Two Wayside: Sci-Tech Preparatory students recently joined over 30 students from 13 other Austin-area high schools at Semi-High Tech U, an exciting 3-day technology conference on a mission to support career awareness in high-technology fields. The conference, held at the Samsung campus and University of Texas, was perfect for Xavier Mangubat, a junior, and Dana Angeles, a freshman, who are aspiring engineers.
Students were split into groups, and Mangubat was one of six representatives. The groups participated in several engaging and exciting activities led by instructors directly from technology fields, as well as some from the University of Texas.
The activities were a good way to show students what they would actually do with a career in various technology fields. For example, Angeles is exploring but isn’t set on the idea of being a biochemical engineer. “I’m thinking about becoming an engineer when I grow up, so attending this conference was a really good way to show me what it would be like,” she said. Mangubat is more certain that he wants to become either an automotive or mechanical engineer. “I enjoyed it because it gave me experience in the field and taught me more about it,” he said. “We learned what goes on behind the scenes of the electronics we use daily.”
For Angeles, the hands-on approach to learning engineering concepts was fun, and she enjoyed competing with other teams. “We got to work together to 
form a human calculator, which was really cool,” she said. “Each team laid down on a mat and had different roles. It had to do with binary logic, and we competed to see who could form the calculator correctly the fastest.”
In addition to participating in hands-on math and science based activities and working in teams to solve real-world problems, the students received valuable career training. “I would say the most valuable part of the conference for me was learning how to create resumes and getting to do a mock job interview,” Mangubat said.
The way the conference was structured also forced students to step outside of their comfort zone and meet new people. “We didn’t talk to the same people the whole time. We had different spots and groups everyday,” Angeles said. “I met people who think like me and like the same things, and we all got contact information from each other, so we will stay in touch.”
Mangubat walked away with a special recognition for Superior Desired Behaviors. The behaviors, he said, are Positive Attitude, Team Player, and Interest in Aptitude for High Tech. Because he was a class representative, he also has the opportunity to return to Semi High-Tech U in future years as an ambassador.
Both students heard about the conference from their teacher, Tammy Koelling, who added that there is a long waiting list for the conference, and she already has two other students who are priority for next year.
Overall, Semi High-Tech U was an enlightening experience for our students, who walked away knowing what they can do now to prepare for their future.
We are very proud of our students and their successes and can’t wait to see who gets to attend next year.