MATH/SCIENCE CONFERENCE
It was a sunny, very cold day for our 29th Math/Science Conference for 8th Grade Girls at Whittier College on Thursday, January 11, 2024. The student program began at 9:15 AM in Shannon Center where Branch President Nadine Wilcox welcomed the 409 attendees and told a little about AAUW, Whittier College President Kristine Dillon gave a brief keynote address, and Andrea Bellamy oriented the participants as to the activities of the day.
Each student and the 25 teacher advisers were given tickets so they could enter the three workshops where they heard two of our 20 speakers for a total of six speakers. We used ten classrooms and the attendees had to hurry to the next one because we only allowed five minutes between workshops. The day ended at 12:45 for the students and their teachers. Unfortunately, one school district sent their busses early and our third workshops were disrupted. I will tell the invited schools they are not invited next year unless they commit to staying until 12:45 PM.
Evaluation forms were given to the speakers, the moderators, the students, and the teacher advisers. I have read all of the evaluations, including 300+ from the students, and they are very positive. I will share some of the student comments below.
It was another wonderful conference and I am so grateful for the help of the volunteers. Our branch has some terrific women who give of their time for this very important event. I look forward to our 30th Conference next year!
Here are some of the extra comments written by the students: “This was a good conference. Will want to give this school a try. I enjoyed it very much.” “Very good! Inspiring!” “Thank you. I learned a lot from today.” “I liked the rooms where they presented.” “Everyone was kind and intelligent.” “I’m really impressed by these women; they are really amazing.” “I really enjoyed and saw many interesting options to look into. Everyone was very polite and funny and spread a good humble environment.” “Very good at explaining their jobs and how to get there. Made my pathway more clear. I hope there are more programs like this in the future.” “Very cool. It was really interesting to see women talking about their professions.” “It felt very empowering to see women so successful and in intelligent careers.” “AAUW ladies were very helpful/friendly.” “It was an amazing conference. I love how enthusiastic and passionate the speakers are and I loved to learn from them. It was truly a great experience.” “Thank you so much for this amazing experience!” “This gave me a very good idea of jobs to look into. Very glad I was chosen!” “This experience was very interesting and informative. It allowed me to think more about my future pathway and I loved it!” “Was wonderful!!”
Sharon Heck, Math/Science Chair
MATH/SCIENCE CONFERENCE
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Many thanks are due to the members who volunteered at Math Science Day at Whittier College on January 11. Under the amazing leadership of Sharon Heck who made all the arrangements, our members stepped up to help. Special thanks to Pat Dudley who hosted the packet party and to Kaye Kidwell who helped with preparations.
No rain this year, but cold weather marked the day. With over 400 students in attendance and the hard work of all it happened. Members got up early, braved the cold, set up the rooms, guided the busses, gave orientation, trekked the distances, held signs, collected tickets, introduced speakers, carried water, and represented AAUW! Hooray for us!
Thank you to the volunteers for their ever-loyal service to what AAUW stands for.
*Packet party also
With special thanks to Ron Heck
Dolores Seidman, Volunteer Coordinator
