By Elissa Coe
CAGIS Teen Ambassador
My earliest memories of CAGIS started when I was about six years old. I was excitedly waiting to turn seven as that was the age I could start attending CAGIS events. When the time came, I joined the Vancouver chapter and my first session was on the science of chocolate making. It was a delicious start. With every event I attended, my curiosity and passion for STEM grew. I have explored unforgettable labs and behind the scenes places, met inspiring STEM experts, got involved by becoming a Teen Ambassador, and discovered my future career path.
Looking back on memorable CAGIS events
Thinking back, I can’t believe some of the things I got to do. I got to go to an earthquake simulation lab and try to build a structure to withstand an earthquake simulation. Our chapter also went to the UBC Center for Blood Research. I remember in that lab we weren’t allowed to touch anything, even the walls, because they had live salmonella and other diseases they were studying. It was so cool that we were able to see the real deal!
Another incredible place we visited was the TRIUMF Particle Accelerator at UBC. We got to tour the whole building and see the machines they used to split atoms and learn about the possible applications for the technology. One experience I will never forget was when we went to the Global News station. We learned about green screens, met the meteorologists, and made an appearance on the news. I was definitely the most excited one there.
Becoming a CAGIS Teen Ambassador
When the pandemic hit and I moved away from Vancouver, CAGIS didn’t stop. I joined CAGIS Virtual and became a Teen Ambassador. What stood out to me over the past four years as a Teen Ambassador was all the incredible people I got to meet. One person that really inspired me was Anne Innis Dagg. She was the world’s first giraffologist who worked so hard to prove that women can do STEM. Being a Teen Ambassador also encouraged me not to give up on STEM. There were times in high school when my science courses were frustrating and dry. CAGIS on the other hand proved again and again how interesting STEM can be, so I stuck with it.
I had no doubt it had to be in STEM…
In high school, my idea of what I wanted to do kept changing. However, I had no doubt it had to be STEM. I eventually decided on Health and Exercise Science as I am really interested in the human body and how activity affects it. Though I didn’t realize it at the time, I attended an in-person CAGIS session on that topic at SFU. I got to try out the equipment, learned about prosthetics, and tried a treadmill designed specifically for stroke survivors. I loved that session.
Looking Forward to UBCO
Now I have graduated, I am looking forward to attending UBC Okanagan for the Health and Exercise Science program. These ten years with CAGIS have cultivated my love of science and continue to pave the way for my exciting future in STEM.
About the Author
Elissa is a CAGIS Teen Ambassador alum and has participated as a CAGIS member for the past ten years. She is a recent high school graduate and is now studying in the Health and Science program at UBC Okanagan.
