Last month four students from SPS attended \u201cBlack Role Models in STEM\u201d \u2013 an evening of short talks from inspiring speakers at University College London. The event was designed to celebrate Black Role Models in STEM, and increase the visibility of and strengthen the connection between Black undergraduate scientists and mathematicians.<\/p>\n
Thanks to funding from the University\u2019s Student Success Project<\/a>, SPS was able to send four undergraduate students. Here they tell us more about what they learnt from the event. You can also read more about the content covered by the speakers in an additional blog post here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dessia Mendy, stage 2 Chemistry student:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAt first, I was worried about having to network. I am a shy person and in addition to that English is not my first language, therefore, I tend to minimize my exchanges with strangers when I must interact in English. Not only did I see this event as a good opportunity to be inspired by all those great speakers; it was also an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and interact with them.<\/p>\n “Overall, the event was very inspiring. Not only did Prof Carla, Luke Davis, Dr.Amna Shaddad, and Dr. Nira Chamberlain motivate me to aim high and believe in myself and my dreams; the conversations I had with different attendees were all very encouraging as well. The different messages were even more powerful because they came from people just like me; black.<\/p>\n “A key takeaway was that I, as a female black student, shouldn\u2019t let anyone or anything get in the way of what I\u2019m achieving or plan to achieve. As Dr.Nira said, we need to remember that we don\u2019t need anyone\u2019s permission to be successful in what we do. Another key message by Dr.Amna Shaddad was that connections are everything, and that we shouldn\u2019t rely on our merit only.<\/p>\n “Speaking of connections, I feel like attending this event was a big step for me when it comes to networking; as I have always been worried about doing that. After this event, I definitely feel like it is time for me to create a linkedin, and try harder to maximize my interactions instead of minimizing them.<\/p>\n My key message to other students in SPS\/STEM subjects as a result of the event, would be that we need to look out for more information when it comes to scholarships or any other opportunities that we could take advantage of as black students.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n “Also, like Dr.Nira told me when I confessed to him that I used to be scared of studying Chemistry: \u201cFear is not always a bad thing, you need to be able to get past it whilst not being complacent. If I wasn\u2019t scared when facing new challenges, I wouldn\u2019t be a mathematician anymore.\u201d Aim high, believe in yourself, and trust the process.”<\/p>\n Stefania Boremetti, stage 2 Chemistry student:<\/strong><\/p>\n “This was one of the best events I have been to; to see all of that black excellence made me feel included and not alone. It was amazing to hear stories from people that have been through what I have with racism and colourism and still go out on top.<\/p>\n All the speakers were amazing, and all transferred onto us a sense of energy and motivation to do better and not to listen to what anyone else says about who you can become. My key takeaway from the event is that no one can tell you who or what you are going to be.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n “The speaker I connected with the most was Prof Carla Faria, she is afrobeiges and a physicist. She is specialised on theoretical strong-field laser-matter interaction, she has 80 publications, as well as being invited as a speaker in number of events and collaborations with a number of notable people.<\/p>\n “Do not waste your time, let\u2019s stop hurting each other and let\u2019s start to uplift one another. And as Dr Nira said \u201cYou can be the first but make sure you are not the last\u201d<\/p>\n Danielle Edwards, stage 1 Forensic Science student:<\/strong><\/p>\n “I believe my confidence will increase and I\u2019ll have the courage to pursue what I want\/. In addition, I will empathise with people who will struggle due to their race.<\/p>\n A key takeaway was that I, as a female black student, shouldn\u2019t let anyone or anything get in the way of what I\u2019m achieving or plan to achieve.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n “Based on what I heard at the event, I will always remind people to continue to achieve anything they want. Always remind people that they don\u2019t need anyone\u2019s permissions to be whatever they want.\u201d<\/p>\n Simon M G Oyegoke, stage 1 Forensic Science student:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI feel a bit more optimistic leaving the event. To quote one of the guests speakers, Dr Nira Chamberlain who said something along the lines of \u201cbeing the first in a community to do something is special, but to make sure you are not the last is the real achievement.\u201d In essence, I want to emulate the success of others.\u201d<\/p>\n