We are proud to celebrate the graduation of five of our Junior Mentors: Lavanya, Angell, Nicole, Tsion, and Kate. Our Junior Mentors are capable and influential high school students who help mentor during our clubs, serving as role models for Science Club participants. During their time with us, these JMs have had a tremendous impact, together spending over 80 hours with our young scientists during the pandemic alone. All together they mentored over 210 Science Club participants for 26 semesters. Here is a little bit more about each Junior Mentor:
Lavanya started her Science Club for Girls’ journey in 7th grade as a participant in our STEMinistas program. Since then she has participated in our Tech Team challenge with Akamai, and our East Somerville Community School and virtual Junior Mentor programs. Reflecting back on her experience with SCFG, Lavanya stated, “One thing I learned from SCFG is that Science is a place where teamwork is really important. Also, it’s good to be able to communicate the things that you have learned or created.”
Angell has been a member of the SCFG community for the past 13 years, starting as a young kindergarten scientist! Since then, Angell has participated in our Science Clubs, middle school STEMinista program, our Tech Team challenge with Akamai, and our Junior Mentor programs, both virtual and in Cambridge. At our recent Catalyst Awards, Angell reflected on her journey: “The college-aged girls were the ones who inspired me to work with children to teach them and help them grow. This has helped shape my character by permitting me to teach other girls, specifically minority girls, the importance of having a career in STEM, showing them that it’s possible to have a career in any field.”
Nicole joined Science Club for Girls as a middle school participant at Pine Manor College. After two years as a STEMinista, Nicole has spent the last 4 years in our Boston, Cambridge and virtual Junior Mentor programs. As a Junior Mentor, Nicole worked with our youngest scientists, routinely displaying patience and enthusiasm in her interactions. During the pandemic, Nicole developed and led a virtual coding club for our middle school participants. Reflecting on her experiences with SCFG, Nicole stated, “SCFG makes you so much more confident. This summer I worked as a camp counselor at a STEM camp. I knew how to handle difficult or awkward situations because of Science Club. I am now confident when dealing with real world problems.”
Tsion started her Science Club for Girls journey in 2019 as a Junior Mentor at the King Open School in Cambridge. Tsion had an immediate connection with the girls and such an incredible role model for the 4th and 5th graders! The Mentors in her club were always so happy to see her arrive each week as Tsion was such an integral member of the team.
Kate entered the Science Club for Girls community as a middle school participant at Pine Manor College in 2014. Since then, Kate has participated in our Lawrence, Somerville and virtualJunior Mentor programs. Kate is patient, enthusiastic and funny and adapts her teaching style to best fit her participants. Kate is always there to listen and offer advice to anyone who needs it!
Though we will miss having their presence in clubs, we are so excited to cheer them on in the next phase of their lives! Congratulations, Junior Mentors!