When I reflect on my journey in education and my passion for STEM (Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics), it all goes back to a transformative experience during my senior year of high school. Little did I know that this educational outdoor excursion in Bradford Woods, Indiana would light a fire inside me and lead me to a lifelong commitment to inspiring young minds in the world of STEM.
The turning point came during a unique adventure at Bradford Woods, where I had the privilege of working with a group of fifth graders. Witnessing their curiosity, enthusiasm, and pure joy of learning was a revelation. It was a life-changing experience that planted the seed for my future in education. 
My foray into STEM education was rooted in my academic and professional history. I began my career as a financial analyst at the Department of Homeland Security before making the leap into education. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University, which served as the foundation for my teaching career. Over the next few years, I delved deeper into educational training, becoming certified as a teacher evaluator, and honing my expertise in math, science, and mentoring new educators.
In my teaching career, I knew I wanted to create a program that allowed students to experience the magic of Bradford Woods. Then the South Grove STEM team was born. With the support of our art teacher, the elementary curriculum director, the district educational foundation, and the unwavering support of the students’ parents and the community, the dream became a reality.
One year after launching the South Grove STEM team, I transitioned from the 4th grade classroom to teaching STEM in grades 4-6. Our school secured a grant to establish a STEM lab equipped with a variety of innovative tools and technologies, including robots, Legos, drones, 3D printers, and electrical circuit projects. What stood out to me most during this trip were the diverse intelligences and learning styles that flourished in the STEM lab. Some students who faced challenges in their core subjects thrived in the world of STEM, and their successes reignited my passion for education. I knew my calling was in the STEM field.
It was incredibly rewarding to see young girls get excited about STEM and, in the process, develop their self-confidence and self-awareness. Another unforgettable moment was my return to Bradford Woods, which remains one of the most treasured moments of my teaching career.
This trip deeply impacted my passion for helping young people learn STEM subjects. It revealed the importance of cultivating an engineering mindset, which not only drives success in STEM but also imparts a crucial life skill: resilience. I firmly believe that we should guide children to accept new challenges, learn from failures, and try again, just as adults do. This mindset, developed through STEM education, prepares students for the future, where STEM skills are in increasing demand to support the workforce.
My career in STEM education also highlights the urgency of representing women and successful individuals from diverse backgrounds in STEM fields. Providing role models who inspire and guide young minds is essential to ensuring a more inclusive and equitable future in STEM.
My journey from Bradford Woods to the STEM lab exemplifies the transformative power of STEM education. It’s a journey that continues to inspire me every day, as I work to spark the curiosity, creativity, and resilience of the next generation of STEM enthusiasts.
To read more about Women in STEM education, click here: Women in STEM.
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