This article was written by Ellary Ibrahim
Students gather after school, experimenting, making friends, completing complex projects, all as members of one brain stimulating club. Just like that, unlocking your inner scientist is fun.
Science Olympiad is an after school club at Northview High school. The days they meet are Tuesdays and Fridays in Charissa Kashian’s room, 1241. The club starts right after school at 2:30pm until 4pm. They meet together to foster their science skills with hands-on activities, resulting in teamwork that they take to state, regional and national competitions. All students are welcome to join the science community. Science Olympiad is a great way to be involved in an after school activity.
Junior Alyssa Erard has been involved in Science Olympiad since she was a freshman. Erard keeps coming back and it’s not only because of her desire to learn more about science.
“It’s the community that we have built. I’m willing to learn more because of each other and I have really good friends in there,” Erard said.
The club is built on learning, and devoted to trying to understand new things. Joining Science Olympiad comes with responsibilities and definitely takes investment from a student. Erard believes one characteristic is of the utmost importance for Olympiad members.
“I would say discipline, because it really makes you learn. If you want to get anywhere you have to work hard,” Erard said.
Junior Calvin Berry has been involved in Science Olympiad for one year and this will be his first time returning. His reason for wanting to come back is similar to Erard’s, the community.
“There’s a lot of really cool and fun people there that are really nice, it’s just like a big group of friends hanging out,” Berry said.
Going to the club two times a week is not a problem for Berry because he feels a desire to come, learn, and see his friends.
“I definitely recommend it, because it doesn’t really take out that much time at all, and it’s just a great community, and there’s a lot of different events, so if you don’t like one, you can just do any other,” Berry said.
Kashian has a passion to be the leader in charge of the Science Olympiad. Kashian’s favorite teaching moment is when the energy she gives out comes back to her in the exact same way.
“It is a bunch of kids who really love science and just want to learn more about science, it’s really fun to teach. Like, we all just like nerd out over, like, the weirdest little things and it’s just a blast,” Kashian said.
The inclusive community built within Science Olympiad is something everyone takes pride in being a part of.
“All of our members just like to support everyone to their fullest ability. We see people exactly as they are, we don’t try to make them be anything different. We just, like, love them and accept them for who they are, whether or not they win and lose, and I really love that about our crew,” Kashian said.
Joining the Science Olympiad is not just about showing up for yourself, it is about showing up for the community around you, and building friendship in the process.
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