Westminster Student, Professor Participate in Mentor Program

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. — During the virtual A GEM Affair: Girls Engaging Mentors event Dec. 15, Westminster College student Shaemour Young and Professor Helen Boylan emphasized to local high school students that career paths don’t always run in straight lines.

Young and Boylan, professor of chemistry and director of Westminster’s Center for the Environment, focused on the transition after high school rather than a particular career track, because one’s trajectory can change and there isn’t always a singular correct path.

“I did this event because I thought it would be nice to do for the younger girls before it comes to a time and they are in my shoes,” said Young, a junior public communication and leadership major from Duquesne, Pa. “It helps give younger students an idea of what to prepare for in college.”

The event was coordinated by the Lawrence County School-to-Work Program. GEM works to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields or other non-traditional pathways. More than 70 ninth-graders from 10 Lawrence County schools participated in the program and had the opportunity interact with successful women from varying careers and fields such as environmental health and safety, quality engineering, environmental education, accounting and pharmacy.

“Shaemour is a great role model for girls as a leader on Westminster’s campus, with significant roles in Student Government Association, ALLIES and Black Student Union,” Boylan said. “She talked about putting her communications education into practice as a features writer for the student newspaper, The Holcad.”

Source: Westminster College

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.