According to the OED (Oxford English Dictionary), science is the “discovery of new truth” that can be explained by mathematical mechanisms. Science seeks to find the unknown, which can be used to craft new technologies that serve human needs. As we progress through OSSM, college, and our future careers, it is likely that we will contribute to this field. But through it all, we should keep the bigger picture in mind: the common good for everyone.
High school offers us a plethora of ways to showcase our knowledge of science. They help motivate us to work hard and be interested in science while offering a friendly yet competitive environment. However, someone’s worth should not be put on these things. Unfortunately, when I was in 9th grade that is actually what I did. Every time I won a competition, I viewed it as another opportunity for self-glory; however, if I did bad I would fall into minor depressions. As Dr. Rahman would say, “When smart people fail, they fall off a bigger cliff.” I used to think people would care and view me differently if I did well, but it turns out that it just made me look arrogant to everyone else.
I wish that we would not measure our worth based on competitions, awards, or test scores. Instead we should use our accomplishments as a way to see the big picture: the purpose of learning science is to benefit society. Competitions are mainly work-on problems where the answer is already known, but actual science is about finding solutions to real-world, unanswered problems. Science seeks to find the unknown, the discoveries that make a difference. In the end, it really doesn’t matter who makes the discovery or innovation; we all collaborate to advance a common goal, not focus on self-destructing comparisons.
Here at OSSM, we are given an incredible opportunity of doing original research while still in high school through the mentorship program. I have spoken with numerous STEM PhD students from different countries, and all of them were shocked that we, as high school students, have this opportunity. Take advantage of the opportunity and never forget that we will be the next generation to impact this world.