Stop Pretending That STEM is the Best for Everyone

These were the words a coworker (outside of my department) told me the other day as I paused to take a quick break and chat, as I often do.

I am a Civil Engineer.

I’ve completed over 2,000 structural roof evaluations for solar arrays, and I also do structural engineering design for houses.

I am a writer, teacher, coach, and mentor. That is really where my heart is. That is where I am needed. Where I can make my highest level of contribution.

How did I get here then?

Well-meaning individuals who were genuinely knowledgeable about my strengths and interested in my welfare shared their advice. I do have an affinity for numbers and math. And I really love science, most of the time.

So I chose to become an engineer because it seemed like the logical thing to do.

This just simply isn’t for everyone. From the inside, I can easily see all the other, better engineers around me who are totally cut out for this. They are excellent at what they do, incredibly thorough, and they love it.

Not me. No matter how hard I’ve tried, I just don’t feel the passion for it like they do.

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