Self-concept, self-efficacy, and interest are inextricably tied together. Researchers collected data from high school students' (n=44) responses to 4 short answer questions taken from a National Institute of Education interest inventory survey. These students were Texas science and engineering fair winners awarded the opportunity to attend a weeklong residential STEM camp on the campus of a research-intensive university. The researchers analyzed responses through descriptive coding to determine how these participants imagined themselves as scientists. Results revealed participants saw themselves first based on career options then in more generalized imaginings based on solving problems and helping humanity, being creative or curious about the world, perceiving science as an integral part of life inseparable from other experiences, and finally, perceiving science as a personal source of joy and excitement. Recommendations are included for educators in order to motivate all students who have an interest in STEM to make decisions that will inform their possible career choices within the STEM field.