Some people might say that math and science are the worst part of school; however, senior Audery Blosser can’t get enough. Out of school, Audrey participates in the Forest Hills Central Science Olympiad team.
Starting in her sophomore year, Audrey began to explore her passion for science. She had already realized her love for science through mandatory school classes, but now she’s take the extra step to take her education to the next level.
“I have been participating in Science Olympiad for two years, and it has been a great experience,” Audrey said. “My genuine love for science sparked my interest. I have always been fascinated by all the different scientific topics, and Science Olympiad seemed like the perfect way to explore them further.”
Even though she makes sure to carve out time for her team, a high school student’s life is full of studying and events that take up a great deal of her daily life. Although the added load is heavy, her passion cannot be stopped.
Preparing for competitions requires countless hours of studying and practice. Even with a mind brimming with memorized facts, Audrey still finds room to stuff in more information.
“Science Olympiad does impact my life,” Audrey said. “It keeps me busy with reviewing materials and practicing for events, However, I genuinely enjoy the process because I am constantly learning new and intriguing things.”
Science is a broad subject full of intricate details and academics, whether that be biology, earth science, chemistry, or computer science. This is why the Science Olympiad competitions provide a large selection of twenty-three events for the participants to compete in. Therefore, Audrey has had to explore her passion deeper to see which event to narrow in on.
The three events Audrey selected to compete in not only offer her an entertaining variety but also allow her to explore her skills through teamwork and mental exercises. Each event requires a partner, making it paramount to exercise complete communication.
“I compete in human anatomy, experimental design, and disease detectives,” Audrey said. “I chose these events because I found them exceedingly interesting and saw them as an opportunity to delve deeper into my own passions while practicing teamwork.”
While Science Olympiad takes a mental toll on those who participate, it allows academics to be both exciting and collaborative. Like most teams, Science Olympiad allows teammates to bond while having fun with their passions.
Due to the enthusiasm for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) that causes most students to join the team, their shared interest creates a welcoming and eager environment.
“The Science Olympiad community is friendly and supportive,” Audrey said. “It is a fun environment because everyone shares a common passion for science, making it easy to connect and collaborate.”
Even with its academic workload, Audrey not only finds the competitions worth it, but also incredibly rewarding. Science Olympiad provides her with an outlet to explore her passion in a competitive environment that creates a more entertaining exploration.
Science Olympiad might not be for everyone, although Audery highly recommends it. The team has changed her life for the better in more ways than one. She has grown in her collaborative skills, cognitive ability, and passion for science.
“I would highly recommend Science Olympiad to anyone who enjoys science,” Audrey said. “Science Olympiad is a fantastic activity that allows you to learn about interesting science topics and meet like-minded individuals.
What used to be merely an enjoyment of science has grown into a passion that has developed Audrey not only as a scientist but as a person. She has been rewarded academically, mentally, and socially as she has taken something others take as a challenge and built it into a vessel for her entertainment.
While Science Olympiad might not be acknowledged as a sport worldwide, it holds true the same truths that all sports have. They have built a bond as a team, developed into a better teammate, and pushed themselves to succeed where others might not.
Overall, Science Olympiad has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have not only expanded my knowledge of science but also developed valuable teamwork and problem-solving skills. I encourage anyone with a passion for science to give it a try.”
