Grey Bruce Kids Fall 2021

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“We should be encouraging kids to find the types of work that they will find interesting and helpful for them.” up almost half of first-year students in an undergraduate STEM program. According to Statistics Canada, in 2016 just 23 per cent of science and technology workers were women, even though women in a STEM-related university program graduate before men typically do (27 per cent of women completed their degree in four years compared to 16 per cent of men). That disparity of women in the workforce is more than just numbers. It means women may not have role models of other women in leadership positions to look up to, and also means that women tend to face challenges in an industry where they do not see themselves represented. “It was important I be better than the guys to get the same amount of respect,” Primeau said, recalling early in her career it was OK for men to go unchallenged when they said they didn’t want a woman on their crew or working in one of their units. “I was challenged that I was taking a ‘man’s’ job and not looking after my husband,” Primeau said. Phew, you may be thinking. I’m so glad that women in STEM no longer have to deal with things like that. Sadly, you’d be wrong. Chong says people often underestimated her capabilities and dismissed her accomplishments throughout high school, university and even in the workforce. When she was interviewing for co-op positions as part of her engineering degree, she found interviewers were surprised to learn she was female. “I found myself working harder than my peers to prove my worth,” she said, adding when she entered the workforce it wasn’t just about proving herself anymore. “You’d be surprised how many times I was mistaken to be an admin or an assistant during work meetings and even walkdowns (in the field).” INTEREST IN STEM So what can parents do if their child begins showing an interest in STEM-related activities? Chong says introducing STEM toys and activities early on can be a great way to explore it in a fun way, but just as importantly, parents should introduce them to role models in STEM whether through books, websites, video, or, if possible, in person. Primeau agreed. “Start talking about it early. It’s never too young to talk to your kids about STEM careers. Introduce them to others in the field – friends and family who can talk about how much they love their jobs.” For girls or non-male identifying children, it’s important parents be supportive of their kids’ interest in STEM. “Have an unbiased and open dialogue about their interests and avoid discriminating a (career) field due to your child’s gender,” Chong said. “Parents of girls or non-male identifying children can be supportive of their children’s passion and interests. (More) often than not, their children can face many oppositions from their peers to their teachers, etc. The last place they want to be second-guessed or doubted is at home.” Looking back, Patterson recognizes today she and her brother were treated differently when it came to their STEM-related interest as kids. Growing up, both were interested in the skilled trades. “I was actively pushed away from pursuing a job in the trades — my brother wasn’t,” she said. “We’re both happy in our STEM careers, but I am sometimes jealous that he gets to wear coveralls and fix things at work every day.” 12 GREY-BRUCE KIDS • FALL <strong>2021</strong>
When it comes to nurturing a child’s interest in STEM, particularly for girls, Patterson said it’s important to nurture the interest, but not to put too much pressure on it. “A lot of times when a child identifies that they’re interested in STEM, the first thought is to get them into the most prestigious academic institution – especially if they don’t fit the stereotype for what we think the STEM field is looking for,” Patterson said. “We push these kids to do the best to prove they really belong. That’s a lot of unhelpful pressure. “We should be encouraging kids to find the types of work that they will find interesting and helpful for them.” Primeau advises parents to contact groups in the industry, which will often have programs supporting diversity in STEM. Specifically, Primeau recommends Skills Ontario as a resource. As well, research STEM camps in your areas, high school clubs (like robotics) and what scholarship opportunities exist. “If you’re not getting the support you need from the guidance department in your school, look elsewhere.” Chong said parents who work in a STEM-related field have an extra responsibility for the women and non-male identifying employees who are already there. “For those parents that work in the STEM field, think about your own actions and mindset, and make sure you are not unintentionally creating a sexist culture at your own workplace.” Patterson has advice for kids, too. “Don’t choose a career or direct your life into something that you think will be needed just because people tell you to,” Patterson said. “Choose something that you’re interested in, and if you don’t know what that is, that’s totally OK. “There will probably be a lot of opportunities out there that you haven’t even considered,” she added. “To take advantage of them you’ll need to make sure you spend your time on something that you don’t hate, and be flexible… The world is full of great opportunities – STEM-related and otherwise!” Primeau can attest to that. “I am a Bachelor of Arts university graduate who started in the field operating valves and checking gauges, and ended up leading an entire crew of operators running four reactors and producing thousands of megawatts all because I got into STEM.” GBK SARAH FOSTER has been telling stories throughout her 20-year career, beginning in 1999 as a journalist at The Hamilton Spectator. Since then, she has written for numerous publications including the National Post, The Toronto Star, The Kincardine News, and CBC Parents. While not in a STEM-related field, she works in the nuclear industry, where she participates in Women in Nuclear to advocate for diversity and equity. She lives in Huron-Kinloss with her husband, five-year-old son and their cat. You can find her out in the community on a run, enjoying a beer on the patio at <strong>Grey</strong> Matter or volunteering with the Kincardine Theatre Guild. She can be reached by email at sarmillar@gmail.com. Did you know you can check out... • FISHING RODS • SPORTS KITS • BINOCULARS • UKULELES • MUSEUM PASSES • PUZZLES • STEM KITS Rediscover your library! Register for a digital access card online at getacard.brucecounty.on.ca or visit any of our 17 branches for a full-access card. greybrucekids.com • 13
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Grey Bruce Kids Fall 2021

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