Back in 2020 I was given an opportunity to take part in the STEMAZING inspiration academy, queue masses of imposter syndrome! Surely, they’d asked me by accident? What do I know about STEM subjects? I don’t even have a Science GCSE!

My job in the RACHP sector is very office based, being a business owner, I send a lot of emails about invoices, I am involved in all the ‘behind the scenes’ processes, sorting out insurances. I rarely do anything technical, although my understanding of air conditioning and air source heat pumps is quite good – mainly because I’m curious and ask lots of questions!

Thinking about it, that’s probably one of the most important things when it comes to STEM, being curious. I often tell the children I visit that there is no such thing as wrong, just an opportunity to learn.

When I was at school in the late 90’s – early 00’s (which isn’t that long ago really!), girls and boys where still stereotypically guided towards lessons for the boys and lessons for the girls. Boys did woodwork, girls did textiles, that kind of thing. I spent my whole education believing that those who weren’t good academically or behaved well ended up in the workshops, conditioned by society that to achieve, we needed all A*’s in our GCSE’s and A Levels.

When it came to choosing a career, I had no idea what I wanted to do, I couldn’t even tell you which part of school I really enjoyed to be honest! I just knew that I wanted to work my way up the ranks, be a leader.

The women in my life from a young age, were leaders. If they could be the boss, surely so could I?

It probably wasn’t until I started full time employment that I really understood the difference between male and females in the workplace. My first full time job was working in a maintenance department for a family run air conditioning company, quite male heavy and despite my intentions, probably not a lot of room to grow.

Fast forward to 2020, having said yes to STEMAZING, I suddenly found myself amongst some incredibly hard working, passionate and inspiring women. Honestly, I felt I was sticking out like a sore thumb! I watched all their videos where they talked about the coolest thing they had done – worked on vaccines, studied Mars, quite literally out of this world! I couldn’t compare!

However exciting and amazing all that is, that isn’t really what matters when you get in front of the kids.  They are excited to have someone who enjoys what they do, who is as curious as they are, who just wants to explore the world around them and hey – if we learn something along the way – Great!

I have never considered myself a role model, probably because I’m not technical. I still have no idea why I have that ideal on a pedestal, I guess it’s that imposter syndrome coming through. I do know that it’s important to be engaging with these kids, breaking those stereotypes that I was subject to during my time at school.

Getting more children interested in STEM and showing them that by following their passions, they open up a huge world of job opportunities. Showing girls that we can do it too and setting the standard that it’s not unusual to see a woman talking about STEM or working in a STEM role.

Alternative suggestion for the above paragraph: What matters most is inspiring more children to engage with STEM and demonstrating that pursuing their passions can lead to many career opportunities. It's essential to show girls that they can thrive our sector and to establish the norm that it's completely normal to see women discussing or working in STEM roles.

For me, the most rewarding part of this, is hearing the eruption of excited children as we blast off rockets or make larva lamps, being told that it’s the best part of their day or they are pleased to see me as they know they get to explore something new and fun.

For anyone who is considering getting involved in being a STEM ambassador or promoting the RACHP Sector but have something holding you back, my advice is to go for it. Being a visible person to share experiences with, to engage with the next generation of the heating and cooling workforce is so rewarding.