UNCP Students Find Inspiration and Opportunity at Glaxo Conference

A college education is critical for careers in the science disciplines. Beyond the books, laboratory exercises, and exams, however, opportunities sometimes arise that give students better insights into the journey ahead. People who have gone before can be valuable sources of inspiration and guideposts for overcoming personal challenges along the way.

For decades, the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation has touched the lives of women across the state by encouraging outstanding scholarship and professional development and by providing one-on-one mentoring to navigate careers. Glaxo's Women in Science Scholars are selected from among the best and brightest students at 30 universities across the state. UNC Pembroke's Shelley Chavis, a biology major, and Kathryn Bering, a chemistry major, joined dozens of women during the annual scholars' conferences last October and April.

"The Glaxo-Smith-Kline spring meeting had been very empowering as an undergraduate woman because I got to see women in different careers and stages of life," said Bering, who is set to graduate in December. "The possibilities are endless, and it is great to see representation from these wonderful mentors in different roles." 

The April conference, however, took a different direction, which was welcomed by Chavis. "What I liked best about this meeting was that we actually got to view research projects that other scholars are currently working on," said Chavis, who graduated this past week at Spring Commencement. "Although it was nice to hear the speakers talk about their accomplishments, it was refreshing to see our peers' research."

Her sentiments are not surprising. Bering and Chavis have been engaged in faculty-mentored research and conference presentations, experiences that helped shape their own career goals. Chavis aspires to become an epidemiologist, and Bering aims for graduate school in chemistry.

Nevertheless, both students appreciated hearing speakers share stories about their own struggles and disappointments. "My biggest takeaway from the speakers is that reaching one's goals is not always a linear process, especially with the challenges that come with pursuing science," Chavis said. "It was refreshing to hear the speakers say that they didn't get into their dream school on the first try or even at all, or that they were turned down from a job. It was comforting to see that even with all the challenges they faced, they still persevered."

In a world that is constantly changing, especially with advances in science and technology, students must learn to adapt to new situations. As Bering noted, "Some messages that had stuck with me from the inspiring speakers at the meeting had been that evolution and learning are important to science, so we should continue to learn and grow as best we can with self-development.

The focus also struck Chavis on change. "One of the speakers told us how they went through a lot of different jobs before they eventually settled on one that fits them best. You don't need to settle for a career if you truly don't enjoy it. Although change is scary, it may simply be inevitable, and that's okay."

When asked to share advice with other students, Chavis said, "My advice to other scholars is that it's okay to be afraid. Although I cannot speak for every career under the STEM field, I believe we are all aware that pursuing a career in the sciences during these times seems like searching for a small light in a very dark tunnel … don't be afraid to pursue your dreams, as those dreams can turn into tangible actions that can help future generations." 

Bering added, "My advice if you are pursuing a career in STEM is to explore what you are curious about. You will go farther than you can imagine if you are doing what you enjoy."