Thread by @LaurenHerschel

So yesterday I took Little to a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activity put on by @BBBSCalgary. I was so impressed by the experience and here’s why:

The volunteers brought in to do three experiments with us were amazing. Three engineers (chemical and electrical I believe). They were funny, down to earth, hilarious, engaging and smart. We learned about forensics, food chemistry and extracted the DNA from strawberries.

All three engineers were also women. They were young, cool and “hip”. It was wonderful to see several tween girls (and one boy) meet female role models and learn from them like that.

Little is only 11. She’s already expressed to me a few times that certain careers are more for “boys” than girls, and it’s often math and science based ones she describes. I hope yesterday helped her see what I keep telling her - that with effort & hard work, she can be anything

I myself had a moment yesterday. One of the scientist volunteers told me I should be volunteering to teach science things. I laughed and said “oh I’m a communications person - I don’t do science”.

She said “I overheard you explaining how microwaves work in a way your Little could understand. And you explained why baking soda is in baked goods and how that is science. Don’t sell yourself short. You are a good teacher.”

It made me realize I’m perpetuating all that learned “science isn’t for people/girls like me” stuff from when I was a kid - and that I can do a better job of owning things I’m good at, especially in front of Little.

Lots of life lessons for a Saturday morning!