“Science is Hard. Do it Anyways”
Ever hear someone sigh and say, “I used to love science…”? It’s a common refrain, and one that Laura Tenenbaum, creator of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab’s “Earth Right Now” blog, tackled head-on in her recent lecture by Laura Tennenbaum, “Science is Hard: Do it Anyway“, part of the We Matter STEM Series sponsored by AB Tech and Sunshine Chevrolet..
The lecture, geared towards high school and first-year college students, challenged the very idea of what a scientist “looks like.” We all have that image, right? The lone genius in a white lab coat, hunched over a microscope. But as Laura pointed out, in a fun and approachable way, that image is as outdated as the slide rule.
Here’s the truth bomb: Anyone can be a scientist.
The lecture started with a powerful visualization. Laura asked everyone to picture a scientist in their minds. Who did you see? A man? A woman? Young? Old? Chances are, the image you conjured doesn’t reflect the incredible diversity of the scientific community. Laura then shattered that stereotype with some eye-opening facts. Scientists come from all walks of life, all ethnicities, and all backgrounds. There’s no one-size-fits-all mold.
The message? You, yes YOU, can be a scientist.
Science is about curiosity, about asking questions and seeking answers. It’s about problem-solving and critical thinking. These are skills we all possess, and with a little dedication, we can develop them further.
So next time you hear that “I used to love science” sigh, remember: Science is hard, sure, but it’s also challenging, rewarding, and yes, even fun. And the best part? You are absolutely capable of being a part of it.
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