The Passing of the Torch: Growing, Leading, and Looking Toward the Future
Omaha native Javier Rodriguez-Flores found himself with a unique opportunity this year, charged with leading NE STEM 4U Summer Programming. Javi is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska Omaha, majoring in Bioinformatics. He is also a member of the inaugural cohort of S-STEM EMPLOYEE Scholars (NSF #1929154). Part of his commitment for the program is to mentor in the NE STEM 4U program, and in doing so, he has found a special niche. Javi was identified as an up-and-coming leader for the program, and the summer of 2021 provided him with a unique opportunity to lead.
When first approached with the opportunity, Javi was hesitant. He was not comfortable in unfamiliar spaces. But, when we become comfortable with the uncomfortable, growth can happen and that is exactly what Javi did. As time passed, Javi realized that previously learned skills to develop relationships with his soccer teammates in past years could be used in this new environment. And so, Javi found his leadership style—fun and outgoing, but highlighted by a level of interpersonal communication that included checking in on his fellow mentors and building relationships that made every mentor of the NE STEM 4U program feel valued. When a return to in-person programming for the summer of 2021 was announced, Javi’s commitment to the mentors was unwavering. He always made sure that they felt supported.
“There was a moment this summer when he found his wings and he really soared. Javi did a phenomenal job navigating all the schedule changes for sites and mentors alike at 10 locations, while also making sure that mentors felt welcome to approach him with their concerns,” says Nik Stevenson, Program Coordinator of NE STEM 4U.
“It was a crazy experience. At first there was someone else to lean on [Nik], then I was handling it on my own. I stayed organized, made lists, wrote things down, and was diligent to sort out the schools and the mentors” says Javi. There is no doubt that through this experience, Javi was able to build on his ability to manage several project components at once, while anticipating challenges that could develop.
When asked where he sees himself after college, he was quick to respond, “I hope to be a special agent in the FBI.” It turns out that the professional development opportunities, coined ‘STEMinars’, that are put on by the NE STEM 4U program, influenced his desire. During one of the STEMinars, STEM career options that one would not necessarily consider for a STEM degree were provided, and this option clicked for him!
His one sentence to highlight the summer, “It has been a very different experience, one that has made me realize there is a lot more going on than what you would see at face value, and very eye opening.”
Through his leadership, the NE STEM 4U program offered over 3,000 unique experiences in STEM for Summer 2021. Javi’s leadership ushered in the official passing of the torch from the old guard to the new. We are thankful for Javi’s commitment and are excited to support him in achieving his professional and academic goals.