2011 Scholarship Entry #169: Annika Palm

Today information is readily accessible, and the ability to share and exchange ideas is easy. However, as technology has evolved, and communities have grown, we have become a sheltered society. Often, children and youth grow up under constant supervision. Without the freedom to play on their own, children miss out on learning how to solve problems independently. We live in a time of instant gratification. If you have a question you can find the answer with the click of a mouse. If you need to talk to someone you can text them. We aren't used to having to wait for things, and become impatient and frustrated when instant results are not attained. This is the challenge our generation is facing: the ability to be critical thinkers and solve problems. These are skills that will ultimately lead to success in an individual's life and career, as well as advance and benefit society as a whole.

I challenge myself to develop these skills through formal and informal education. Formally, I am an Environmental Engineering student. My courses challenge me to methodically work through problems. Usually, the correct result is not achieved on a first attempt and I practice persistence and the ability to see a problem from various perspectives. Informal education through involvement in a variety of activities also challenges me to be a critical thinker. As a member of the University's concrete toboggan team, I am constantly challenged to learn new skills, and to be inventive and innovative.

My passion and work allow me to travel to communities across Alberta and the Northwest Territories, teaching engineering and science camps. Though curriculum content is important, the real value of this work is fostering self-confidence in youth. By showing them they are capable and by developing the skills of trouble-shooting and persistence, this is achieved. The youth I work with are developing the critical thinking skills they need to find success in life. This is particularly significant as many of the communities I teach in are very isolated, and youth need to have a great amount of self-confidence in order to leave their community to further their education or pursue their interests. Similarly, throughout the school year I volunteer as a mentor of the Girls Engineering and Mentorship Club. Sometimes girls especially lack problem solving and critical thinking skills because they have not felt encouraged to show these attributes, for fear of being viewed as less feminine. By having strong positive female role models who exemplify these skills, the girls embrace these qualities within themselves, and are able to find success in many aspects of their lives.

Taking the time to challenge ourselves, and put ourselves in a state of discomfort where we don't know the answer is something my generation does not do well. Through practicing problem solving, and encouraging persistence and curiosity in others, it is a challenge that is surmountable.