Science without gender or borders: student Varduhi Galstyan's path into technology

Although more girls have chosen STEM fields in recent years, stereotypes about which professions are "more suitable" for women or men still persist in career orientation. For that reason, the stories of successful students can serve as important examples for schoolchildren and prospective students.

Since her school years, Varduhi had clearly envisioned that her path would be connected with these fields. Her achievements at school and the support of her teachers only strengthened that choice. As she notes, her teachers not only noticed her abilities, but also encouraged her to deepen her knowledge of science subjects, helping her develop confidence in her own abilities.

Although men often numerically predominate in these fields, Varduhi Galstyan's experience shows that the attitude in the environment is more important than statistics. She emphasizes that she has always been surrounded by people with a healthy and balanced mindset, whose gender differences were never an obstacle to development.

"Although during my studies boys have often outnumbered girls, that has in no way affected either the quality of the environment or me personally. On the contrary, I have always felt support and equality. The supportive atmosphere and equal attitude have enabled me to fully focus on my studies, professional growth and the discovery of my own potential," says the student, who took part in a recently organized regional discussion at YSU Ijevan Branch.

Speaking as a panelist, she addressed the importance of overcoming difficulties in the field, building self-confidence and being bold in choosing a profession.

The discussion was organized within the framework of the Promoting the Participation of Women and Girls in Science program, implemented by the YSU Continuing Education Center with funding from the German government, within the framework of the Feminism in Action for Systemic Transformation (FAST) and Women's Empowerment for Wellbeing (WoW) programs implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Speaking about the opportunities available to girls in STEM fields today, she notes that recent years have seen noticeable positive changes.

"Gender-based stereotypes and manifestations of discrimination have significantly decreased, and this is an important prerequisite for creating equal opportunities. Today, knowledge, professional skills and hard work are valued above all, not gender, which allows everyone to develop and succeed in their chosen field," the student says, adding that such meetings can be highly significant for schoolchildren. They not only instill self-confidence, but also help develop a sense of purpose.

"When young people see real examples and hear about personal experience, they more easily believe in their own abilities and form a clearer vision of their future path," the YSU student emphasizes.

Growing up in a family of physicists and mathematicians, she was exposed to scientific thinking from an early age, which over time turned into a love of and interest in physics and mathematics. For her, these subjects became not only a source of knowledge, but also important tools for understanding, analyzing and explaining the world.

Varduhi believes the university provides an important theoretical foundation, while practical skills are developed through working on projects and solving real problems.

During her studies, the greatest challenge for her has been solving complex problems, but these very challenges have become the main driving force behind her progress. According to Varduhi, difficult problems force one to think deeply, try different approaches and eventually find a solution.

In the future, Varduhi wants to work in programming and teaching schoolchildren and students, sharing her knowledge and experience. She considers it important to apply the knowledge she has gained both in the private sector and educational settings.

To schoolchildren who still have doubts about whether to choose science, she advises them to be guided by love and dedication. If they are ready to invest time and effort, science can become not only a profession, but also a platform for self-expression.

As Varduhi puts it, a girl in science is an individual guided by curiosity, perseverance and creativity, who makes her contribution to scientific progress.