Sometimes, you have to look back in order to understand the things that lie ahead.

– Yvonne Woon

This has been a month to remember ,

For many of us, the experience of regional STEM fairs and Canada-Wide Science Fair have us standing at the intersection of past and present, surrounded by the memories and achievements that have woven the tapestry of our new STEM journey. As you take your first steps along the path, the experience of doing a STEM project, the challenges and successes, and the knowledge of a community of like-minded peers, each moment holds a story that is moulding your perspective, skills and passion. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as you try to hold onto these memories when looming exams and other life pressures keep trying to crowd in. I feel your struggle! You’ve just gone through this life-changing experience, that’s often hard to fully put into words when friends and family ask you about it – of course, you haven’t had time to properly consider what impact this might have had on your life. Let me introduce you to ✨self-reflection✨

Reflection is the compass that guides us toward self-awareness and personal growth. Now that you’re no longer ‘in it,’ take a step back and ask yourself: What did my STEM project really teach me (it’s often not what you expect)? Which challenges am I proud of myself for persevering through? Who am I grateful to for their support? How do I feel about what I’ve achieved? How is this experience going to shape who I want to be in the future?

 

🤔 Analyze & Interpret 🤔

Find yourself a few hours of quiet one evening, or early morning, turn off all distractions, get yourself into a comfortable space where you can clear your mind, and grab a pen and paper to write down your answers to the questions above and any other thoughts you have, go through photos from your experience and give yourself a chance to reflect – future you will appreciate it, trust me.

I think it’s fair to say that the return to an in-person CWSF was an incredible experience for us all! If you missed it, here is a video summary of the week. A few other items, Youth Science Canada is reflecting on:

• 🎉 CWSF award winners announced 🎉
  220 students shared more than $1.6 million in scholarships, awards, and prizes with the top awards in Discovery and Innovation going to Elizabeth Chen (Edmonton) for a project on alternative cancer treatments and Arushi Nath (Toronto), with a project on planetary defense. Full results and recordings of the Awards Ceremony and Meet the Winners panel can be viewed here.
• Team Canada wins seven awards at Regeneron ISEF 2023
  Regeneron ISEF 2023 was held in Dallas, Texas, from May 14 to 19, and TC-ISEF did us proud. It just goes to show that Canadian STEM students can compete with the best on the world stage! Learn more about these wonderful students here.
• More international opportunities for Canadian youth!
  Applications for Team Canada – MILSET will be opening in early June. Learn more and express your interest in this program by visiting this link.
• Youth Science Canada is doing its own reflecting
  For CWSF participants, expect to hear from me again very soon as I’ll be sending out a survey asking for your feedback. This is the easiest way to share your experience and ensure that each CWSF keeps getting better and better!

 

 purpleSTEMwave – CWSF

The purpleSTEMwave is more than just CWSF, it’s a call to action for Canada’s youth to apply their natural curiosity and ingenuity to investigate scientific questions and develop innovative solutions to current and future challenges. However, I also know the power of inspiration and Canada-Wide Science Fair is definitely one of those life-changing events which bring together some inspiring people. So what makes CWSF so special? Here’s a video answering that very question.

Fun Stuff That’s Caught My Attention Recently

If you have something to share, fill out this form

• Is anyone else still doing the daily Wordle or is it just me? 😅 Do you choose the same starting word each time or do you like to live on the wild side? Let’s see if science can help.
• Are you already stressing out about exams and finding it hard to reflect on all you have achieved in the past few months? Blame the Zeigarnik effect
• Some questions and reflections on creativity & joy
• Reflection is difficult as it can be hard to know the questions to ask yourself. Here’s a list of 10 infrequently asked questions, that if we asked ourselves more often, we’d be in a better place.

 

As a Canadian youth with a passion for STEM , you have the power to make a lasting impact on the world. Reflection not only enriches your personal growth, but it also empowers you to inspire others. Sharing your reflections with fellow STEM enthusiasts, younger students, or your community, inspiring them with stories of triumph, failures and the transformative power of curiosity, can encourage others to embark on their own remarkable STEM journeys.

Keep illuminating minds, pushing boundaries and rewriting the narratives of STEM. I’m so proud of you!

 

💜 Much love!

 

Stuart McKelvie

Communications Manager

Youth Science Canada

 

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