Opportunities out of this world, Bondar tells girls

Grade 7 and 8 students urged by astronaut to consider careers in skilled trades, science, technology, engineering, math, arts

Roberta Bondar delivered a pearl of wisdom to young girls in Peterborough Thursday: never lose your curiosity. The former astronaut spoke to about 350 Grade 7 and 8 students at Fleming College as part of the Females in STEAM launch.

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) aims to encourage girls to consider careers in those fields, as well as skilled trades.

Bondar, 73, was the first Canadian woman and first neurologist in space. She’s a scientist, educator, author, photographer and former chancellor of Trent University. The Toronto resident spoke to a packed college theatre about infinite possibilities.

“Infinite possibilities means somewhere out there, there’s another idea, and it could be any time from anywhere. So just remember, everything has not been learned yet,” she said.

She talked about following passions that make you feel good and pique curiosity and

how strategy will move it from a hobby into being “part of yourself.”

And when it’s time to learn, make sure you learn it right the first time, she said.

“Seek the people that can give you that skillset who are at the top of their game … always aim for excellence, regardless of what it is you want to do.”

Bondar encouraged the girls to think about themselves “positively and squarely” and how curiosity will drive them to learn and to pick courses for post-secondary education.

“Curiosity: don’t lose it. The followup would be: study something that’s going to give you the answers because that’s going to make you feel good.”

The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame inductee shared photos and video from her space flight and footage of her helicopter shoots in Africa. After her presentation, students jumped on stage with Bondar to have their new STEAM T-shirts autographed, leaping off the platform with beaming smiles. Queen Elizabeth Public School student Gina DeCarll, 12, wants to be a soccer player when she grows up. Although she’s not interested in a STEAM career, she still found Bondar’s message inspirational.

“To follow your dreams and don’t question yourself,” Gina said of what she learned.

CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT EXAMINER Canada's first female astronaut, Roberta Bondar, addresses students Thursday at the Inspire: Day of the Girl event in honour of the International Day of the Girl at Fleming College Whetung Theatre.