'You could choose anything, be anywhere, and it will be okay as long as you stay engaged and curious,' Ana’s brother told her in high school. She took those words to heart, diving deep into Materials Science early on. From exploring the properties of two-dimensional materials to pushing the boundaries of scientific research, Ana has lived her passion. Now, as she nears the completion of her PhD at Stanford, she reflects on the choices, challenges, and discoveries that shaped her path.