Thoughts on High School STEM Classes: Trudy Morgan

Next to taking a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math class is the face of Stereotype. If we are in search for the best Math student, it has to be that Asian kid. It has to be the boys who are interested in the Engineering. The kid pursuing a degree in STEM must be having the hardest time because STEM courses are the most difficult. These are not necessarily true. 

Remember Gladwell’s theory- you can become an expert at whatever activity you are able to put 10,000 hours of time and effort into (This seems to be a breakdown of “practice makes perfect”)? As this may not be necessarily true, I find it relieving. We are all completely capable of advancing from one level to another when we put significant effort into any activity. I don’t hate any subject- I just have favorites. After reading Malcolm Gladwell’s theory on the “10,000 hours rule”, I stopped resenting any course I felt I was not too good at. I liked the History and the English classes, but I liked the Science and Math classes as well-I just had to put more effort into getting them. 

Initially, I would shun any Science or Math class if I could. Later, I was not too anxious to take a STEM class. I found Forensic Science and Psychology to be very interesting. I even took College Psychology because of my satisfaction with High School psychology. Science or no science; math or no math; history or no history- it is possible to do marvelously well in any subject. It takes a diligent soul and an excited heart to do that. I approach every course with a similar excitement: I always expect to learn something new and that gets me very excited. I try to stay away from the conviction that STEM courses are more difficult because everyone says so. You will never know how easy or difficult it is until you try it. The next time you see a Science or Math course listed on your schedule, don’t freak out. Rather, think of all the fun you will have and all the amazing things you will learn! When the course is hard, practice, practice and practice!