STEMinism 101 A guide to surviving thriving in STEM
Land acknowledgment
Welcome to uOttawa !
Hi, I’m Cassidy! ● Executive Director at Pulsar Collective ● HBSc in biology & communication ● Communications Director at the Pelling Lab ● Helped create the science & tech museum ● Did a TEDx talk ● Allan Rock Scholar ● Studied abroad in Australia ● Starting my M.A. in science communication
It hasn’t always been that easy....
It’s also been... Failure Anxiety Shame Failed exams, awards and Constant panic and worry Somehow feeling grants I thought I had about, well, everything embarrassed through the secured. good and the bad
Why am I telling you this? Because this week is overwhelming! University is exciting, but it can be scary to meet so many people and possibilities. It’s easy to feel like you’re alone in your fear.
The solution? Building community. Finding people that support your growth is the key to a successful university career, through the good times and the bad.
The connections you make with others shape your university experience.
Community looks like... 01 02 Friends University staff Groups in Ottawa 03 04 Student groups
But how do I meet people? Show a genuine interest! Most people love helping students and the worst thing that can happen is you get a ‘no’. Focus on how you can add value - volunteer, make a connection, or offer your skills - instead of what you can get out of it. Have fun! Do things you’re genuinely interested in, even if (especially if!) they aren’t related to your major. Take risks and be brave!
To get you started
3 connections challenge: Pulsar Collective Connect with me! ● ● hello@pulsarcollective.org cassidy@pulsarcollective.org ● ● @thepulsarco @SciCommCassidy ● ● pulsarcollective.org pellinglab.net
Ask me how to grow an ear out of an apple!
You never know where it’ll take you!
Hi, I’m Nina! ● MD Candidate at University of Toronto (2024) ● M.Sc. in Biochemistry (focus in metabolism) from uOttawa ● H.B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Mathematics from uOttawa ● ARCT in Piano Performance ● Director of Operations at IGG ● Director of HR at Pulsar Collective ● … and 5 years ago I was in your (non-virtual) seat never expecting that I’d be where I am today!
5 years ago ....
What did my life look like? My life revolved Scared of student Terrified of failing around school involvement and no career path I thought the most I had no clue what I important thing was wanted to do! I just knew getting my assignments Short story time! I was scared to do and labs in (important, something wrong and but not the most!!) close a door.
MY ADVICE!
Networking, Networking, Do what you love! Networking! 01 02 Don’t do things just Your greatest network is the because people tell you friends you make, some day you need it on your CV they will be your colleagues (like Cass and I!) Don’t be scared to No career path is okay try something new 03 04 It all falls into place, not My absolute best knowing the journey and experiences were when I figuring it out is the fun part stepped outside my (how boring if you knew!) comfort zone
Another connection opportunity: Indigo Girls Group - Ottawa Connect with me! ● ● ottawa@pulsarcollective.org nina@indigogirlsgroup.com ● ● @indigogirlsgroup.ottawa @n_hadzimustafic ● indigogirlsgroup.com
Most importantly? Reach out. So many people are willing to offer support and mentor you, so make sure you talk to them when difficulties arise!
Midia Shikh Hassan
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