On November 8, 2023, a group of 12 IGNITE Students, aged 11-12 from public primary school in Warsaw, Poland, participated in an IGNITE Event on Information Technology. The event featured Aneta Uss and Mayuri Wankhede, Associate IT Delivery Managers at Roche. The event offered a unique opportunity for students to interact with STEM professionals.
The event started with the career and personal journey of Aneta Uss. She shared her personal story, beginning with a strict upbringing that fueled her determination to excel. Students heard about her adventures in academia, from facing exam panic to pursuing studies in financial and international management. Her journey included an Erasmus scholarship adventure in Portugal and an internship at the Oslo Embassy, all leading up to her current role at Roche as an IT Manager.
Throughout the session, Aneta emphasized the significance of soft skills, resilience, and the inevitability of failures on the path to success. Her words highlighted the sentiment that setbacks are stepping stones and the importance of perseverance in achieving one’s dreams.
Mayuri Wankhede then shared her journey, offering practical advice on overcoming life’s hurdles. From making a plan and seeking help to cultivating a positive mindset and working smart, the students gained insights into navigating life’s challenges.
The event not only inspired the students but also highlighted the importance of pursuing one’s passions, regardless of outside expectations.
Thank you to Aneta Uss and Mayuri Wankhede for sharing their stories and experiences with students. Additional thanks to Agnieszka Krasicka for coordinating the group, and a special thank you to Cathi Rodgveller for her unwavering support.
After attending this event:
69%
of students are interested in STEM
79%
of students know more about STEM career choices and the benefits of working in a STEM field
63%
of students feel more confident in pursuing STEM
83%
of students gained perspective and feel more hopeful about the future
Here’s what the students thought of the event:
“This event has inspired me to travel and get to know the world better.” – IGNITE Student
“Thank you for this event; you have done a great job.” – IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to fulfill my dreams and not give up.” – IGNITE Student
“The meeting was very inspiring, and I see that the panelists enjoy their job very much.” – IGNITE Student
“This event has inspired me to do what I want. The panelists showed me to follow my dreams.” – IGNITE Student
“Thank you for showing me that parents put pressure on children; in my case, luckily, they don’t.” – IGNITE Student
“The event inspired me to pursue my goals and not to give up when we face difficult moments; now, later will be only better.” – IGNITE Student
“Thank you for the event; it motivated me to keep going and follow my path.” – IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me to try new things, not only those which our parents want us to do and not to be surrounded by negative people.” – IGNITE Student
“The panelists showed me that it’s not worth worrying about the future. I liked them :-)” – IGNITE Student
About IGNITE Program Panel Events:
Virtual or In-Person IGNITE Panels empower women in STEM careers to connect directly with students by sharing their academic and professional journeys. IGNITE Students are inspired by hearing stories they can relate to, and Q&A discussions help break down stereotypes that hold them back from engaging in STEM classes and careers.
About IGNITE Worldwide:
IGNITE Worldwide is a 501(c)3 nonprofit STEM education organization that aims to change gender and racial equity in STEM permanently and systematically. We work directly with teachers during the school day to provide programming that promotes gender equity and representation in STEM academics and careers. Through our award-winning program, IGNITE provides engaging, hands-on events that connect students with STEM professionals from industry leaders from around the world. Learn more at www.igniteworldwide.org.
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