STEAM- Cross Functional Approach of Finding Solutions to Life Problems
Shikha SaxenaJul 21, 2020 · 4 min read
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) are inherent part of our lives. Term encompasses Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math disciplines under its umbrella. Collectively STEAM is a cross functional approach of finding solutions to life problems!. We can not imagine our life, without these subject lines. They are at the forefront of our education system, always inspiring and leading us to innovate!
I may be blowing more candles each passing year, though my love for STEAM, always stay young and grow more with passing time!
Passion, for STEAM since childhood, propelled me to reach far in life, where I am still trying to learn new technologies and imbibing more in different areas of Biological Sciences and Technology.
The environment at home was always enriching, which compelled me to observe surroundings and learn. Books on varied topics and subjects, listening to discussions and experiences of elders created an ambiance, apt for learning and developing inquisitive and intuitive mind. I was born and brought up in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus in family of Scientist. My father was professor of Organic Chemistry and sports person and mother a Sociologist – wonderful combination of parents! I owe my life to them.
STEAM and finding solutions to life problems
In childhood years I read biographies of spiritual, national leaders and scientists and all the books and magazines I found in my parents and grandparents library. Madam Curie always inspired me and was my role model in those growing-up years. Mythological characters and Epics and their comics versions. Amar Chitra Kathas were major contributors in building my knowledge base for Indian Mythology and Folk Tales during childhood.
As a young STEAM enthusiast, I created a small lab in courtyard to experiment with household chemicals –mom’s Talcum powder, papa’s hair oil, shoe-polish, after-shave, Phenyl cleaning solutions , soaps, shampoo, dish washing liquids–nail paints and Acetone.
Thinning dried-up nail paints and mixing them to change colors were favorite part:) I remember my excitement to use magnet to check, the amount of Iron, in Stainless steel utensils, collecting and burning left over noise making crackers and reading and asking questions to my father about their composition during Deepawali festival and proving classmates that boiling, pencil shavings with milk do not produce Rubber 🙂 Talcum powder sprinkle on hard cement floors reduces friction and rubber slippers are perfect to overcome this scenario.
Why “Special Thandai” severely effect reasoning power of people during festival of Colors Holi?:) Which part of brain and what chemicals are altered? Also not so fond memories about punishment, after burning silk and nylon scarves with match-box, to see the change after combustion, between the two different yarns, is also an unforgettable moment:(
STEAM education and finding solutions to life problems
As a music lover and an artist, participated in Art competitions and art shows displayed my art work in galleries. Ardent fan of Urdu learned Nazms , Shayari and Ghazals. Read the work of Hindi and Urdu writers ( Ghalib) and learned reading and writing other languages as Gurumukhi and Marathi.
I graduated with Chemistry Honors, with a distinction in In-Organic Chemistry. Earned Masters in Biochemistry and another Masters degree in Biochemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), BHU, Varanasi. The BHU Gold Medal and Jawaharlal Nehru National Award were my achievements for persistence and hard work.
My life treasures and my ultimate earning. Enrolled to earn Doctors of Philosophy in Biochemical Engineering in IIT , BHU. This dream was not fulfilled, in wake of shouldering other responsibilities of Life!
STEAM and solving Life problems
Entered into matrimony with Computer Scientist. Was given opportunity to explore other side of Globe, when I traveled and resided in western part of world. I interacted with new technology and learned programming in COBOL.
It was wonderful and amazing experience! I was thrilled and loved the concept of Internet and email and online education. As if I was given a kind of treasure, to explore knowledge in any domain I wished. World’s knowledge was at my fingertips. I never wanted anything else in life, admired it from core of my Heart and wished and thanked innovators for this great Gift of Technology!
My cute little daughter who learned her first syllables and poems through Internet and who used to inform me, about email in my inbox excitedly, is now a brilliant Software Engineer with Data Science knowledge at her finger tips! Her siblings are sharpening their skills as Employee Psychologist/Behavioral/Mental Health expert and aspiring Guitarist/Healthcare provider.
I am still in the process of learning. Learning never stops for me. There is so much to learn out there and just little time and one life to live!
Environment, education, knowledge, guidance and inspiration are all, a growing child needs to excel in any field, be it Literature, Humanities, Arts or STEAM.
Knowledge can be picked at any level of age or learning. Imbibe, Inspire and share more. Educate and promote STEAM leading to awareness and innovations!
Literature and Humanities add to intellect- STEAM runs our life!
-Shikha Saxena.
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