Overcoming the STEM Demon
As mentioned on the video on the Home page, the 'STEM demon' is something that can start to loom when you start studying STEM subjects. There may be times during the year where you wonder why are you're doing this, when you convince yourself that these subjects feel too hard and you may be on the verge of dropping out. But at BLOSSOM, we want you to know that when these thoughts start circling your brain, you have this website to return to.
It's hard to be a woman in STEM, especially when you're turning left and right and most of the people you see just don't look like you. Or things may happen in your environment that seems to be subtlety telling you that you should leave. This is the STEM demon that has unfortunately seeped through modern science and actually was there during the formation of modern science. But it doesn't have to be there during the evolution of modern science. Talk to others on this website for motivation and for you to realise that you are not alone. If you feel like you are being treated differently from your male peers, or are constantly trying to prove yourself, please know that you are not alone. And though it may be hard, so hard to walk in on that Monday morning when you have Physics lesson first, please know that it is worth it.
'I would offer this advice to any young woman inspired by the possibility of discovery and innovation: Do not let others define who you are. Define yourself. Do not be limited by what others expect of you, but reach confidently for the stars '– Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson
Tips + Tricks
1. Talk to others about how you are feeling. Although it may not feel like it, know that truly this is not an individual feeling, many other women have gone through what you have in many different variations but women in STEM of the past and present prove that you can become a women in STEM of the future. We have a forum where you can talk to others in your position.
2. Look for inspiration for women that have been in your position. There are so many great women that have been in the exact position as you and have gone on to be successful in STEM. Their stories will inspire you and make it easier for you to deal with any obstacles that may come your way.
3. Go to events that will inspire you. You will meet others people that are genuinely interested in STEM and will allow you to ponder on the possibilities of STEM. Also, we think that it can be quite demotivating to spend hours studying out of a textbook with no context, so going to related events let's you see how what you are learning in school actually relates to the real world!
4. Read books and watch movies that remind you why you are doing this. We know that movies and books may have storylines that are fictional, but there are many biopics out there that are so beautifully written or directed that that you can't help but be inspired by them.
5. Visualise what you are going to get at the end of it. On those days where you don't really see the point anymore, where your studies are just getting a bit too much, realising that you're current actions will either be the reason you are further away or closer to the goal you have clearly visualised, can help you get moving out of that rut. Set yourself some goals that will attainable due to your study of STEM.
6. Take a break. Look STEM and the study of it sure is great but you need to be doing other things that you enjoy too. Extra curricular activities are especially great like sports,music or art. Or simply other things like meeting up with friends,or even going to a concert can help as it will take your mind elsewhere. Take some time for yourself.
7. Acknowledge how you are feeling and know it's valid. Arguably the most important tip of them all. You are not crazy or overreacting for feeling the way you are feeling. In our current society, the path for women in STEM has been has been designed to be one less travelled, so the obstacles you will face will be tough and will cause you feel disheartened. Those negative feelings you feel should not be ignored or suppressed, and you should NOT blame yourself. Women in STEM shouldn't have to tolerate it, but the mere fact that you are studying STEM should give you hope that things will get better.