Volunteer Spotlight
Nhi Nguyen (top left), Ruby Mohammad (top right), Verlaine Rose Prado (bottom left), Gino Amboang (bottom right)
Volunteer contributions: Trivia Night!
We asked all four volunteers about their favourite volunteering memory. Here is what each of them said:
"My slogan question word would be 'HOW.' With curiosity, studying and understanding the world has become more interesting and easier. Being a part of the SciXchange team at Ryerson has given me opportunities to learn more and apply my passion for science to the public. I have become a more out-going and understanding person. The SoapBox Science event is one of my favorite experiences. This is an event where I can meet and talk with diverse female scientists from many different fields and interact with the public from various ages. This event has boosted me to be more confident and wanting to break down the stereotype about science in general and about females in science specifically.
In conclusion, being able to connect with people and bring science closer to the community are the best rewards. Seeing everyone's curiosity in science is the most lovable part. The more we can learn, the more understanding people will become, and the better world we can make."
-Nhi
"My favourite volunteering memory was from a few years when I volunteered at my community hospital. I helped an eldery patient go all around the hospital for an hour because she wasn’t familiar with the new buildings. This was my first and only exposure to see how the different healthcare sectors and volunteers are each critical in their own way, but it's only through working together that anything gets done."
-Ruby
"My favourite volunteering memory would be the first time I volunteered with SciXchange, which was running one of the on-campus Biotech activities back in March. It was an enjoyable experience, and was a great opportunity for me to break out of my comfort zone to take on more of a leadership role!"
-Verlaine
"My favorite volunteering memory with SciXchange was our first ever Trivia Night! It was with our great pleasure to finally share and launch the event after weeks of virtual preparation with my team, the Virtual Advisory Committee, alongside Leigh and Steph. The current situation of the pandemic, is one of the reasons why I volunteered to be involved in an organization that promotes science literacy, and at the same time, a program that offers students the time to destress, relax and laugh! The best thing about our trivia nights is definitely the fact that no prior knowledge is needed, promoting inclusivity for everyone to join without feeling intimidated."
-Gino
Kirthega Jeevanathan
Volunteer contribution: Soapbox Science
We asked Kirthega what her favourite volunteering memory is. Here is what she said:
"I believe my favorite memory may also be the hardest part of the Soapbox science process: the selection of our speakers. Not only was I able to help choose among great female-identifiying scientists; I was able to listen to the perspectives of Leigh Paulseth, Dr. Emily Agard, and Samantha Yammine to see how they narrowed down their top choices. The opportunity allowed me to expand my current understanding of what makes a great science speaker. The process was difficult, to say the least as there were many great scientists to choose from, but I do believe we have a great pool for this year's first ever virtual soapbox science."
Kailyn Seo
Volunteer contribution: Social media
We asked Kailyn what inspires her to do science outreach. Here is what she said:
"The youth community is filled with dreamers, buzzing with imagination and spirit. They have certainly made their voices heard over the past decade. I want to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and keep fueling that passion for a brighter future. They inspire me to give back to my community and break barriers for those in need."
Navjeet Kuar
Volunteer contribution: Social media
We asked Navjeet what inspires her to do science outreach. Here is what she said:
"My passion for science. For me, science is cool, amazing, fascinating, challenging and so much more, hence I want to take this opportunity to tell people about how awesome science is."
Paramjot Sidhu
Volunteer contribution: Elementary program
We asked Paramjot what she wants youth and the general public to take away from her science outreach. She said:
"I want the youth and general public to remain curious about the world around around them and feel empowered to engage in initiatives themselves! You don’t have to be a scientist to grow your understanding!"
Preet Gill
Volunteer contribution: Elementary Program
We asked Preet what inspires her to do science outreach. She said:
"Science outreach is so important because it gives me an opportunity to share my passion for science with the younger generation!"