Me in group 7 for my space project - to design a water rocket.
Inspiring the next generation of designers.
Teaching at my old school, International School Eindhoven.
I was asked by one of my secondary school teachers here in Eindhoven, to go and visit the current group 7 classes (year 6) about design. This was to teach them about design and the processes to inspire and teach them for their up and coming space project.
I did the presentation for 30 minutes for all three classes one after each other before staying with the last class to sit down and ideate with them. Their brief was to design a space ship.
I think it went really well; the kids were so engaged and curious, they asked questions about how to start sketching ideas, what do you need to be good at to do design, how do we stop getting stuck with one idea, can we play these games at other times, do we have to be good at science and maths and all sorts of other questions.
At the end of the 3 work sessions I stayed with the last class to talk with the kids about their design project and help them individually think through their ideas. This was such a lovely time to see their inspiration and energy at work. They responded really well to the games I played with them to teach the different stages of the design process. Even asking if they could play them again!
A few of the kids came up to me at the end saying that they now too wanted to be a designer, their faces alight with energy and inspiration. Having this reaction from the kids has been so inspiring and motivating. Seeing the way a few words, energy and passion can motivate them to try something new and learn from others really helped give me confidence that I can do this; give presentations that teach and inspire others. Even if it is only kids. They may even be more difficult to capture and keep engaged as they are so energetic and just want to play.
One of the teachers complimented me on how well I structured the talk because I had enough information to teach them something, while also having some games to keep them engaged and entertained.
At the end of the school day I went back to see my group 7 teacher. He then showed me around the new school grounds, and to see some of my old teachers. I have now been invited back to the ISE to teach the group 7’s again and also to go to the senior schools design department to inspire the students and hopefully teach them something. Super excited to see where all this leads in the future!
Talking, to my old group 7 teacher, about what I’m doing now I can see just how far I’ve come since that little 10-year-old girl. I’m totally confident and happy with who I am, every single part of me; that’s what makes me, me. The dyslexic, try hard, bubbly, creative and confident 20-year-old I am today. My group 7 teacher was the one who helped change my life, from being told I was too stupid to do anything, he was the one who showed me I could do anything I put my mind too. So I have spent my whole life showing people I can do what ever I want, it's about challenging expectations and working really hard. And having people around who believe in you and support you
This experience has taught me to keep my presentations simple, engaging and on a topic that I really know and feel passionate about. This way I know I wont blank and forget everything, I’ll look and feel confident because I do know what I’m talking about and thus my audience will be more engaged in what I’m talking about.