Let’s turn September into ‘STEM-tember’ for girls in school
Nothing signals the start of school like the return of yellow school buses to streets and roads throughout the region. A new school year, like a school bus route, can put a child on a lifelong career path with a clear direction.
For many young female students, the possibility of career in technology, engineering or the sciences gets prematurely detoured. They receive indirect, or even direct, messages that girls are not suited for STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math). Stereotypes often discourage girls who show potential in grade school or high school from even pursuing their interest in these subjects.
Despite virtual equality in math scores between girls and boys, girls are still entering STEM fields at a significantly lower rate than boys after graduation. Fortunately, more attention and effort is being focused on addressing and closing this career gap. From my own personal journey, I can attest that the two most critical factors come from the home and the child’s school.
Growing up in Scranton, I had always been interested in STEM subjects for as long as I can remember. I loved the outdoors, collecting rocks and was fascinated with marine life. In school, the STEM classes were my favorites. My teachers were supportive and did not try to “define” my interests based on the fact that I was a girl. It also helped that both of my parents were engineers. While I originally wanted to be a marine biologist, my parents gently guided me to consider environmental engineering. They chuckle today when they admit their concern was if I studied marine biology I would end up becoming a shrimp boat captain like in the movie “Forrest Gump.”
It is very important for parents to create a STEM experience in the home. Yes, it is true that having engineering parents provided me with great role models. There were always hands-on projects, science kits and activities going on around the house that opened my mind to STEM. But this can, and should, take place in any home. It is not difficult or “rocket science” to expose your child, whether it is a boy or a girl, to every possibility when it comes to helping them discover their true talents and unlock their potential.
The classroom also plays a major role in helping girls develop their STEM interests. I was fortunate that throughout my education, from grade school through my college studies at Drexel University and Wilkes University, that I had hands-on, supportive teachers. I was not defined by my gender, but by the work I did in their classrooms.
The impact and influence of teachers on girl students and STEM subjects cannot be overstated. A teacher, at their core, is a “success coach.” They help students to learn, motivate them to think, and inspire them to make the most of their talents and passions. The best teachers in our classrooms are ones that do not let gender or society stereotypes get in the way of reaching, teaching and inspiring every student. I was fortunate to have many like that.
Maybe I have been lucky, or naïve, but I have never found that being a woman in a STEM career put me at a disadvantage. Yes, the predominant number of my classmates, and now coworkers, are male. Schools, the business community and society at large must continue to help girls and women develop their interest and passion for STEM. What a shame if an important breakthrough, discovery or innovation never occurred because a girl with true potential lacked the encouragement and guidance at an early age.
I have three daughters. When it comes to their studies and their future, my goal as a parent is simple: wherever their interests go, I will do everything I can to help them find a path that is without barriers or roadblocks. As an engineer I am intrigued by that type of problem; as a parent, I am determined to solve it.
Nicolle Nyzio studied environmental engineering at Drexel University and graduated from Wilkes University. She is the Corporate Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator for Heraeus for the Americas region, including local sites in Yardley, and West Conshohocken. She lives in Media with her three daughters.