The quarter is almost over and winter break is right around the corner. A surge in STEM-related clubs has been seen over the years. A diverse array of STEM clubs, ranging from mathematics and health science to engineering and computer science, have been established.
In 2022, Untapped in STEM has made its way on that list. This particular club has caught students’ attention, especially women and LGBTQ+ students. What captures them most is the uniqueness of their vision and mission.
“As a team, we aim to be a community that is safe and welcoming for women and non-cisgender individuals to seek information for STEM majors and careers in the field of study.” said Steff Yang, president of UniSTEM. “We hope to create an encouraging and inviting community.”
In the year since its inception, students have shown great interest, aligning with the club’s vision and mission. This was exhibited at their welcoming party at the Library, Nov. 9, to properly introduce the community and welcome potential officers who joined during their recruitment drive.
“Our welcoming party went beyond our expectations. Being part of the club founded only last year, we did not expect a large audience. It made me very thrilled that we were able to reach people that are interested or even eager to know more about our club!” Yang said.
The welcoming event featured an introductory segment where they outlined their visions, missions, goals, and upcoming plans. Attendees enjoyed complimentary pizza and soft drinks, and engaged in entertaining and interactive mini-games, including Kahoot, to create a lively atmosphere and break the ice.
“During the welcoming party, I felt safe and comfortable,” said Marcello Timothy Tandi Payung, an SSC student who attended the welcoming party.
A factor that separates this club from others is the sheer number of women in it. It is rare to see women dominate a club and take charge in managing an organization. UinSTEM breaks the stereotype and stigma that has been going on for generations in the STEM realm.
“Absolutely, I one hundred percent applaud UinSTEM’s vision. It’s time for everyone to have the same opportunities that were stripped away just because they were born with different reproductive systems,” Payung said.
They are presently developing upcoming occasions, including Instagram takeovers featuring female STEM professionals or students who will assume control of the account for a day or week, offering followers an immersive “day-in-the-life” perspective. Additionally, they plan to share impactful TED Talks and webinars aligned with the club’s mission. A major event in the pipeline is the creation of Shoreline’s very first STEM Week.
“Recently, there has been a women-in-tech conference that was raided by men pushing and shoving to get job interviews. We are in an era where women in tech is preferred and prioritized, but discrimination is still around us.” said Yang. “I believe the problem is that the term ‘Women in STEM’ is being taken advantage of, and the UinSTEM club is a stepping stone in standing up for these issues.”
“To the women and the queer community pursuing STEM majors: Follow your heart and do what you love. No one can tell you what you can and can’t do,” she said.
