Page 24 - Iris Tennessee Teen Judges Book 2022

What can you do during your Tenure of Service as a Titleholder to impact your community?
The single most important thing that I can communicate to youth as Miss Iris Tennessee Teen Volunteer is that anything is possible as long as we put in the effort to achieve our goals and are disciplined along the journey. Through my platform “Teaching STEM,” I not only teach about science, technology, engineering, and math, but I also showcase professionals who the students may aspire to be like. Two examples of these prominent figures are Mae Jemison and Percy Lavon Julian. Mae Jemison was the first African American female astronaut, a physician, and chemical engineer. Percy Lavon Julian was a Chemist who worked with soy-beans and synthesized steroids. His contributions helped to develop birth control. I believe in showcasing different experiences and people because I believe that the best way to motivate children to pursue their dreams is to allow them to see examples of people who have already succeeded and to also participate in hands on STEM activities.
My plan is to encourage young women and men to pursue STEM careers through fun presentations, experiments, and games. I have volunteered with different organizations and schools throughout the years, so I have lesson plans, activities, Kahoots, and PowerPoints ready.
What has been your involvement with your platform?
The advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math is the most important part of the world’s future. In my free time, I love to introduce students at the Boys and Girls club of Hatchie River Region and Cummings Elementary to the marvels and opportunities in STEM. During this past school year, I was able to visit Cumming’s Elementary every Friday and work on a science projects with them based on plant growth. We had the chance to plant Fava beans, Pea Plants, lettuce, Zucchini, and more in their school garden. The students were very excited to do a hands on activity that boosted their interest in science. Additionally, During the summer, I did STEM outreach for 7 weeks at my local Boys and Girls club. Some projects that I did with students were the following: create a homemade bow and arrow, build a catapult, attempt the rubber egg challenge, make a lava lamp, and more. Additionally, I was voted “Staff Member of the Summer” by the students at the Boys and Girls Club.
What inspired you to first become involved in your platform?
Growing up, I traveled all over the country with my family. My father, who is a General Surgeon and Family Practice Physician, took us to his annual National Doctor Conventions. For the annual Conventions, we traveled to Denver, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Orlando, Florida, and more. We visited Children’s Museums and participated in learning camps while he was in meetings. We took every opportunity to learn STEM. I remember hiking up the mountains of Denver, Colorado and riding the Spiderman Ride at Universal in Florida. Going to these conventions were what I looked forward to every year. However, I did notice a lack of representation of women and minorities at these conventions. The demographics were mostly men and a small percentage of them were minorities. This is what inspired me to get involved in my STEM platform since I want to encourage the future generations to challenge themselves to learn STEM. I also aspire to encourage more diversity and representation within STEM fields.
If you are selected as the winner, how would you mobilize and market your platform nationally?
I would mobilize and market my platform nationally by encouraging young women and men to pursue STEM Fields and break barriers within their respective communities. My goal is to be a representative for young women and men and promote discipline, dedication, and being intentional with whatever they choose to do in life. Lastly, I would spread knowledge by volunteering and conducting STEM presentations and workshops at schools throughout Tennessee and community organizations. What all young men and women have in common is that they are in school. Being someone who’s platform is based on going from school to school means that I have a great reach for spreading my platform, teaching STEM. And even if students are not interested in those fields what they will take away from My presentations is D.I.D., Disciplined, Intentional, and Dedicated learning for their future success.
How would you utilize social media in order to positively further your position as a titleholder if you are selected as the winner?
One can connect to people across the world through social media. Tik Tok, especially, has emerged as a prominent platform for youth today. Marketing through Tik Tok would allow me to connect to teens and beyond. I have already made several TikTok showcasing activities that individuals can do in the comfort of their home. This includes making a rocket ship with construction paper and a stop light. I have also posted a motivational and