I have always been interested in science, I think it is fascinating to say the least! My passion for general science evolved into a love for computer science. As a matter of fact, back when I was in High school and computers were making their way into the classrooms, I decided that all my high school extra credits will go into taking computer courses. Beginning in 9th grade and all the way into 12th grade, I dove into computer classes. I still remember my first computer coding class and using floppy disks to store information, remember floppy disk? If you don’t, just Google that term. 🙂 As I entered adulthood, it became clear to me that I had to pursue a career in computers and that is exactly what I did. In college, I earned my Associate in Science in Computer Programming and later while attending FIU, I earned my Bachelors in Science in Information Technology.
Yes, the computer world has always fascinated me and although, the computing world is mainly a men’s world, I never had a problem going against the “norm”. I always had the mentality that if a guy can do it, so can I. Hey, I have great examples to look up to from the ladies in my family, from Math teachers to business savvy entrepreneurs. It is hard not to have that mentality! Sitting down with the Miles from Tomorrowland panel at Google Headquarters, made me realized that the girls coming into the computing world are making HUGE differences. Plus, shows like Miles from Tomorrowland, are inspiriting the next generation of girls who are going into the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields.
Let’s Talk About STEM!
As I mentioned above, we got to seat down with the Miles from Tomorrowland panel at Google Headquarters. Who were the speakers? Isis Anchalee (#ILookLikeAnEngineer), Dr. Cagle (NASA Astronaut), Angela Navarro (Google Engineer), Di Ikemiyashiro (Disney Junior Director of Original Programming) and Sascha Paladino (Miles from Tomorrowland’s creator and executive producer). Now that you know who the speakers were, let’ talk about STEM!
- What is STEM? STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education. It is an interdisciplinary and applied approach that provides hands-on and relevant learning.
- Why aren’t more girls going into these fields? The number #2 reason why girls aren’t going into this fields is because of perception. According to Angela Navarro (Google Engineer), girls have a perception that science professions are anti-social. The typical stereotype or as they are portrait on TV, is a lonely white-male.
- What is been done to break the STEM stereotype? Isis Anchalee (#ILookLikeAnEngineer) is making a difference on social media. Millions of photos are been shared on social media with the hashtag #ILookLikeAnEngineer, so that girls everywhere can see how a real engineer looks like, therefore, breaking those stereotypes.
- How is Miles from Tomorroland inspiring girls? Dr. Cagle (NASA Astronaut) stated “there is a wonderful exchange between Miles and the concept of STEM.” Seeing more girls in the science field will encourage the natural curiosity that every child has.
Finally, what can we do to help more girls be more interested in the STEM fields? Encourage girls, let their natural curiosity and let them seek adventure. Shows like Miles from Tomorrowland will also inspire them and broaden their outlook on science. Let’s get exploring with Miles, Loretta, Merc and their parents in the new episode premiering on Friday December 4, 2015 on Disney Channel were you and your girls can see Loretta computing skill in full action!
Miles from Tomorrowland Loretta Coding Featurette
***About Miles from Tomorrowland***
Space adventurer Miles Callisto is always ready for action, traveling through the universe with his family and his best friend, a robo-ostrich named Merc. The family includes mom Phoebe, the ship’s captain who sets a good example and encourages her family on every mission; dad Leo, a laid-back pilot and inventor who isn’t afraid to try new things; and big sister Loretta, who is a brilliant computer coder and always has her brother’s back. Together, they use teamwork and problem solving as they encounter obstacles while completing missions throughout outer space for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. The Callistos’ home base is a floating space station called the Stellosphere, and the StarJetter is the vehicle they use to go to other planets and galaxies. Each episode features a fact related to space or science that inspires the storyline.
Disclosure: I was provided an all expense paid trip to San Francisco to attend the #GoodDinoEvent, #MilesEvent, #Waltagram, and #InsideOutBloggers events. No additional compensation was received.