Science Olympiad: An Organization That Changed My Whole View by Gwyneth

Science Olympiad: An Organization That Changed My Whole View by Gwyneth - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

Ever since middle school, I have fallen in love with my school's Science Olympiad program. For those who do not know what that is, Science Olympiad is a competition in which students compete in different events related to STEM components: science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as use critical thinking skills and applying them to real-life situations and events.

I remember the first time I was asked to join the Science Olympiad program; I was concerned about whether or not I should have been actually be doing it because at the time, I despised science as a school subject. It was my least favorite out of all my classes- and the thought of being in a Science Olympiad? It just made me feel all icky and slimy inside. Not to mention, I had a huge fear of people in general at the time: my mom can tell you, I was the BIGGEST turtle and shyest student ever during my early elementary years. But at the same time, I didn't want to upset anyone at the time if I rejected it right then and there- so little me told her science teacher a small 'yes,' and witnessed the brightest smile I've ever seen that day.

I will admit though, during the first official Science Olympiad meeting, when one of the other coaches/a different Science teacher informed us that this was also known as "Science National Honor Society" I felt like shrinking into my seatI was just a tiny middle schooler, I should just be in Art Club or just sitting in the library all by myself! But yet, I still chose to persevere. And little did I know, the once firm turtle shell on my back soon began to crack.

Science Olympiad helped me become a more extroverted and social person. Even though this is an academic extracurricular, at the same time behind the scenes, I was able to have fun with my fellow Science Olympiad teammates as well as make plenty of inside jokes and numerous Snapchat memories with them and my coaches. The atmosphere is so fun and amazing - it's like you forget you're even competing in the first place!

I have been able to call this team my "second family" and been able to compete in competitions, win numerous medals, and especially represent my school throughout Florida. So during my sophomore year, when my former team captain asked if I was interested in "taking over the reins for him," I immediately threw my calculus binder aside and shouted "YES!"

What's even more exciting that since 2017, our team has been the Florida Science Olympiad State Champions for two years in a row, and we've been able to compete at the official Nationals competition- which is both a gamechanger and a truly unforgettable moment. It was my first year as a captain where we got to go to Nationals a second time, so it was much more emotional for me.

This is my seventh year, and I still love it. Besides being a competitor, I have also been able to mentor younger middle schoolers in an event called Experimental Design, which challenges teams to create an experiment in 50 minutes with random materials and reporting it.

Through these kids, I have been able to see my younger self through their excitement and it just brings my heart joy to see them so
excited. But at the same time, it saddens me that I will be leaving this amazing program soon as I'm entering a new chapter in my life: adulthood. However, without Science Olympiad, I wouldn't be the person I am today- my team and this program holds a huge key to my heart, and I love them both equally. I wouldn't be the person you are reading about today if it wasn't for this program.