STEM Mixer: Bonding with your student body

Written By: Victoria Grijalva, PfC Student Leader

March 5, 2015 I attended the STEM Winter Mixer, hosted by the Institute for STEM Education. When one entered, there was a table where you signed in and received a raffle ticket. After, you were able to grab a refreshment and some pizza. Many students sat down at the tables with their food and began to speak to others about the courses they were were currently taking and what there major is. The environment was very comfortable and there was no pressure of an agenda. Two separate professionals came at different times during the event to speak to students and offer their professional insight. Students enjoyed the two guests speaker. Several students asked great questions to each of the professionals. 

Anything from how they got into their field to what internship/job opportunities were available at their company.  One of the special speakers who came, James E.T Jackson from Alameda Health System, was helpful because he was very opened with his personal experiences in his career. He answered every questioned asked of him and gave students his business card so they could contact him in the future. He also offered to make connects between the students and his colleagues who can help in other areas of student interests. During the mixer there was raffles where students we able to win a STEM bag filled with goodies. Bags included post-it booklet, notebook and a water bottle, which encouraged the students to stay longer. Students dropped in and out of the mixer which went from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. It was a great experience to converse with other students. I was able to connect and learn about students that had majors outside of my own and learn  about different careers paths of people with science degrees. It was great to speak to other students that I have never met and get their opinions on things that I lacked experience in Overall the mixer was a great and I would attend another one in the future. 

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Missed the last mixer. Sign up for the Spring STEM Mixer Here!