Miami Senior High is known for being an academically diverse school which offers many opportunities for students to succeed in the subject of their liking. Some resources students use to achieve this would be taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes or joining clubs that support their favorites subjects. Now, as time goes on and new juniors and seniors rise, students’ college majors are leaning more towards the field of STEM [math and science].   

The Defining Passion   

      Most STEM students agreed that their interest in science began during middle school. “I’ve always liked science, yet I can say my interest in STEM flourished in 8th grade,” said junior Katherine Quijada.  

    Javorie Wilson, a senior also pursuing a career in this field, said middle school defined his future interest in math and science (specifically his passion for mathematics). Both students agreed that middle school allowed them to get out of their comfort zone and experiment with advanced classes such as Biology or Algebra 1. Taking these classes in middle school gave them a head start over other students who just began learning biology in 10th grade and allowed them to learn deeper about topics of their interest.   

Why This Field?   

     Students get interested in STEM for different reasons. Andrea Robleto, a senior, said, “Math actually helped me look at tasks with an easier perspective and allows me to interpret different situations analytically.”   

    Sarita Marcet, a junior, said, “STEM helps students’ brains to develop. It includes subjects that help you develop many skills such as resilience, perseverance, and positivity.”  Both concluded that pursuing STEM education helps develop the mentality that everything has a solution.   

 Activities   

     Many of these students are involved in one or more STEM-related clubs, usually in high officer positions. For instance, Katherine Quijada serves Science National Honor Society (SNHS) as president and is Corresponding Secretary for Mu Alpha Theta (MAO), a club that focuses on the study of math. Javorie Wilson is MAO’s 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President for SNHS.   

Teachers as Role Models   

   Some STEM teachers that have highly motivated students are Ms. Munguia, Dr. Yoham, and Dr. Hueck. Andrea Robleto remarks that Ms. Munguia became her emotional support specifically during those times when the AP Calculus class seemed too difficult. She remembers how Ms. Munguia taught her to see obstacles with an optimistic perspective and gave her confidence in herself.  

   For Katherine Quijada, Dr. Yoham was the teacher that helped her the most because it helped her to understand the complexity of every living thing. Dr. Yoham allows students to embrace their curious selves and understand the how and why of many of the things that occur in their daily lives.   

Recommended Classes   

    Some classes that are recommended by top STEM students are AP Biology and AP Calculus. Sarita Marcet claimed that AP Biology allowed her to see the new aspects of life that she had not seen before. Javorie Wilson added that AP Calculus may help students with critical thinking regardless of whether they are majoring in STEM or not.   

Future Career  

    Most students interviewed agreed that their major will be centered on a science-related issue rather than mathematics. For example, Katherine Quijada expressed her wish to pursue a career as a family doctor or nurse practitioner.  

    Sarita Marcet hopes to become a pediatrician. She also told how this dream came from watching doctors treat her as a kid with such care and love. She wanted to transmit that same security to other children which is why she wishes to keep working towards that goal.   

Self-perception in 10 years   

   In 10 years, each of them sees themselves somewhere different. Javorie Wilson’s future plans include joining a company that relates to his major and added that maybe in the future he could make a company of his own.  

   Andrea Robleto expressed her desire to see the world through travel. She wishes to use her skills in other countries as well and be able to not only work hard but relax hard.   

Some facts from “Myth or Fact? STEM Majors Are Inherently More Valuable Than Humanities Majors”, published by Forbes Magazine: 

• STEM starting salaries are 37% higher than humanities.  

• The highest earning bachelors’ majors are: aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering.  

• STEM provides permanent skills than in humanities and can give a long-term career advantage  

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jinchow/2023/10/26/myth-or-fact-stem-majors-are-inherently-more-valuable-than-humanities-majors/