Rashad Prendergast
| Q1 What are you doing now? |
| I am currently a rising senior at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing. |
| Q2 How did the Science Fair change your life? |
| After competing in this competition, I was awarded a grand prize, which allowed me to become one of the first African-American males from Metro Detroit to ever have a grand award at this event. The science fair has changed my life in several ways. As a participant, and grand prize winner, in the 2017 SEFMD, my life has been significant. This was the first science fair that I had ever participated in regards to my academic career. I had no previous experience or expertise in how science fair competitions are conducted. When I won the science fair I was able to travel for the first time in my life and see what the world had to offer. I also won the summer internship in Israel which was an amazing experience as well. |
| Q3 What did you like the most about the Science Fair? |
| During my participation in the Science and Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit, in 2017, I competed against approximately a thousand other motivated young scientists. Upon entering into this competition, I was initially nervous and scared. Nevertheless, I told myself that as long as I believed in myself, I would be proud regardless of the outcome. To my surprise, I ended up winning the competition due to my motivated and determined spirit. I pride myself in being able to properly handle, and positively adjusted to, times of heightened personal and or academic stressors. There were several things that I liked about the science fair. The main aspect that I enjoyed was the organization of the event. As a participant, I was very nervous, anxious, and worried about my presentation, but I was relieved that the competition was so well orchestrated. From the layout, to the time limits, and to the number of judges; the competition was seamless and well rounded. I also liked that the science fair had a break for lunch. As a former contestant, I was so worried about my presentation that I forgot to bring something to eat; however, I was happy that there was a break that let me go and get food. |
| Q4 What career advice do you wish someone told you when you were younger? Career advise you wish to share? |
| There are several areas of career advice that I wish someone would have told me in my youth. First, I wish that someone would have told me the importance of confidence and leadership qualities in regards to finding a career. Even with skill and knowledge, many employers want to see that you are a leader and can communicate well with others in a professional way. Furthermore, I wish someone would have told me the importance of networking and building solid connections with others. Connections can help one find or create resources to find an entry into one's dream career. In regards to sharing career advice, I would like to share the importance of being on time. Even if you possess every skill an employer is looking for, you could be denied if you can not keep a time schedule. |
| Q5 Any specific advice on becoming involved in Science and Engineering? |
| Even though my major is not in the hard sciences or engineering, I have general knowledge and advice on science and engineering. In order to be successful in this field, it is highly important to be diligent, innovative, and have a passion for discovery. Quality and excellent research is not possible without drive and continued interest. Awards and accolades can be important or exciting, but it is even more important to possess a continued interest for your desired field. |
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