Sara Rosenblatt: Marine Science Program Assistant at Mission Bay Aquatic Center and Reach Instructor
It is International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Thursday, February 11! We would like to recognize US Sailing Reach Instructor Sara Rosenblatt. Sara is the Marine Science Program Assistant at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center in San Diego (MBAC). The US Sailing Reach program utilizes sailing as an educational platform, challenging youth to embrace education, establish a love of learning and explore productive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) based careers.
US Sailing had a brief chat with Sara about what inspired her to get involved in STEM education through sailing and why it’s so important for women and girls to pursue and explore these subjects.
US Sailing: What is your role at MBAC?
Sara: “I am the Marine Science Program Assistant at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center. My job involves creating and organizing our marine science programs. We host marine science afterschool programs and a summer camp.”
US Sailing: What inspired you to pursue STEM in sailing as a professional area of focus?
Sara: “I have always been interested in the ocean and attending marine science camp as a kid is what inspired me to pursue science as a career. I had multiple teachers and counselors that served as mentors along the way and seeing women that I looked up to involved in STEM helped give me the confidence to become a scientist.”
US Sailing: Why do you think it is important for women and girls to explore STEM subjects, especially Science?
Sara: “Women’s voices need to be heard and valued in every field and this is particularly important in areas where women have historically not been welcome, such as science. It is important for girls to explore STEM subjects because being exposed to science at a young age can help them foster a curiosity for the world around them, which is what being a scientist really about.”
US Sailing: What advice would you give to others who are interested in becoming a Reach Instructor and teach STEM to youth through sailing?
Sara: “My advice for anyone interested in becoming a Reach Instructor would be to learn as much as possible in the STEM fields and find your interests within STEM. Part of being a great instructor is being passionate about what you’re teaching and being able to pass that on to your students. If you care about what you’re teaching your students will too.”