Sarah and Lily Jenkins, two sisters from the quiet Hawaiian island of Molokai, “stole the show” on Monday of the 2015 Esri Conference. At least that was the sentiment of the few dozen people who stopped me during the rest of the conference. “And they’ve inspired me to work with my local school,” most added. Outstanding!
For over 20 years, Esri has encouraged GIS users to work with schools. In 2009, Esri and National Geographic launched a formal GeoMentor program, encouraging mentors to work with educators. (See Maps 3&4.) In 2015, the Association of American Geographers added new structure and energy, making it easier than ever for educators and mentors to find each other, and then document collaborations. And, since 2000, every student group to appear on Esri’s stage has had a mentor.
The best situation is when an insatiable educator and a passionate GIS user collaborate over repeated interactions. A single experience is nice but, like one bite of a meal, inadequate. Good relationships take time, trust, and interaction — honest sharing of goals, information, and chances for both to benefit. Some schools let outside mentors work with students as well as educators; others restrict things to adult interactions only, mentor to educator.
But mentors can — and sometimes must — work outside of school with known kids in the community. That’s what happened with Sarah and Lily. A local conservation mentor “adopted” them when only 8 and 6 years old; they worked on a string of local science-related projects for 9 years … first a little, then a little more, and so on. Several years ago, a STEM education mentor from another island saw their potential and began offering additional opportunities and guidance. Then, as they embarked on their most challenging project to date in fall of 2014, a GIS mentor gave just enough guidance to overcome difficulties. The “March of the Molokai Mangroves” is a powerful analysis of an invasive species with huge impact on a small and fragile island. Sarah and Lily showed brilliance, passion, grit, and grace under fire, presenting to more people than live on their island. Their project earned international acclaim and attention from federal agencies and international scientists … but not at school. Sometimes it works that way.
Mentors can have a huge impact in kids’ lives. It might come thru a teacher, or alongside one, or via a club or youth group, or just by working with a kid you know, independently. Does it matter? Just watch Sarah and Lily, and think about the kids you know. You can make a difference. Mentors matter.
Charlie Fitzpatrick, Esri Education Manager
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For over 20 years, Esri has encouraged GIS users to work with schools. In 2009, Esri and National Geographic launched a formal GeoMentor program, encouraging mentors to work with educators. (See Maps 3&4.) In 2015, the Association of American Geographers added new structure and energy, making it easier than ever for educators and mentors to find each other, and then document collaborations. And, since 2000, every student group to appear on Esri’s stage has had a mentor.
The best situation is when an insatiable educator and a passionate GIS user collaborate over repeated interactions. A single experience is nice but, like one bite of a meal, inadequate. Good relationships take time, trust, and interaction — honest sharing of goals, information, and chances for both to benefit. Some schools let outside mentors work with students as well as educators; others restrict things to adult interactions only, mentor to educator.
But mentors can — and sometimes must — work outside of school with known kids in the community. That’s what happened with Sarah and Lily. A local conservation mentor “adopted” them when only 8 and 6 years old; they worked on a string of local science-related projects for 9 years … first a little, then a little more, and so on. Several years ago, a STEM education mentor from another island saw their potential and began offering additional opportunities and guidance. Then, as they embarked on their most challenging project to date in fall of 2014, a GIS mentor gave just enough guidance to overcome difficulties. The “March of the Molokai Mangroves” is a powerful analysis of an invasive species with huge impact on a small and fragile island. Sarah and Lily showed brilliance, passion, grit, and grace under fire, presenting to more people than live on their island. Their project earned international acclaim and attention from federal agencies and international scientists … but not at school. Sometimes it works that way.
Mentors can have a huge impact in kids’ lives. It might come thru a teacher, or alongside one, or via a club or youth group, or just by working with a kid you know, independently. Does it matter? Just watch Sarah and Lily, and think about the kids you know. You can make a difference. Mentors matter.
Charlie Fitzpatrick, Esri Education Manager
أكثر...