For a long time, I have had an extensive interest in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Upon entering university, I hoped to pursue a career in astronomy. Unfortunately, this did not pan out for me, but it did not destroy my love for science and technology.
High School Robotics
During my time in high school, I was involved in FIRST robotics competitions. These competitions are open to High school clubs and teams to build robots and use them to complete a gamified task at a competition. My team, the 4633 Bishop O’Byrne Bobcats, participated in these events, and I was the lead electrical technician in charge of wiring and maintaining the electrical components of the robot. The skills I learned on my team have allowed me to pursue hobbies in circuitry and repairing electrical components.
Scouts Canada – Indaba Day STEM promotion
During my time as a high school student, I also actively participated in youth scouting through Scouts Canada. In 2016, I was fortunate enough to volunteer to promote STEM inclusion in scouting programs aged 5-17 as part of a new initiative by Scouts Canada to get youth more interested in STEM. I presented to a group of Scouting leaders from around Calgary on how they can get their youth more interested in STEM with example activities such as having fun with magnets, small physics projects, youth-led/designed STEM activities to answer a scientific theory, and more. This opportunity helped me to develop my love for STEM, and was possibly the first moment my teaching career began, though unknown by me at the time.
Thompson Rivers University – TRU Library Makerspace
While studying education at TRU, I had been fortunate to be hired on as a research assistant by the university library’s new Makerspace initiative; a space where students and faculty can learn and use technology that they may not have access to in everyday life due to cost or other factors. This opportunity has allowed me to further pursue my interest in STEM, with a fascination for 3D printing and microcomputing. Additionally, I am given the opportunity to practice my educational studies by helping users learn more about different technologies, and learn more about Indigenous ways of knowing that could be included in STEM, such as traditional methods of drum-making and weaving. This experience encapsulates what I hope to bring into my teaching practice: an excitement for STEM and walking in two worlds.