STEM Buds

By Samantha Williams

When I walked into my very first chemistry class, the first thing I noticed was a photo of 29 scientists sitting together outside the Solvay Conference of 1927. I knew I wanted to be like the only woman in the photo, sitting just one person away from Albert Einstein, as his equal. She was not in the background of the photo, she was not smiling, and she most definitely did not look timid. She looked powerful, educated, and like she wouldn’t let anyone get in the way of her making incredible scientific discoveries. I instantly knew I wanted to be just like Marie Curie.

During my senior year of high school, I had the unique experience of interning as a student teacher for an 11th grade physics class and a 10th grade chemistry class. I absolutely loved my job, teaching students about subjects I was passionate about was so fun to me. But there was one thing I hated. Every time I placed a paper on a student’s desk, they would immediately look at it and say, “This is too hard. I can’t do this.” They wouldn’t even read the problem before giving up. It broke my heart. I hated seeing students discouraged by the stigma that STEM is impossible to understand.

I haven’t always had confidence in my STEM abilities. I remember staring at a chemistry exam in 11th grade, feeling completely lost and on the verge of tears. I had studied for two weeks, but still couldn’t answer the questions. But instead of giving up, I found ways to learn differently, using YouTube videos, making diagrams, and most importantly, asking questions. STEM isn’t meant to be understood by yourself. You won’t understand everything, and that’s okay. There will always be someone else out there who can help, so ask them! Work together to improve both of your understandings. That mindset is what I now teach others through STEM Buds.

I began STEM Buds as a mentorship program to help students develop study skills while enhancing their knowledge and understanding of STEM subjects. STEM Buds is founded on the idea that anyone can succeed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Like flowers, knowledge must be nurtured. With the right environment and care, anyone’s love of STEM can blossom. Through sharing monthly DIY lab demos, STEM careers, and a STEM Hall of Fame on my Instagram and Facebook @miss.sam.williams, I hope to show people that STEM is not scary. My goal is to prove the people who say STEM is “too hard” for them, wrong.

While sharing STEM Buds online has allowed me to reach so many people virtually, I know the real magic happens in classrooms—where students can ask questions, try experiments, and learn together in real time. That’s why I’m currently working on bringing STEM Buds into schools across Connecticut, creating spaces where students feel supported, curious, and confident in their ability to succeed in STEM.

Just like Marie Curie defied expectations and shattered barriers in science, I want every student to know that they belong in the room, not behind the scenes, but at the table, in the photo, making history. And if I can help even one student feel like they deserve to take up that space, then I’ve done what I came here to do.

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Samantha Williams is a STEM advocate studying chemical engineering at the University of Connecticut in the Honors program. She enjoys participating in nanoparticle research, volunteering with campus police, and playing the flute. As a physics student teacher, she noticed that students were intimidated by STEM subjects. Inspired by her desire to help her students develop confidence in understanding STEM subjects, she founded STEM Buds, an organization dedicated to enhancing the next generation’s knowledge and study skills in STEM. This is her first Section 36 Forevers guest blog.

STEM Buds is founded on the idea that anyone can succeed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Like flowers, knowledge must be nurtured. With the right environment and care, anyone’s love of STEM can blossom. STEM Buds, created by Samantha Williams is a mentorship program helping students develop study skills while enhancing their knowledge and understanding of STEM subjects. 

Use Your Power

By Evian Johnson

Being a teenage girl often comes with its own set of challenges and joys, but for me, there’s an additional layer to this journey: dyslexia. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at nine years old and it changed my life. Finally, I had an answer for why so many aspects of my life and my education felt different from those around me. Dyslexia isn’t just about struggling with reading and writing; it’s a unique lens through which I view the world, and, in many ways, it is a superpower that I use to help me bring a new perspective to the situations around me. My service initiative, Use Your Power, advocates for those with dyslexia, so that everyone has a fair and equitable access to their education.

1 in 5 children in the United States have dyslexia, but many people still go undiagnosed and do not receive the resources they need to succeed. Dyslexia isn’t just about mixing up letters or struggling to read. It is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects the way the brain processes written and sometimes even spoken language. Navigating the educational system as a dyslexic can be extremely challenging. My early diagnoses allowed me to receive training that helped me become the leader I am today. I can proudly say that I am a graduate of the Smart Start Dyslexia Program. My time in this program helped me understand the way my brain works, mainly in 3D, but more importantly, how to advocate for myself when I need assistance. This is a message I want to share with other students across the country, so that they understand how to reach out for the help they need, no matter what their struggles may be.They can do anything.

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Evian Johnson is the current Miss Hot Springs' Teen (SD). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Silence is Not Golden: Early Language Matters

By Ruby Marti

Early language is a huge building block for future success. Communication with your child as soon as birth is a major factor in this. In fact, up to 98% of the words that a child uses until the age of three are derived from their parents’ vocabulary. Simply reading books, singing songs, narrating daily routines, and talking to children can make a world of difference. For these reasons, I established my community service initiative, Silence Is NOT Golden: Early Language Matters.

