I want to empower over 100 students via STEM – SS3 student

• Esther Adegoroye is a passionate student currently studying in Yaba and Ilupeju,Lagos,She is awalys at Dee Excellent Tutorial College,Ilupeju Lagos,founded by two great men in Nigeria. Esther was born to a teacher mother,Mrs Adegoroye, an exceptional teacher in Lagos. Esther Adegoroye is a creative and ambitious young girl child who is dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. Through her passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), she has founded the EstheraSTEM project, a STEM club aimed at inspiring and encouraging students to pursue careers in these fields.

Currently in her final year of senior secondary three (SS3), Esther’s commitment to her studies and her dedication to her STEM project have earned her recognition among her peers and teachers. She actively seeks opportunities to share knowledge and inspire others to develop a similar passion for biology and other STEM disciplines. Beyond her academic pursuits, Esther is an advocate for equality and diversity in STEM. She believes that everyone, regardless of their background or gender, should have equal opportunity to excel in these fields and contribute to society. Her mission is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where young minds can thrive and make a positive impact on the world. She shares her story and journey with Edugist reporter,Folaranmi Ajayi. Excerpts

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? What grade are you in, and what subjects do you enjoy the most?

I am Esther Adegoroye, a creative and ambitious girl who loves to make a difference in the world, I do this through my STEM Project (programme) – EstheraSTEM, a STEM club which inspires students to join science, tech, engineering and mathematics fields. Currently, I am in the final year of senior secondary school, SS3. The subject I enjoy most is biology.

How did you first become interested in technology and AI? Was there a particular event or experience that sparked your interest?

I became interested in technology since my participation in TechGirl 2021/2022 though I wasn’t selected as a semifinalist. Ever since that experience, I researched more about the technology industry and tech challenges. It was through that event/experience that I found out about STEM.

What do you find most exciting or fascinating about exploring technology and AI? Is there a specific aspect or application that captivates you?

What I find highly fascinating about technology is that it paves way for innovative minds of the 21st Century. technology has many aspects that captivates me but specifically web development and design, internet, digital marketing and ethical hacking.

Have you participated in any technology or AI-related clubs or competitions at school? If so, can you tell me about your experiences?

No! I haven’t!

What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered while learning and using AI tools? How have you managed to overcome them?

Most challenges I face while learning how to use AI tools is finding developers skilled in AI however I overcome by exploring guides on how to use the tool efficiently.

How do you balance your passion for technology and AI with other activities and responsibilities in your life?

I try to balance tech and my schooling activities by maintaining my personal timetable schedule and pursuing my passion for tech during my leisure time.

List any AI tools that you use ? I know some of the AI tools like ChatGPT but i have not really started using them because of the exams ahead of me.

Are there any role models or inspirational figures in the tech or AI field that you look up to? Why do you admire them?

Role model I look up to is Ada Lovelace, the founder of scientific computing, she is often regarded as the first computer programmer. I admire her because she attracted more females to STEM.

Can you tell Edugist about EstheraSTEM?

EstheraSTEM is a STEM club for students esepcially girls that aspires to build a career in STEM and even those that are yet to be aware of STEM. It is my duty to motivate them into STEM career pathways.

EstheraSTEM Website~ https://estherastem.blogspot.com

Are there any specific goals or aspirations you have for the future, related to technology, AI, or any other field?

In the future, I hope to empower over 100 students to get inspired to join STEM fields and also collaborate with those students to build a project to solve problems.

Have you had the opportunity to share your knowledge or skills with others, such as classmates or younger students? How did you find that experience?

Recently, I began to share my knowledge and skills with younger students who are interested in STEM. I find the experience challenging and enriching such that I even organise a mini Q and A session with students at Zumratul Islamiyyah Junior High School, Yaba and also build my confidence and self esteem.

What advice would you give to other young students who are interested in exploring technology and AI? How can they get started and stay motivated?

An advice I’ll give to young students interested in exploring STEM/Tech is that he or she should be determined to extend their learning opportunities and also be ready to volunteer at some point of advancement in the field to learn a skill or gain experience. To get started, you have to know your passion and stay motivated by avoiding limitations.

You have a teacher mother,what’s her role in all of these?

She motivates me to keep up with my project. She is my mother! My mentor and role model.