Today’s the day…

Today’s the day when you make the choice, the choice to become what you wish, be the person you dreamt of – confident, successful and happy. From the minute we start secondary school the race to comply with society norms commences. The pressure to achieve top results in school places unnecessary pressure on students to make rushed decisions that have long-term effects on life choices. What is this all about?

From speaking to students at second level it is my understanding that life at that age is filled with unnecessary pressures to mirror social media image perception, to be successful academically and professionally and to have everything “under control.” But what is the impact of our somewhat forced choices, did we make the right choices for us or did we make choices based on others’ expectations?

As part of the STEM Aspire team in Dell, our message for you is stand tall, take time to reflect on your achievements and explore the career that suits you and you only. Following are words of advice for girls in education who are ready to embark on their careers:

1. You can’t be what you can’t see. As a woman working in a modern fast-paced society, I believe we need role models in our lives to give us direction and insight on our possibilities. Find a mentor.
2. Take time to reflect on what you have achieved so far. It’s important to self-reflect, pat yourself on the back and say ‘well done!’ Now, consider career choices based on what you enjoy the most. Explore all avenues.
3. Don’t expect smooth sailing, no success story ever had simply smooth sailing. Michael Dell once said, “Recognize that there will be failures and acknowledge there will be obstacles. But learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others, for there is little learning in success.”

The STEM Aspire mentorship program aims to empower and build the self-esteem of young girls who are about to embark on careers. In February this year, Ciara Judge, former BT Young Scientist winner, spoke about beating norms and the power of role models in her life. She delivered a powerful message at the Dell campus in Cork. We left the event feeling motivated and ambitious to do anything we set out to do. She finished up by quoting Shirley Chisholm, “If you don’t have a chair at the table bring a folding chair,” meaning we are all responsible for our own destiny.

we are all ordinary people really, but it is up to us to do extraordinary things

Aeronautical Engineer, Dr. Norah Patten, spoke at the Dell Cherrywood campus delivering an inspirational speech, “we are all ordinary people really, but it is up to us to do extraordinary things,” a humble yet powerful message from such a young lady who is hopeful to be Ireland’s first astronaut

Founder Jacquie Casey, along with the above keynote speakers, conveyed to the participants that anything is possible, with a little support from the STEM Aspire program, girls can leap into the world and achieve their dreams.

Make your dreams come true and make the choice of a career in STEM.  Don’t let our male counterparts be the dominant group at the table and if there isn’t a seat, you can bring a folding chair!