Natalie Mendoza, Arizona State University – Arizona, $750
By Natalie Mendoza
I am one of the lucky ones. My parents did not brainwash me in religion. Growing up, my atheist parents nurtured my curiosity and desire to learn. My parents’ encouragement had a profoundly positive impact on every aspect of my life. Specifically, atheism leaves me free to learn about the world, create and engineer new ideas to benefit the world, and to experience joy, pride and confidence while doing so.
