Girlstart is honoring 2019 women in STEM.
Next month, Girlstart is hosting the annual Game Changers luncheon to honor women who have made a significant impact in STEM. This luncheon raises funds to support Girlstart’s year-round programs in Houston, including free after school and summer camp programs. Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with one of the 2019 Women in STEM Honorees, Isabelle Scott. She is currently pursuing a computer science degree at Rice University with a minor in business.
Isabelle has been a part of Girlstart for many years. She began her journey as a summer camp attendee for multiple summers before she switched roles as a volunteer when she entered high school. Now, as a college student, she works as a summer camp counselor so that she can provide the same high-quality mentorship that she experienced through Girlstart.
Enjoy our interview of Isabelle to learn why STEM mentorship is so vital for a girl’s future.
What does being a women in STEM mean to you?
It means having to have a bit more confidence in your abilities because people might be more likely to doubt you. But it also means meeting more people like you to connect with.
What area of STEM do you currently work/volunteer in?
I’m in my second year of studying Computer Science at Rice university.
What is your favorite thing about working/volunteering in STEM?
I like how it’s really fancy problem solving and I get to use a variety of tools to solve the world’s problems. My favorite project so far is working on a program to tag parts of languages. It’s similar to Machine Learning, but tracks nouns to determine the next word(s).
What is the most challenging thing about working in STEM?
The most challenging thing is to try and find new solutions or solve a problem in a way that hasn’t been done. I can’t use a solution that has been used before to fall back on and help me solve a problem. I have to figure out a way that hasn’t been done.
What are some really neat things you get to do in your STEM field?
It’s such a collaborative field. I enjoy getting to work with other people and learn how they think, problem solve, and work with people who think differently than me.
Why did you choose the STEM field?
My dad teaches Computer Science and the University of Texas. I grew up attending events that introduce kids to STEM. When I joined the Girlstart summer camps, I was able to see a broader area of topics and other girls doing STEM like me.
How did mentorship impact your future in STEM?
Seeing STEM normalized and encouraged as a woman was helpful because it wasn’t viewed as something that was odd or different. I could explore topics that interested me and learn while being supported.
How did Girlstart help support your interest in STEM?
Girlstart Summer Camp was the first time I saw a lot of women in the STEM field and it felt like a quiet way of being supported. I realized that STEM is something I could do and pursue. Girlstart allowed me to keep reconnecting and re-engaging in STEM and other women in STEM. I ended up attending Summer Camp for three years, volunteered while in high school for four years, and had my first year as a counselor this past summer.
Do you have a memory or favorite moment from your time as a Girlstart participant?
This past summer was so memorable. We were teaching a lesson with middle schoolers about programming drones. I was able to really develop a close connection to one of the girls. All of the girls named their drones and this girl named her drone after me. It ended up being my favorite lesson to teach. I loved seeing how excited the girls would get when they were able to program their drones to do what they wanted.
What is one piece of advice you would share with current Girlstart participants?
Being a woman in stem doesn’t have to be a big deal. It doesn’t mean that it has to be you taking a stand against something. You are just pursuing what are interested in and you just happen to be a woman.
Why Girlstart inspires girls to pursue STEM:
Isabelle is one of the many girls that continues to be inspired by Girlstart’s programs. By providing high-quality programs for after-school and summer, Girlstart is able to change the game for many girls who are interested in participating in STEM. Providing exposure and opportunity is vital to creating the next generation of scientists and engineers. Help Girlstart continuing mission of changing the game for the future:
