic scientist and said her mother, Joy Clark, encouraged her.
“When I told my mother I had an interest in science, she supported me 100 percent,” she said. “And from there on she was like, ‘Well she’s going to be a scientist.’ She never doubted me.”
Clark said her teachers at Palm Beach Lakes High School in West Palm Beach also supported her interests. She said her advice for other young girls and women interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers is, “Go for it.”
“There are many opportunities out there for women to be involved in STEM (careers),” she said. “And I think if women really want to do it, then they should work hard at it and don’t give up. Put your all into it.”
Clark said even though there are predominantly males in the STEM fields, “Don’t be discouraged because there aren’t many people like you or who look like you in that field.” Clark said when she heard about the women whose story was featured in the film, “Hidden Figures,” she was impressed that Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson got the chance to work at NASA in the 1960s.
Clark, 17, has already earned a biotechnology certificate, which allowed her to get a scholarship at the University of Florida in its bioscience program where she will be able to earn a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.
“With a certification in biotechnology, I can start working in a lab as an assistant,” she said. “Usually to be an assistant in a lab, you have to have a bachelor’s degree. Right now, I can start after high school.”
Clark has a 3.75 GPA and 4.6 HPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Clark has taken AP geography, AP psychology, AP macroeconomics and AP U.S. government. In addition, she is a member of the Tech Club and Biotechnology Academy.
Clark said her biggest challenge has been maintaining a level of excellence in efforts to continue to excel. “Consistently putting my best into everything I do like my schoolwork and participation in activities has been my biggest challenge,” she said. “Sometimes it’s difficult to maintain your best.”
Clark lives in Haverhill and has two siblings, brother DeSean and sister Amirah.
Q&A
What are your hobbies?
I love to read. I like to read fiction. I really love “The Hunger Games.” I love the “Divergent” series.
What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
I would follow different people around and see what a day in their (lives) looked like compared to mine.
If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be?
Michelle Obama because she’s been a great role model for me, being a leader and a woman who is very involved in not just her country but also with the world.
What is the best advice you ever received?
My mother told me to follow my dreams. She told me to do what I wanted to do for myself. Don’t do it for anyone else because this is basically my life.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
On a family vacation, my family and I went to this water park and I remember having an amazing time. Being able to have fun with my family (is something) that we don’t get to do that often.
What event in history would you have liked to have witnessed?
I would have loved to have witnessed the space watch (when NASA) launched a man on the moon. I would have loved to have experienced that because that was a very big breakthrough in science.
Who is your hero, someone who inspires you?
My mom has really inspired me a lot with all that she’s been through and the fact that she is still a strong woman and that she’s been able to provide for us is really amazing.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I was not born in Florida. I was born in New Jersey. And I moved here when I was 7. I just visited Jersey over spring break. My grandmother lives there.
What three things would you bring with you if you were stuck on a desert island?
A book, a lighter and a knife.
About the Author
