Discover The STEAM world!
MY JOURNEY IN THE STEM/STEAM
Since 2018 I have been a member of the Algiers STEAM Center. I still can remember the first workshop that I attended. I was so stressed about how it was going to be, and feeling awkward, all I could see were a lot of smart people who knew so many things, and that got me more stressed!
The Algiers STEAM Center was not any center or any club that I joined. The Algiers STEAM Center was my second home, the safe place where I could learn have fun, and enjoy my time immersed in the world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. It wasn’t merely a building with walls and floors; it was a sanctuary of knowledge, a haven where my curiosity thrived and my passions were nurtured.
Within the confines of the Algiers STEAM Center, I found more than just an institution. It was a vibrant community bustling with creativity, filled with mentors who ignited sparks of inspiration and peers who shared my zeal for exploration. Here, equations turned into puzzles waiting to be solved, experiments transformed into adventures, and every challenge became an opportunity to stretch the boundaries of what I knew.
This place wasn’t just about structured lessons and rigid schedules; it was a playground of discovery. It was where I built robots that danced to programmed rhythms, painted canvases that reflected the beauty of equations, and collaborated on projects that merged artistry with technology. It was a place that taught me the value of teamwork, resilience, and the joy of celebrating both success and failure as essential parts of the learning process.
The Algiers STEAM Center wasn’t solely about academic growth; it was a nurturing environment that fostered personal development. It became a harbor of solace during times of stress, a hub of excitement during moments of triumph, and a canvas where dreams took shape and soared beyond the confines of imagination.
Stepping through its doors wasn’t just stepping into a physical space; it was an entryway into a world of endless possibilities. It was where I discovered my potential, honed my skills, and found the courage to embrace the unknown. The Algiers STEAM Center wasn’t just a place I went to; it was an integral part of my journey — an indispensable chapter in the story of my growth and aspirations.
After a long years, I am happy to make one of my dreams true and establish a STEAM CLUB at my university Albukhary International University, in Kedah, Malaysia. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is an interdisciplinary approach to learning. In today’s modern world, an education in STEAM not only prepares students for a technical career, but helps them to develop the critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and teamwork skills that are essential for success and make them able to create their own lifestyle.
Through active participation in our thoughtfully curated programs and workshops, students embark on a journey of skill development, honing their abilities and fortifying their innovation, critical thinking, and communication skills. Our commitment extends beyond individual skill enhancement to the broader landscape of empowering the youth workforce.
The AIU STEAM CLUB has a mission not just to be any center but to provide high-quality, experiential learning programs to young innovators to solve local and global challenges. Our goal is not to help students and youth of all ages pass a test (although we do that too but in a different way where the student doesn’t feel the stress), but to equip them with the technical and soft skills that will enable them to solve messy, real-world problems and benefit them regardless of where their future careers may take them. To that end, the Club offers programs designed to allow participants to explore, apply, and innovate through hands-on activities and our project-based learning approach.
Establishing the AIU STEAM CLUB proved to be a formidable undertaking, fraught with challenges that tested our resilience each day. The journey has been far from easy, presenting numerous obstacles that have made the path forward quite arduous. Even at this juncture, we find ourselves grappling with various issues, a testament to the pioneering nature of our club as the first academic organization at Albukhary International University.
I want to thank the AIU STEAM CLUB team that helped me to make all this true, with all of the hard work that we did all together. Today the club exists because of all the teamwork and everything that we dedicate to it!
One individual who has had a profound and inspiring impact on my life is Dr. Mohamed Abdelaziz. His kindness, unwavering support, and encouragement to pursue our dreams have left an indelible mark on my perspective. A particularly memorable experience was visiting to the Algiers STEAM Center, where I had the privilege of observing Dr. Abdelaziz in action. His interactions with those around him were not only impressive but also deeply motivating. Witnessing his exemplary treatment of others ignited a desire within me to embody similar qualities.
Dr. Abdelaziz may not be aware of the profound influence he has had on my personal journey, but he stands as a beacon of inspiration and a role model. I aspire to emulate his positive impact and inspire others in the same way he has inspired me.
You can check more about our club on our Instagram: @steamclubaiu or you can contact me personally if any questions on my personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aroua_tlh/ or follow my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aroua-t/