This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in an externship with the University of Idaho College of Engineering, and it was an experience I am genuinely grateful for. The College of Engineering provided me with opportunities to grow professionally, learn new skills, work directly with students, and see firsthand the amount of effort that goes into expanding STEM education throughout the region.

One of the biggest highlights was Coding Camp in June, where I spent an entire week teaching more than 20 students. My own children were also able to participate as my assistants, which made the experience especially memorable. Preparing for the camp pushed me outside of my comfort zone because I first had to spend considerable time learning and practicing coding myself. The support and opportunity provided by the College of Engineering gave me the motivation to become proficient enough to confidently teach those skills to students.

Later in the summer, I had the chance to assist the University of Idaho College of Engineering Marketing Department by updating its regional educator and outreach contact list. That experience gave me a much greater appreciation for the work the College does behind the scenes to build relationships with schools, teachers, and communities throughout Idaho and the surrounding region. Their commitment to reaching students and creating opportunities in engineering and STEM education is impressive.

Overall, this externship gave me a much better understanding of just how much the University of Idaho College of Engineering invests in educators, students, and STEM outreach. I am extremely appreciative of the people who welcomed me, trusted me with meaningful work, and gave me opportunities to learn and contribute throughout the summer. It was a valuable experience that I will be able to carry back into my own classroom for years to come.