Coming into this experience, I was unsure if I had what it takes to work with children at the middle school level. I've volunteered with 9-12 twelve year old girls but it was a close and intimate group. This summer undergraduate research experience helped me gain confidence in my ability to lead others. Children won't take you seriously if you doubt yourself. It's almost as if they can smell fear. I am really going to miss the children and their energy. It was nice to go to a place everyday where people were happy to see me and had something to share with me everyday. Initially I was irritated by their constant talking but I appreciative that they trusted me enough to not only help them with their class work but to also let me into their personal lives. What I find great about the iSTEM program is that it exposes children to STEM and gives them a opportunity to see African American students as well as professionals that are excelling in STEM. I am grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to see what the iSTEM students accomplish in the future.