My STEM classmates at Vanderbilt have shown me that the allure of scientific and technological innovation lies in the journey from passion to purpose.
Claire Loi | October 4th, 2024
In a highly competitive research institution like Vanderbilt, the relentless pursuit of excellence in STEM is tangible even at 3 a.m. As I gaze out of my window, I see numerous individuals rushing past with school bags on their shoulders and books in hand, the shared determination to uphold the high standards of intelligence and achievement that characterize this academic environment is evident. Yet amidst the pressure to excel, a pervasive stereotype looms — a shadow that unfairly impacts those who do not fit the narrow archetypes of “nerd” or “genius” in STEM fields. Nevertheless, the essence of becoming a STEM professional has never revolved around surpassing average IQ scores or lowering the testing curve in challenging STEM courses rated 5/5 on Rate My Professors: it centers on passion, dedication, curiosity, and the “dare to grow” mentality.
Observing my friend navigate the complexities of being a pre-medical student majoring in biomedical engineering (BME), I am struck by the sheer magnitude of his commitment. Despite challenging courses, research, and shadowing opportunities, he maintained a schedule that would amaze most people. Many may question how he manages such a rigorous day-to-day workload, and so do I. I once questioned him about why he chose to pursue such a difficult path, adding more complexity to his pre-med journey. In response, he simply said: “I don’t really know, but I just like BME.” Although he would occasionally joke about switching his major, I knew deep down that he would never actually do so because I know he is simply following his heart, and it is this action that keeps him moving forward.
Once, another one of my friends overheard some students behind her making derogatory comments about people facing challenges in introductory biology, implying that they were less intelligent than others. This hit her hard, as she did not find herself fitting into the image of a “genius,” and she worried that if she did not excel in this course, she would be labeled as stupid. The negativity surrounding learning and school work on the STEM front is discouraging. It loses the sense of creating a platform where people can find comfort and feel free to explore their interests and make decisions as far their career is concerned without the fear of reproach or stigmatization.
At its core, the STEM community should not be designed for those deemed geniuses or prodigies. Rather, it should be an inclusive space where different skills, perspectives, and experiences are offered by each member towards the whole with the same resolution: making a better world while revealing the reality of it, constantly moving forward, bringing breakthroughs, and solving some of society’s most complex problems. This integration is what STEM fields exist for, at least to me.
In this rapidly evolving era, there is a need to reorient STEM education and careers away from assessment of skills based on traditionally accepted measures of intelligence toward a holistic view of competency. Success in STEM often depends on strong willpower and perseverance, not a 4.0 GPA. Those who excel understand that achievement requires hard work, tenacity, adaptability, the ability to withstand setbacks or failures, and a willingness to continually learn from them. This mindset is essential for solving complex problems in science as well as in different areas of personal growth and career development. By continually improving rather than shrinking in the face of adversity or failure, individuals can achieve significant results in their professional pursuits and personal endeavors.