What were you like at the students’ age?
Next, your Lead Panelist will ask: “The students here today are {age range}, so let’s all share a bit about what we were like at that age. What were everyone’s favorite subjects or hobbies? How did you all become interested in your work or STEM in general?” Your response should take no more than 60 seconds.
IGNITE serves students in Kindergarten-postsecondary education. Be sure to note the age range when you sign up for an event so you can prepare for your unique audience. IGNITE will also share the age range in confirmation emails.
Think back to when you were the age of the students you’re speaking with. What were your interests and hobbies? What were your favorite classes in school? Start your story at their age so they can relate to you. As one of your visual aids, share a photo of yourself from when you were a similar age. You might also ask for a show of hands of students who have had experiences similar to yours. For example, “In middle school, I didn’t enjoy math at all and thought I was bad at it! Show of hands—is there anyone else here who has felt like that?”
Then, if you haven’t already covered this, tell the students how you found your interest in STEM. What academic choices did you make to lead to your career, and why would you suggest taking a computer science or engineering class? IGNITE is a school-based program, and educators attend every IGNITE Event. Feel free to acknowledge the teachers and thank them for being there to support the students. Express your excitement about exploring STEM; encourage IGNITE students to take STEM classes and join STEM clubs, and sign up with their friends!
This is also an opportunity to emphasize “soft skills” like confidence and public speaking—not all IGNITE Students will pursue tech, but all of them can learn from your example!
For IGNITE students in grades 8 and below, focus on their immediate future, like school and extracurricular activities, not so much college and career. Encourage them to try new things, including exploring STEM classes and clubs and learning technical skills.
For Elementary Show-and-Tell Panels, think about what sparked your interest in STEM as a child, including the activities you enjoyed as well as what you learned in school.