Teaching, Learning, and Growing: Lessons from My RISE Program Journey
I first began volunteering for Pueblo Science in 2020. Pueblo’s mission resonates deeply with me, particularly their work in Guyana, where my parents grew up. My family shared how their science education was limited to textbooks due to the high cost of equipment, so I was inspired by Pueblo’s use of local materials to teach science. I had always wanted to participate in a RISE program through Pueblo, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic we could not travel. But in May and June of 2025, I finally got my chance. I traveled to Banjarmasin, Indonesia, to work with teachers at Lambung Mangkurat University, and later to Dumaran in the Philippines, where I taught at Sta.Teresita National High School. This experience was everything I had hoped for and so much more than I expected.
In my sessions, we explored the cardiovascular system, heart disease, and the science behind heart rate monitors. I guided students through programming their own devices to track heart rate changes during different activities. My goal was to present complex STEM concepts in a way that was meaningful, relevant, and empowering to students and teachers. Working with students and teachers who showed such curiosity and excitement really put into perspective the countless fundraisers, e-book programs, and online resources I had helped develop earlier with Pueblo. It made me realize that this work is about so much more than science lessons, it’s about learning from one another and inspiring confidence to try new things, and working together to be resourceful and overcome limitations within the community.
Through this experience, I gained newfound confidence in myself, particularly in my ability to communicate and build connections across language barriers, remain resourceful and calm when plans shifted, and adapt to changing circumstances. I also was deeply moved by the resilience and eagerness of the teachers and students I met, which led me to reflect on the privileges and opportunities I’ve had in my own education.
As I prepare to attend medical school, I know the lessons I learned from this program will stay with me. A special thanks to Dr. Mayrose Salvador and (soon to be) Dr. Hamzah Khan for letting me be a part of this journey and for your mentorship and advice along the way! I look forward to participating in more RISE programs in the future and continuing to contribute to the incredible work being done to make science education accessible and exciting for all.
About the Author
Natasha Girdharry, a Toronto-born science enthusiast of Guyanese descent, has always been passionate about STEM. “I really enjoyed science, and I was always kind of good at it,” she shares. She completed her Master’s degree in cardiology at the University of Toronto and, this year, began her journey in medical school in Ireland.