Graduate Student Blog - STEM Mentor Program

Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash

This is Yesu Leela Pasupula, an International Student, Pursuing master’s in medical informatics with a Concentration in Data Analytics. I am half done with my master’s Program now and still half left. I am from India. I did my bachelor’s in dental surgery from Sibar Institute of Dental Sciences, a prestigious dental college. 

I have done various root canal, scaling and root planing procedures during my Under graduation and attended various community level programs like Dental Camps to educate the under privileged about oral hygiene and the maintenance of oral health. I have visited public health centers to see how it is functioning in giving services to the below poverty line community. 

I am a certified Dental Practitioner and received Basic Life Support certificate from American Heart Association. And have completed various WHO COVID-19 courses. My hobbies include reading books, cooking and travelling.  

As a committed practitioner in the fields of dentistry and STEM education, I am incredibly appreciative of the chance to play a variety of roles in the community. I get great satisfaction from offering young brains individualized assistance and support as they navigate their academic and career routes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as a STEM mentor for Westminster High School students. I am happy to contribute to students' success by seeing their growth and development through one-on-one mentoring sessions. 

When I think back on my previous work as a community dentist, I'm grateful that I had the chance to participate in dentistry camps at the community level and give underprivileged people access to basic dental care. These experiences gave me great insights into the difficulties experienced by those with limited access to healthcare, in addition to enabling me to address pressing healthcare issues within the community. Even though I'm not actively involved in dental camps right now, I'm grateful for the influence those experiences had on the community and on me personally. 

When think about my experience as a STEM Mentor and combining my experience as a dentist and putting the community engagement experience in educating the young minds about STEM programs, I'm grateful that I had the chance to participate in this program. These experiences gave me great insights into the difficulties experienced by those with limited access in addition to enabling me to address pressing STEM programs with the high school students. 

I am forever grateful to Dr. Hurtt and Naichen and John Macikas for giving me the opportunity as a STEM Mentor. This program not only helped me financially but also helped me in building communication skills and leadership skills as well.  

This program has boosted my self confidence in engaging with the highly educated people and has given me an opportunity in expressing what I am thought regarding certain issues. 

I am also thankful to my colleagues where I got numerous insights from them. I will cherish every moment that I have spent as a Mentor.