By Audrey Seymour
Selah, a ninth-grade student, has been involved with the Project Scientist Scholars Program since the first grade. Their long-standing engagement with the program reflects a deep passion for science, exploration, and personal growth. Throughout the years, Selah has developed a strong foundation in STEM, built lasting friendships, and discovered new dimensions of their identity and confidence. In this interview, Selah shares insights into how Project Scientist has influenced their academic interests, expanded their understanding of STEM careers, and created a supportive environment where they feel empowered to thrive.
Can you tell us your name, pronouns, what grade you are in?
Yes! I'm Selah, I use they/them pronouns, and I'm a freshman in high school.
What inspired you to join Project Scientist?
When I first joined Project Scientist, I was in the 1st grade. Believe it or not, I have been doing this for the majority of my life, and I've always had a love for science and for figuring things out. So my mom enrolled me in Project Scientist and I never looked back.
Have you discovered new STEM topics or careers through Project Scientist? If so, which ones?
Yes, there was this one person who came in, and she talked to us about colleges, and it was one of the most informative sessions we've ever had. It's remained one of my favorites till this day, and we just talked about what our futures were going to hold.
What has been the most exciting or memorable part of your experience?
I think the most memorable part was back when we were in person. Field trips were always so much fun. I always think about the Red Venture campus area every once in a while, because it was really cool. It was very like technology, heavy for its time. This was back in like 2018 or 2019. It was absolutely amazing. I loved it and right now it's the friends I've made. Everyone is so sweet! We were talking about mental health last session, and we were really just delving into just personal self, helping each other out and I care about everyone so much. It's my little family. I'm so happy to have them.
How has the Scholars program helped you feel more confident in other areas of your life?
I think this is just giving me more experience, just to be able to be myself in a space with people like me or not like me at all, and it gives me a forum to express myself. I always feel comfortable because I know I have friends who will always support me like a friend of mine, Kaily. I remember this one time someone was complimenting me, and they're like, Oh, by the way, Selah uses they/them [pronouns]. I'm like, Oh, thank you. Because, personally, I don't have the confidence to do that a lot of the time. So just knowing someone has my back means a lot to me.
Can you describe any new connections you've made—whether with peers or role models—through Project Scientist? How did those connections impact you?
Yes. So when it comes to STEM Superstars, a couple of them have left their info and they said, “Reach us to us, reach out to us whenever you have questions or whenever you need anything, and we will 100% respond.” Just knowing I have that resource if I need it, like, if I'm trying to apply for a certain school, I can go to one of our superstars and be like Hi, I'm from Project Scientist. My name is Selah. I'm not sure if you remember me. But can I please have some help with that, which is absolutely wonderful. In terms of peers, my friends, I love them so much. Special shout out to Cali, Kaily, Analise, Kyle! They're all absolutely wonderful. I adore them. They're super sweet and super funny, and they just make me feel comfortable just being myself and loving it.
What challenges, if any, do you face in finding STEM opportunities outside of Project Scientist?
When it comes to stuff outside of Project Scientist, I think it comes to a matter of accessibility. Sometimes when it comes to time or just grade levels needed in other classes. I'm not always able to reach those STEM opportunities. I will say it myself, I am not the best at math, and that affects my opportunities for my school. But with Project Scientist, you don't have to have a certain math grade to be able to do the program which is super helpful for people like me, who are very bad at simple math sometimes.
How has your view of STEM careers changed since joining Project Scientist?
When I first joined Project Scientist, I just thought something like you can do stuff in math, you can be an astronaut, or you can study the earth, and that's it. Now I'm like, there's a lot more to that, especially when we go into the STEAM acronym as well, it's basically finding new solutions to old problems. It's a puzzle sort of and Project Scientist has really helped me learn that.
Are there any skills or knowledge you’ve learned through the program that you’ve used in other parts of your life?
Yes, this has really helped me, my public speaking skills. I used to not do as great in front of crowds and talking to people. But having these Zoom Meetings and being able to talk, and just not feel afraid to speak up and use my voice, which used to be an issue. I talk a lot now, but it has helped me gain confidence.
What advice would you give to other students thinking about joining Project Scientist or a similar program?
Go for it. That's my number one advice. Don't be worried. Oh, what if I get behind in this? What if I don't fit in? You will find your people, I promise you. You will find your group of friends. You will find your mentors, your teachers, and you're going to love it. Just take that chance first, because if you don't take it, you don't know what you're missing out on.
What do you like doing for fun?
I love sciences, but I am also huge in the arts. I'm a voice actor. I love voice acting, singing song covers. I've booked a couple roles here and there and Project Scientist has been super supportive of me. Whenever I book a new role or record something new, an update is always expected just keeping everyone in the loop. It is so lovely just to have everyone being supportive again. And another thing I do a lot of actually seeing shows. I am a theater kid. There are a lot of theater kids at Project Scientist believe it or not. There's like a whole group of us who always talk about one musical every time we log on. Whether it be like Beetlejuice or Hamilton, we always have something to talk about related to the arts. It's just so wonderful, just having a smaller community and a larger community, and just knowing everyone cares about you.
Selah’s experience with the Project Scientist Scholars Program highlights the profound impact that inclusive, hands-on STEM education can have on a young person’s development—both academically and personally. Through meaningful connections with peers and mentors, exposure to diverse career paths, and opportunities to build confidence and self-expression, Selah has found a community that encourages growth and celebrates individuality. Their journey underscores the importance of creating spaces where students from all backgrounds can explore their interests, pursue their goals, and feel supported every step of the way.