The program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) hosted Craftober Fest for their October CONNECT event, where WiSE members could craft, make friends, enjoy snacks and embrace growth and self-care.
WiSE is a program at Iowa State that creates a place for women in STEM to connect and build a community. It offers a variety of resources that help students pave their future paths and helps students grow both personally and academically.
Sarah Long is a WiSE Ambassador. She was one of the members in charge of hosting the event.
Long led the meeting, having students write on leaf-shaped cards, answering fall-themed questions. She encouraged students to share and get to know each other.
“WiSE has become my family away from my family,” Long said. “It’s given me not only personal growth and confidence, but sociability and being able to make friends.”
WiSE offers opportunities for personal development and a chance to connect with others, but also academic and professional opportunities for growth.
“I had the opportunity to meet with a former astronaut, and I’ve been a lot more connected with jobs and internship opportunities,” Long said.
WiSE not only fosters academic and personal growth, it offers a place for students to take a break and relax with events such as craft nights, where WiSE offers students food, drinks and craft supplies.
They create a calming and welcoming space for students. Emma Scheffler, a WiSE Ambassador, talks about how these events help her unwind from the stress of school.
“I always really enjoyed crafting, so coming to the WiSE events, being able to channel that crafting outlet and just having that break from school,” Scheffler said. “I really do think having your breaks from schooling is very important in just keeping your mind sane. Just having that community and being able to separate from class is very important.”
Madilyn Greene, a WiSE Ambassador, said she hopes students take away the importance of making time for self-care.
“One of our main topics on our professional development side of our presentation is that it is very important to prioritize yourself not only as a student but as yourself,” Greene said. “We are definitely preaching scheduling those times for self-care the same way you would for a class or an appointment, so I hope students are able to take that away and find a little bit of balance.”
Craft night is one of many events that is hosted by WiSE throughout the year. They offer many different kinds of events and resources are offered that provide different kinds of support for students.
“WiSE, as an organization, we not only have full-time staff who are there for students and help support students, but we also have learning communities throughout every single neighborhood and dorm on campus,” Long said.
If you want to learn more about WiSE and get involved, click here.
