Upward and Beyond: Why Does STEM Build Resilient Individuals

As a still contributing STEM professional that is involved in this global race to innovate, I often wonder why even though I was dealt multiple cards of being an immigrant, ethnic minority, and coming from a household with a disadvantaged economic background which created additional challenges in unlocking opportunities as there are so many pitfalls to failing--How did I develop a resiliency, or in other words, a "thick skin" that is often necessary to overcome these obstacles? Furthermore, how can this be built in other young minds where homegrown community-based organizations like STEMPaths.org can support the building of resilient young leaders in our underserved communities of color.

Many immigrants face discrimination, language barriers, and lack of access to resources that can make it harder to succeed economically and socially. In many cases, perceived discrimination has been linked to negative impacts on immigrants' mental and physical health.

So how do we remake ourselves to be resilient in this cruel and unforgiving world around us? One way to resolve is to have more youth of color engage in STEM based programs that encourage them to become self-sustaining and "resilient." It's almost a secret elixir that one can take to gain superpowers when they learn that resiliency is something that can be learned and earned through sheer will power and within making the right decisions.

Here are a few key reasons why STEM education can help build resilient individuals in underserved youth:

Develops Problem-Solving Skills

STEM activities present underrepresented students of color with challenges that require critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving skills to overcome. Built around collaborative environments, STEM activities encourage learners to embrace steep challenges and find success even through initial failures. This [failure] helps build competence - the ability to handle situations effectively by developing skills to make responsible choices as they find that success is based on learning through understanding the problem and finding appropriate workarounds.

Promotes a Growth Mindset

Engaging in the scientific process through STEM teaches that setbacks are a normal part of learning and progress. Students learn to view failures as opportunities to learn and improve, building resilience. STEM shows that success often involves connecting with others and building a support network, not just individual effort. Growth isn't just in academics, but also is rooted in self-worth and acceptance of one's limitations as a starting point for building a resilient growth-mindset.

Provides Authentic Experiences

Hands-on STEM programs provide authentic opportunities that reinforce the components of resilience. Students get real-world experience in persevering through challenges, collaborating with others, and applying their skills. These experiences build confidence and resilience that transfers to other areas.

Develops Valued 21st Century Skills

The skills developed through STEM - like problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability - are highly valued in today's evolving workforce. Developing competence in these areas builds individuals' confidence and resilience in their ability to succeed in a changing world.

Engages Positive Emotions

Resilient people use positive emotions to bounce back from stressful experiences. The exciting, engaging nature of STEM activities helps promote positive emotions like eagerness, excitement, curiosity, and creative imagination even when facing frustrating challenges. This positivity builds and protects the fragile attitude and personality of each individual to nurture resilience. They understand that setbacks are temporary, but the positive impact of persevering and succeeding can be profound and lasting emotions.

View Challenges as Opportunities for Change

At its core, resilience is the ability to view challenges as opportunities to create meaningful, impactful change. STEM fields tend to focus on how can we make the world around us "better for everyone." By focusing on the greater good and how overcoming obstacles can benefit others, resilient individuals cultivate an attitude that becomes relentless in the pursuit of excellence and truth. This mindset allows them to maintain motivation and optimism even in the face of significant challenges.

In summary, the challenges, mindsets, skills, and positive emotions involved in STEM all help develop the key characteristics of resilient individuals in our under-represented community of color and immigrants. With these resilience skills, students of color are better prepared to assimilate in unchartered environments and adapt to future challenges. Ultimately, the grit and perseverance required to succeed as an immigrant or minority in an unfamiliar culture, often without an economic safety net, is a testament to the individual human capacity for resilience. Overcoming those initial struggles can build the strength of character to face future challenges. The shape of our future is driven by resilient, young individuals of color that decide to make a difference not just in their lives, but for all around them.

STEM builds character and the skill of resiliency -- I'm looking for an army of folks like me to help build the next generation of resilient leaders in STEM and beyond, so come join me....Let's Go STEMPaths.org !!