I’ve developed such a passion for helping children through my mom, as she is a speech and language pathologist. I’ve been blessed to grow up around a lot of language, thus helping me to be successful in and out of the classroom. Unfortunately, studies have shown that socioeconomic class has played a huge role in the number of words heard across households. Through one study called the Thirty Million Word Gap, researchers found that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were exposed to thirty million fewer words than children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds by the time they turned three. It turned out this had huge implications for the future success of these little ones, with a follow-up study revealing that measures of accomplishment at age three were highly indicative of performance at the age of nine or ten on measures of vocabulary, overall language, and reading comprehension. The good news? Talking is free. By educating communities and bringing awareness to this topic, every child can be given the best foundation to succeed. A 2022 study found that conversational turns in early childhood are among the most

predictive metrics of child outcomes, including brain structure and function, reading skills, IQ scores, social-emotional development, and overall language and reasoning abilities. This subject is now more important than ever, with the rise in screen time and reductions in face-to-face interactions, along with Wisconsin’s push to increase young children’s literacy skills with the passage of ACT 20. I’ve seen the impact that communication and social interaction have on children, including myself, which has inspired me to want to help others to have an equal opportunity to attain the strong vocabulary and social skills that our world so desperately needs. 

Through the Miss America Organization, I’ve been able to use my initiative in ways I could not have imagined possible. Here are some ways you can also help make a positive impact:

• Support local libraries and their programs
• Donate to book and toy drives
• Inform friends and family about free library card applications
• Read to students in classrooms
• Join a Talk, Sing, Read, Play group
• Join a LENA program
• Attend the United Way Great Book Giveaway events
• Singing songs/nursery rhymes
• Narrating your daily routines

To help bring awareness to my initiative, I have created an Instagram page called @early_language_matters that is solely dedicated to my CSI, in hopes of showing people the true, positive impact that early communication and interaction can have on a child’s future.

All of these activities create a positive and engaging environment for children to learn and grow their language skills. Additionally, children are the leaders of our tomorrow. They are the people who will fill jobs, start new careers, and hopefully better our community. As Herbert Hoover once said, “Children are our most valuable natural resource.” Suppose these kids aren’t provided with the early learning resources they need. In that case, they will likely lack the necessary literacy and communication skills that will help equip them for their careers, ultimately impacting everyone. 

The Miss America Organization has opened up opportunities to me that I will never take for granted. With three years now in MAO, I have been able to see the true need for my initiative in society. I want to remind people across my city, state, and country that talking is free and so crucial to a young one’s future, and that there are always resources available to you. I think the biggest issue we face is simply awareness. Just because a young child might not be physically able to respond to what you’re saying to them doesn’t mean that they aren’t processing the language they are hearing. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up around rich language, and through my community service initiative, Silence Is NOT Golden: Early Language Matters, I plan to continue encouraging families to set their children up for success.

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Ruby Marti is the current Miss River Cities' Teen (WI). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Bridging the Gap: Education Reform for Underserved Students by Darianny Bautista

As a woman of color from an immigrant family, my journey through the educational system has been anything but conventional. Growing up as the caretaker of my disabled single mother, I’ve faced challenges that many can hardly imagine: poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity. Despite these hurdles, I persevered through community college and now double major in Political science and Philosophy at George Washington University as congressional fellow, Legislative Youth Representative, and United States Senate Awardee. As I pursue a career as a Public policy Attorney and ultimately a Congressional representative, my story is a testament to the resilience and determination of underserved students everywhere, but it also highlights the urgent need for education reform. 

The Struggles of Underserved Students 

Underserved students like myself often navigate an educational landscape fraught with obstacles. For many, basic necessities like food and stable housing are not guaranteed, making academic success a secondary concern. When you’re worried about where your next meal will come from or if you’ll have a place to sleep, focusing on studies is an uphill battle. 

Moreover, the role of caretaker adds another layer of responsibility. As the primary support for my disabled mother, balancing schoolwork with caregiving duties was a daily challenge. This dual responsibility is a reality for many students in similar situations, yet the educational system often fails to provide adequate support. 

The Importance of Community Colleges 

Community colleges have been a critical stepping stone for many underserved students. For me, it was a place where I could begin to rebuild my academic foundation and gain confidence. Community colleges offer a more affordable and accessible entry point into higher education, but they are often underfunded and overlooked in policy discussions. 

Despite their potential, community colleges face significant challenges. Limited resources, overworked staff, and inadequate support services can hinder student success. Improving funding and resources for these institutions is essential in creating a more equitable education system. 

The Role of Universities 

Transitioning from community college to a university was a monumental step in my educational journey. Universities offer a broader range of opportunities and resources, but they also come with their own set of challenges for underserved students. Financial strain, social isolation, and the pressure to succeed in a more competitive environment can be daunting.

To support students like myself, universities must prioritize inclusivity and provide robust support systems. This includes financial aid, mental health services, and academic advising tailored to the unique needs of students from diverse backgrounds. Leading with this in mind, I’ve taken the initiative to become the first transfer and underserved student ambassador for my university’s admissions and orientation departments and became the first ever Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity at the GWU Student Government Association. 

