Can someone help me interpret this prompt?

I’m currently applying for the STEM Excellence Award for Questbridge, but I can’t tell what this prompt wants me to say.


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“What role has science and/or math played in your life so far, and what role do you see it playing in your future?”

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I’m torn between two different interpretations: is it asking me how has science/math in an academic sense has played a role in my life or is it asking me how have certain applications of science/math played a role in my life?