“To the person who does not know where they want to go, there is no favourable wind.”

– Seneca

 

Hello aspiring STEM enthusiasts,

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, the air is filled with a sense of anticipation, like the hushed moment before the sun rises on a vast, unexplored landscape. It’s the time when we pause to reflect on the journey that has brought us here and set our sights on the uncharted horizons ahead. As the year draws to a close, let’s delve into the transformative power of goal setting and how it can illuminate your path in STEM and life.

Picture yourself as the captain of a ship, gazing out at the horizon where the unknown awaits, ready to chart a new course for the year ahead. You’ve journeyed through knowledge, explored the seas of discovery, and faced the winds of challenges. Goals are your guiding stars, the constellations that will lead you through the uncharted waters of the future. With a map of aspirations in hand and a vision of what lies beyond the horizon, you set sail, confident that the journey will be as rewarding as the destination.

Goal setting is the compass that ensures you sail in the direction of your dreams. It’s the act of converting your visions into concrete, actionable objectives. In the realm of STEM, setting clear goals means defining your scientific aspirations, breaking down complex projects into manageable milestones, and marking the waypoints that will steer you toward success.

 

💡 Initiate & Plan 💡

Choose one meaningful goal that you wish to pursue in the coming year, whether it’s related to STEM, personal growth, or a combination of both. Write it down, break it into manageable steps, and create a roadmap to realize it. Share your goals with us, and let’s celebrate your journey as you work toward achieving them.

 

The latest from Youth Science Canada::

• Team Canada at LIYSF 2023

Earlier this year, a group of young scientists from across Canada participated in the prestigious London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF). Read the full story here.

• Applications for the CWSF 2024 Ambassador Program now open!

This is a unique opportunity for CWSF alumni to take on a vital role at Canada’s premier youth science event. As an ambassador, you’ll interact with finalists and delegates, mentor participants, assist with event logistics, and be part of our social media team. Applications are due January 15, and are open to those aged 20-25 as of May 23, 2024. Learn more here.

• Struggling to come up with a STEM project idea?

Earlier this year, Youth Science Canada launched mySTEMspace Spark to help provide a starting point for this very challenge. Chat with Spark to get sources and project ideas based on your skills, interests and what global challenge you want to address! Try it out here.

 

purpleSTEMwave

Some of the youth in the purpleSTEMwave Discord server interviewed Katie Brent, four-time CWSF alum. Katie is pursuing a Combined Interdisciplinary Doctorate in Biological Anthropology and Biomedical Engineering at Western University in London, ON. In this interview, Katie discusses her top tips for creating a great CWSF level STEM project, offers great advice on science communication and discusses the importance of STEM. Watch the interview here.

 

Fun Stuff That’s Caught My Attention Recently

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• As we come to the end of another year, many of us will be reflecting on our achievements and the things we spent our time doing. If you’re like me, you probably find it hard to even remember what you’ve done – this is where the “brag document” comes in handy! It’s not just about getting recognized at work, “the ideas here have actually been more useful to me to help me reflect on themes in my work, what’s important to me, what I’m learning, and what I’d like to be doing differently.” Take a look here.
• From an asteroid sample that was delivered to Earth to a discovery about human migration from North America, take a look at the Ten Most Significant Science Stories of 2023
• “You never know how much time you really have until you start to use it.” Hear how a student changed her study habits by setting goals and managing time using the Pomodoro method. You can watch the TEDx talk here.

 

As we set sail into the new year, remember that each goal accomplished is not only a destination reached but also a testament to your determination and boundless potential. Your goals will be the guiding stars that light up your STEM projects and illuminate your path toward growth, discovery, and success in the year ahead.

Wishing you a happy holiday season and a New Year filled with purpose and achievement.

 

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