On February 28, 2026, I volunteered during the afternoon at Conrad Schools of Science in Wilmington, Delaware, for the Engineering Your Tomorrow STEM Career Day. One of the featured organizations was Kai Coders, an organization founded by Deanna Bledsoe that provides inclusive computer science and coding programs for elementary and middle school students. By combining coding with creativity, storytelling, science, and hands-on problem-solving, Kai Coders makes technology accessible, engaging, and empowering while inspiring young learners to see themselves as creators and innovators in technology.
During the event, I assisted with the Kai Coders coding workshop, where students used OctoStudio, a block-based coding app developed by the MIT Media Lab, to build interactive projects. I interacted with many of the participants, answered questions, encouraged them as they worked through challenges, and celebrated their accomplishments. It was inspiring to watch so many girls become excited about STEM, gain confidence in their abilities, and discover that they were capable of solving problems and creating technology of their own. Seeing their curiosity grow throughout the workshop reminded me how meaningful early exposure to STEM can be.
Another highlight of the event was meeting so many passionate women who are working to expand access to computer science and inspire the next generation to explore coding. Their dedication to making STEM more inclusive and accessible was truly motivating. Watching them mentor and encourage the students showed me how important representation is and how powerful positive role models can be in helping young girls see themselves as future engineers, scientists, and technology leaders.
This experience also changed my own perspective. I realized that STEM is not defined solely by the subjects we study, but by a way of thinking. STEM is about approaching challenges with curiosity, creativity, logical reasoning, collaboration, and perseverance. Watching the students explore, experiment, and learn reminded me that innovation begins with the willingness to ask questions and think critically. Seeing so many young girls develop confidence and enthusiasm for STEM reinforced the importance of creating opportunities that encourage everyone to believe they belong in these fields.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day came after the event, when Deanna Bledsoe, one of the founders of Kai Coders, expressed her appreciation for my contributions and offered me a part-time position. Although I was unable to accept because of my existing commitments, I was deeply grateful for the opportunity and honored that my work had made such a positive impression. She also shared that she would love to keep me involved by volunteering at future Kai Coders events, which meant a great deal to me. Knowing that my efforts were valued enough for her to want me to remain part of the organization was incredibly rewarding. This experience strengthened my communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, reinforced my passion for community service, and inspired me to continue supporting STEM education and helping create opportunities that empower the next generation of innovators.