Role Models in STEM fields
When someone says "science", "technology", "engineering", or "math", what is the picture that pops into your head? Most people would likely answer that they think of a male. When asked to describe that image more, they would likely say that they think of a white male. They may continue with glasses or a lab coat, depending on how detailed they are and which of the four words that they heard. However, there are an abundance of people within the STEM fields from all different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and beyond. Since students within schools are not only white males, they need to be able to see themselves reflected in STEM fields, so that they know their aspirations are validated and possible. If students can find role models in different STEM fields that they can identify with, they will know that those STEM fields are also possibilities for them to achieve, if that is what they desire. Sometimes, it is ha...