Science Olympiad Ames, Iowa

At the beginning of my middle school experience I was joining an unfamiliar community. Being from a small private elementary school I knew very few people coming into my first year. So to avoid becoming a social outcast, it was one of my priorities to find a group of my own.

So when I noticed a flier posted on the hallway wall encouraging me to try out for Science Olympiad I jumped at the opportunity to find a group that fit me, a group that was as interested in science and competition as I was. When I walked into the classroom for the first introductory meeting I was shocked by the number of people who were trying out for the club. At that point I still had no idea what I was walking into.

One thing that we all had in common however was a drive to compete and better ourselves through competition. But it is about more than just that, the academic challenge of Science Olympiad is about being able to collaborate with like minded individuals to learn more about subjects we all enjoy. It allows us to share an important interest with each other, and form close knit communities within our school community.

To the members, the challenge is only secondary. To me, the community surrounding the club is why I have stuck with the club all four years of high school. The people make the club what it is.

The Ames Science Olympiad team consists of over 60 students of all grade levels from sixth grade to seniors. Many of its members found out about the club from older siblings and wanted to join that same community. Others, like myself, simply wanted to join a new one.

Sophia, 16, above, joined the club only last year, “What drew me to the club was the competition,” she said, “I like winning things.”
“I feel like I learn a lot too,” Sophia continues. “We win medals at state all the time.” In fact, the Ames High Team has only lost the state competition only once in almost thirty years.
“The club always does something special when we go to nationals,” says Chetas, 17. “Last year we had hats with corn taped to them. It’s a great experience to just joke around with your friends.”
There is also a creative aspect of the club, Chetas says. “Being given the opportunity to design and build my own creations has been great. It has forced me to learn how to code and how the whole system works together.”
“My favorite part has always been the people I get to be around,” Siray, 17, above. “I’ve met friends through Science Olympiad that I have stuck with throughout all of High School.”
I too have met life long friends through the club. Pictured above is me, now 18, with Rishab, now 19, in this picture I am only 13. The club allowed us to work together on common interests, and that experience has given us a friend for life.