On November 20th, I had the incredible opportunity to present at New Mexico Tech during a special evening of growth, connection, and empowerment. The event brought together undergraduate, graduate, and international STEM students for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to equip them with tools for academic, professional, and personal success.
Owning Your Power and Voice as a Trailblazer
The evening began with my keynote presentation, “Navigating pressure, Embracing Identity, and Using Your Voice as a First-Gen Trailblazer” Over the course of 45 minutes, I shared strategies to help students turn challenges into opportunities, embrace their unique strengths, and use their voices to create impact.
A key message of the presentation was addressing “the missing piece” many students face. While they excel in their technical disciplines, they often lack the soft skills—networking, self-advocacy, and confidence—that are critical for navigating life beyond the classroom. These skills are not only essential for finding jobs but also for creating a sense of belonging in academic and professional spaces. I emphasized that belonging is a cornerstone for success, as research has shown it leads to improved academic performance and retention rates (NCES on Belonging).
Interactive Learning: Worksheets and Reflection
One of the highlights of the event was the interactive approach. Students worked through a worksheet as I guided them to reflect on their unique value propositions (UVPs). This exercise helped them identify their strengths, reframe their challenges as growth opportunities, and connect their personal stories to their academic and professional goals.
Research supports the effectiveness of such active learning techniques, showing that students who engage in reflective practices are more likely to retain information and apply it meaningfully (Harvard Active Learning Study, University of Illinois on Reflective Practices). Watching the students dive into the exercise with focus and enthusiasm demonstrated their eagerness to grow and embrace new perspectives.
Creating Belonging and Connection
A key challenge shared by the staff at New Mexico Tech was the struggle to engage students fully. Many students, especially in rigorous STEM programs, feel isolated or disconnected. Addressing this, I emphasized the importance of building relationships and creating a supportive network.
To make this tangible, I introduced a networking exercise where students practiced connecting with peers and sharing their strengths. It was amazing to see their confidence grow as they realized the power of their stories and unique journeys. Studies highlight the importance of such efforts: when students feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to stay engaged, achieve better grades, and experience improved mental well-being (Stanford on Student Belonging).
Q&A and Ending on a High Note
After the presentation, we transitioned into a 15-minute Q&A session where students asked thoughtful questions about navigating STEM fields, overcoming imposter syndrome, and preparing for the workforce. This open discussion allowed them to connect the workshop themes to their personal challenges and aspirations.
The evening ended with a fun trivia session, complete with prizes. This lighthearted activity brought students together in a relaxed setting, reinforcing the community-building theme of the event. Moments of laughter and camaraderie served as a reminder that growth and learning can be both meaningful and enjoyable.
Why Events Like This Matter
This workshop wasn’t just about delivering a speech—it was about creating real, lasting impact. Staff members shared that student engagement has been an ongoing challenge, and events like this are crucial for fostering a sense of connection. When students feel seen, supported, and equipped with the right tools, it positively impacts their academic performance and long-term success.
Moreover, introducing students to soft skills like networking and self-advocacy prepares them for challenges outside the classroom. STEM programs often focus heavily on technical skills, but it’s the combination of hard and soft skills that creates well-rounded, resilient professionals.
Bring the Experience to Your Campus
The success of this event underscores the importance of investing in students’ holistic development. As a speaker and coach, my mission is to empower first-generation and STEM students to own their power, overcome challenges, and thrive in their unique journeys.
If you’re looking to inspire and engage your students, I’d love to bring this transformative experience to your campus. Let’s create spaces where students feel empowered to succeed—not just academically but in every aspect of their lives.
Contact me today to book this experience for your school. Together, we can inspire the next generation of trailblazers.
References
- Harvard Active Learning Study: Study shows that students learn more when taking part in classrooms that employ active learning strategies
- University of Illinois Reflective Practices Study: Study evaluates four factors of college student belonging
- National Center for Education Statistics on Belonging: The Importance of Student Sense of Belonging
- Journal of College Student Development on Belonging: Belonging in Higher Education: A Twenty-Year Systematic Review
- Stanford Student Belonging Study: Improving student success through social belonging
