Want to be comfortable?

 Be a dog!

This example of engineering is a tool we use on the bus to maximize comfort on these little seats and long road trips. This dog hammock, bought on Amazon, is used in the back of a car so the dog won't make a mess. This is STEM in my world because instead of using this for a dog, we used them on the bus, attaching the straps to the headrests of the seats, to build a human bus hammock! This was the best purchase that I have ever made—8/10 comfort.

Missing class? No problem!

Computers do it all.

Throughout the volleyball season, we travel countless hours on the bus. Technology today has allowed me to make up for missing work and stay on top of my academics. This is a picture of me on my computer, creating this book on the bus on the way to our games at Pitt State. I use this version of STEM in my world every time I travel.

It's gettin' HOT in here

An example of STEM in my world was when I was helping my roommate, Sydney, measure the temperature of the oil. I had to go to the store to get an oil thermometer, using science and math measurements to make it the perfect temperature to make homemade sopapillas! 

When in doubt, replay it out!

As girls turn to women, they become stronger, hitting the ball harder and faster at each level. Even though there are two refs at the net and two line judges, sometimes the ball moves too fast to make the correct call. An example of STEM in my world is the ability to replay a point, zoom in on where the dispute is, and figure out the correct call. Replay technology is an amazing improvement to the volleyball game and helps the refs from hearing the wrath of Coach Herron. 

Numbers in volleyball? Who would have thought?

An example of STEM in my world is when we look at/take stats on opposing teams to prepare a plan for how to beat them and what to look out for. This happens in our film room in Lee Arena. These stats in the picture are running math computations of how good the opposing player does each time they touch a ball.

Rain, Rain Go Away

This example of STEM in my world made it possible for my family to sit outside and enjoy the weather at the Blind Tiger Brewery even though there was a chance of rain. This engineering example were shades/ covers to allow sun when it is sunny, and block rain for when it storms. Luckily, we were just leaving before they had to extend the covers when the rain came.

Thank God for sound technology... Literally!

Sunday morning in church, an example of STEM in my world is the sound technology we have during worship. Speakers, microphones, amplifiers, and projectors all help the band create amazing music. Without them, some instruments would be lost behind others and the sound would not be able to portray beautiful messages and music.

That football is so tiny... good thing there is a big screen!

At the Washburn Football game, the Bods were about to get a touchdown in the opposite endzone of where I was sitting. I couldn't see the ball, so I looked up to the big screen to see the play happen live-action. This is an example of STEM in my world as the big screen was a great technology tool to never miss a play!