STEM-ming Change: A Young Student’s Effort to Promote Science Education in Youth

Changemaking is an organic process that can begin from one’s own life encounters. The young ChangeWarrior, Somin Narain is a Grade XI student who firmly believes that what is Personal is also Political. Hence he did not hesitate to mentor about 10 students from humble backgrounds in various topics in Mathematics, and provide them the support to keep their interest in STEM education burning bright. From his personal experience, he was well aware of the significance of Mathematics, and how some extra motivation can help students pursue it more passionately.  Somin was diagnosed with learning disabilities at the age of six, but now he proudly pursues STEM subjects including Science with Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English & Python. 

We are aware of how innovation supports our economy and a strong foundation in the STEM field is required for scientific literacy that paves way to pathbreaking programs and products. It is obvious that the majority of jobs in the future will demand a fundamental knowledge of science and math. Science-related courses have a significant role in obtaining prestigious and profitable employment alternatives. To maintain economic growth, it is crucial to improve STEM education and students’ enthusiasm in these subjects. Additionally, training in the STEM fields creates workers capable of embracing the expanding science and technology-based innovation that forms the basis of contemporary economic growth. 

However, many students are demotivated by the idea of science – related subjects since they do not require enough mentoring and support.Students have anxiety about STEM subjects and science – related subjects  cause debilitating feelings of fear and failure that hurt their ability to perform. They face immense pressure and lack of confidence these students feel when faced with STEM subjects.

Due to his learning disability, Somin studied with the help of  special educators, this was associated with having a low IQ by his peers.  Somin started disliking going to school as he was constantly humiliated. Eventually, Mathematics seemed like an insurmountable subject, and he was on the verge of giving it up. However, sheer grit and perseverance made him think otherwise. He became adamant on conquering mathematics, and from there, he even went on to teach other students math. 

Somin’s major focus was the topic of  Algebra, which is one of the most important indicators of a student’s future success. In a study by UIC Research on Urban Education Policy Initiative, it was found that students who perform well in Algebra have better chances to explore advanced STEM courses and are more likely to enroll in college, graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, and go on to well-paid, in-demand careers. Alternatively, the door to opportunity frequently closes for those who fail algebra. Students who are living in poverty are disproportionately impacted by this statistic, which puts them at a disadvantage for higher-paying jobs and future careers.

Somin firmly believes that Algebra or mathematics should not limit a student’s dreams. But instead, must lay out new opportunities for them to pursue. In the workshops, the students were initially not responsive towards Somin’s questions and this was slightly demotivating. But he changed his teaching style and soon enough, the students were competing to answer his questions and solve the problems. This class response is what he found the most interesting,  and it made Somin continue mentoring with even more passion. 

Like a true ChangeWarrior, Somin does not want to put limits on his social impact journey.  He wants to focus on his personal goal, which is to create an ambitious technological platform where students from all backgrounds can share their experiences, learn from each other and eventually provide tutorials benefiting other students. Hence, moving forward, he has decided to major in Computer Science with the intention of  developing an understanding of topics like Algorithms, AI and ML applications, programming languages, database management, and mathematical modeling, etc., which will help him to create the platform that millions of students will be able to access.

References

Kaing, S. (2016). How Can STEM Education Help Stimulate Economic Growth in Cambodia. Retrieved 30 August 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308725757_How_Can_STEM_Education_Help_Stimulate_Economic_Growth_in_Cambodia