The Path Forward: Education Reform 

Education reform is imperative to bridge the gap for underserved students. Here are a few key areas that need attention: 

1. **Increased Funding for Community Colleges**: Ensuring these institutions have the resources to support their diverse student bodies is crucial. This includes funding for tutoring, counseling, and emergency financial aid. 

2. Holistic Support Services: Both community colleges and universities should offer comprehensive support services that address the multifaceted challenges faced by underserved students. This includes food pantries, housing assistance, and mental health resources. 

3. **Inclusive Policies and Practices**: Educational institutions must actively work to create inclusive environments that recognize and address the unique experiences of underserved students. This includes culturally competent staff and curricula that reflect diverse perspectives. 

4. **Pathways to Higher Education**: Strengthening pathways from community colleges to universities can help ensure a smoother transition for students. Articulation agreements, transfer support, and mentorship programs can make a significant difference. 

My journey through the educational system has been marked by resilience and determination, but it shouldn’t have been this hard. By addressing the systemic barriers faced by underserved students, we can create an education system that truly offers equal opportunities for all. As someone who has walked this path, I am committed to advocating for the changes necessary to support every student in reaching their full potential.

Darianny Bautista

Miss Mount Vernon

Why Equitable Higher Education Matters to Me by Ashley Wells

I’ve always really loved school. I was always a bit of a bookworm, preferring the routine of studying, research, and reading to more social endeavors. But a question that I’ve been getting asked more often is, “why are you still even in school? Aren’t you sick of it?” My honest answer is “no”, but for a very particular reason. 

My parents are immigrants from the Caribbean, and they both grew up with very little money and with little means to better themselves. My mother grew up on the farmland of Antigua (an island in the Lesser Antilles set along the English harbor). Similarly, my father often spoke to me about how he shared a bed with four of his cousins and that he lacked money for shoes while he lived on the island of St. Kitts & Nevis. However, it was my father’s educational pursuits that allowed him to come to the United States to complete his bachelor’s degree, go on to obtain his master’s degree, and lay a solid foundation for his family. My grandmother made a promise to him that she would work as hard as she needed to so that he could graduate with both his master’s and his bachelor’s degree debt free – an incredible feat for a woman with almost no formal education. But she made it work. She valued education and the future that it could bring my father so much that she worked 12 hour shifts 6 days a week for years, cleaning houses so that my father could focus on his studies. 

It is the determination of both my father and of my grandmother that is the root of why I believe that every person – regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic background – has the right to an affordable and equitable higher education experience. Today, I am a Ph.D. student at Washington State University studying American Studies and Culture. I truly believe that having the option  to go to college or trade school can be life changing, and that individuals who want to be educated should not have to go into massive amounts of debt to receive their degrees. 

While working on my master’s degree four years ago, I met my future non-profit co-founder at my institution, and we began talking about the sacrifices that we knew we'd need to make in order to eventually pay off the student loan debt that we had accumulated. Three months into the COVID-19 pandemic which shut down the world, we hatched the idea for our non-profit organization, The Prosp(a)rity Project. Our organization is dedicated to leveling the socioeconomic playing field for populations most susceptible to and impacted by predatory lending and student loan debt. We are guided by a vision of furthering our presence as a nonprofit dedicated specifically to nurturing, uplifting, and advancing members of this demographic and positioning them to pay it forward to their communities. That is why our main program – The 35*2 Free Initiative –  tackles two of the most prominent detriments to financial freedom: the student loan debt crisis and a lack of access to financial education. 

Our program provides retroactive scholarships of $10,000 to qualified college-educated women combined with a year-long program of financial literacy education and career coaching to help them move measurably toward financial freedom. With women holding 66% of the student loan debt in the United States, we recognize that women are at an increased risk for being burdened down by predatory lending (Education Data Initiative). Aside from our main program, we also host an annual conference – The 35*2 Free Conference –  where we have different speakers and workshops that cater to women and their quest for financial literacy. So far, we have educated more than 150 young women around the country through workshops and training so that they can be empowered to improve their lives and the lives of future generations.

My vision is that any student – regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status – who wishes to attend college and pursue their educational ambitions, will have the resources and support to thrive in their academic environment. And I firmly believe that we can get there, as long as we work together to improve these institutions from the ground up. That is why my CSI revolves around both my non-profit organization and my personal commitment to equitable higher education opportunities. I am so proud to be a part of the Miss America Opportunity, who is already championing scholarship disbursals to young women in order to make their educational dreams come true! 

Ashley Wells

Miss Eastside 2024

The Prosp(a)rity Project

"Sunflower Science" - A Section 36 Video Series Submission from Sierra Bonn

The Section 36 Video Series is growing! I'm sure you all remember Emily Mahana's wonderful talk about Engineer's Week and her favorite engineering kids book. This time, we have something a little different.

Sierra Bonn, who you remember from her interview with us, is passionate about STEAM. No, she's not just really into boiling water. That's Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. As a way to combine all of that, she created this video showing off a great science related art project. Of course, you have to love her wardrobe in the video, right?

Enjoy!