Factors influencing participation of underrepresented students in STEM fields

 Factors influencing participation of underrepresented students in STEM fields
(and my own influences)


According to the article, there are multiple factors that affect the participation of students in the STEM field. These can be intrinsic psychological and external environmental variables. The article, focuses in the intrinsic psychological factors. It mentions that the academic mindset are keys beliefs of a student. For instance, it was already discussed before the different between a growth mindset and fixed mindset. A student with a fixed mindset will most likely fail to achieve the goal because they will fail to try after failing once. On the other hand, a student with growth mindset will continue trying, and learning from mistakes. Another factor is the feeling of belonging in STEM. Having this feeling will have a positive impact on academic achievement and retention in STEM.

I believe that my identity affected my mindset. My parents always reminded that they work hard so that my sister an I would get a job in a STEM field or related. We both are first generation to go to college. Thus, I believe that influenced me to study forensics at the same time I study arts.

I did not have any in real life role models when I was child. I lived in a community were only people in a upper-middle and upper class had a professional job. My generation from lower-middle class was the first one to attend college. Still, many of the people I knew, were forced to work and eventually give up their studies. My only roles were fictional characters in television. Here in America, my role models are some of my teachers who shared their stories and what paths they took to achieved their goals.

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