Many of my students are unaware of the possibilities available outside of our community so I actively seek opportunities for them. For the last four years, my students participated in the …show more content…
In the “Paint Purdue Pink” event, my female students spent a day filled with hands-on activities and presentations from female STEM professionals to encourage them to enter STEM career fields. As a Moody’s Mega Math Challenge coach, a team of my students collaborated to tackle a real-world problem under time and resource constraints, akin to those faced by professional mathematicians working in industry. All of these opportunities exposed students to the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in the workforce. When students move beyond the walls of the classroom, students are given the opportunity to synthesize knowledge and skills; to test their misconceptions against real experience; and develop their communication