Inside the Girls Step Up! Program: Iris Metcalfe's Story

My name is Iris, and I am a grade eleven student at Harbour View High School. I am involved in lots of artistic extracurriculars as well as lots of science courses. In the future, I see myself as a Paediatric Oncologist, maybe to cure cancer - one day. I participated in the Step Up program because of my interest in sciences and medicine. I participated in online meetings once a week, and I loved them. I received mentorship with a PhD candidate at SickKids in Toronto, and I still keep in touch with my mentor. I gained communication with Scholarship winners, and entrepreneurship leaders across the country. The girls in my program were kind and smart, and we showed up every week, ready to learn something new. 

Sophie Leonard led the program with compassion for each individual involved. She and Cathy made it so every girl on the call was heard and got to experience mentorship with someone they aspire to be like. 

Through eight separate modules, we learned about various topics: How to study more productively, how to develop good habits, and how to enjoy independence without FOPO. We learned about technological design and engineering in New Brunswick. We met university students involved in medicine and life sciences. There is something in this program for every student, and each session, even though they were virtual, made us feel empowered. 

If any girl is interested in being mentored, learning about science and technology, or feeling welcomed and empowered, join the Step Up program.