2nd Annual Women
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So ladies, tonight is about you. Tonight is just one more step we take as a school, as scientists, as women to change those headlines in the news. Tonight is your time to get re-inspired and remind yourself why you love science so much. Tonight, we as your science teachers and this amazing panel of scientists, want to give you the tools and the support to succeed and thrive in a science career.
This night would not be possible without the work of some very diligent and dedicated people. Please show your love for our College Bound counselor Sonia and our Parent coordinator Letty, and all of your science teachers (Polly, Ileana, Barbara, Erica, Chris and Joe)
And now, let’s celebrate you, because you are smart, capable, powerful young women who love science, give yourselves a big round of applause!
This night would not be possible without the work of some very diligent and dedicated people. Please show your love for our College Bound counselor Sonia and our Parent coordinator Letty, and all of your science teachers (Polly, Ileana, Barbara, Erica, Chris and Joe)
And now, let’s celebrate you, because you are smart, capable, powerful young women who love science, give yourselves a big round of applause!
By Kelsey Erstein and Sharon Bayantour
On Thursday, April 23rd, East Side had its second successful Annual Women in Science Night. The event kicked off with inspiring words from Danielle, 7th grade science teacher. “Ladies, ladies, tonight is about you! So tonight we take one more step really undoing all the bad things, negative things we are hearing about women in science! Today we take one more step to change what we see in the headlines! Tonight we are here to get reinspired! If you already love science hopefully you will leave here loving science even more. And if you aren't so sure we're hoping that you'll be inspired by this awesome group of panelists. Tonight we as your science teachers and this amazing group of women behind me want to give you the tools and the support to succeed and thrive in the science program!” East Side students were very excited to have the opportunity to meet powerful women who had succeeded in achieving their goals of becoming active in the field of science despite science being a male dominated field. The scientists in attendance talked about a variety of topics during the Q&A, including college, obstacles they had faced and how they overcame them, challenges in their field of work, how they felt about the male dominance in science, and many more. The room was filled with a sense of eager anticipation before the presentation began, and our wonderful science team took center stage to introduce the amazing women scientists: Latasha Wright, Dr.Anne Plessis, Marisa Marcias, Sabrina Campbell, Sharon Eddy, Mary Ng, Katarzyna Marcinkiewics, Dr. Judith Absalon, Jen Tinsman, and Dr. Sara Oppenheim. During this time some students were asked why they decide to attend the presentation. 6th grader, Luna Mia stated “I’m interested and curious to know what opportunities a career in science has to offer. We are interested in science, so we want to know more about what goes into being a scientist and their day to day lives,” She said as she pointed to her nodding friends. With the majority of the audience being young women, it was wonderful to see young men also taking an interest in how women were fairing in the field of science. All students and families who were present listened attentively to the women scientists, including students who attended last year. Audrey Reyes a 10th grader who has attended both times, stated, “At the Women in Science Night last year, the presentations and everything were really great and helpful because they really opened up to like how these women got into the science field. Mostly men are in the science field and it really inspired me to take up a science career, so I want to be in the chemistry [field] when I grow older and [Women in Science Night] partly influenced that and what I'm expecting this year is to learn more about how I can get involved with science and how these women can possibly help me.” Salma Ali another returning 10th grader agreed, " I didn't know what to expect [last year], I knew that they were going to be interviewed and we were going to learn how their lives were and how they picked science. That was something I look forward to. Seeing a woman actually become a scientist shows how society has grown today and this year I expect to see more scientists and talking about more of their experiences." The theme of the night was persistence. All of the women scientists including Sabrina Campbell and Sharon Eaddy talked about the obstacles that they have endured and continue to overcome as a woman in a male dominated field including having a salary that was less than men. Sabrina Campbell stated, “It was hard. Still is hard because you have men you're working with second guessing you because you are a woman. But it'll be worth it, stick through it. It's easy to give up…” Sharon Eaddy followed up by stating, “You have to take the obstacles that come at you in a stride and move on. You can't let them stop you from reaching your goals.” They have endured hardships but have not let these hardships define them and their decisions. Instead they continue to strive for the best. They are not afraid of challenges, but instead look for them in order to help them grow as people and as scientists. They have become leaders in their own lives as well as in their careers. Through taking the toughest classes in college and taking on the challenge of pursuing tough majors these women continue to fight for more. They aren’t afraid to ask for help but instead are inspired when they don’t understand a concept. However even though these women have fought hard to get to where they are now, not all have always had an interest in the sciences. Many developed an interested later on through experimental classes taken in college, mentors, friends or teachers. Mentors have played a huge role in their decision to have a career in science. Female mentors supported and helped them navigate through the minefield that is the sciences. Obstacle coursing their way through the men and the rigid rules of careers in science. After the show was over 6th grader Melissa Bayantemur stated, “My horizon in the field of science broadened, because now I am aware that there is much more to being a scientist than just working in a lab. I learned about a scientist who focuses on plants and about plant life. Being a scientist is hard and it’s not for people who aren't serious about it.” Women in Science Night taught us a lot. It was amazing to hear directly from these powerful women and about them breaking societal norms in order to fight for their passion, science. It has inspired many girls at East Side, ourselves included. However the night didn't just end there. East Side had one more surprise in store for its students. Thanks to Sonia, our college counselor, Lafayette college admissions officer, Alexander Bates was able to make an appearance. He came to talk to the students about Lafayette, to which East Side senior, Allan Dalapicola, has recently been accepted to, and to answer any questions which students had about college. This wrapped up the perfect night in a neat bowtie. Thank you to the Science Team and everyone else who helped make this happen and for giving the students an extraordinary night to remember! |
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