Returning to Canada Wide or ISEF (How Not to Rest on Your Laurels)

From Stepping Up

Almost any student that attends the Canada Wide Science Fair or ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) will tell you that it is was an experience that they will remember for many years to come, or in some cases, was "life changing". Finalists from all corners of the country congregate together for over a week of celebration and stiff competition. Needless to say, given the chance, attending the Canada Wide Science Fair again is an experience that all students readily accept. However, many alumni will tell you that one of the more serious problems (and albeit part of the few problems there are) with returning to large competitions such as CWSF, lies within expectations... So, we present to you here a bit of a rule book for how not to rest on your laurels. But first... an explanation...

What are these so called 'laurels'?

Perhaps you have heard the term before or maybe not- the main principle behind this apparently popular saying deal with people who expect too much out of themselves based on prior good results. Laurels- aka past winnings. Basically, you are relying on your past achievements, instead of working hard to win again.

• Example: Tony attends the Canada Wide Science Fair in 2007. He is awarded a gold medal for his stunning project. The following year, Tony qualifies for CWSF again. Based on his prior year's result, he predicts that he will win another gold medal. How could he not? Tony doesn't put as much effort into judging as he did last year, because he figures that he has everything figured out, and simply doesn't need to. The end of the week rolls by and Tony is drastically shattered when he goes home even without an honorable mention for his new project. He conjures up reasons- the judging was skewed, people sabotaged his display- all to ease the pain of over expectation.
• The Lesson: When Tony won a gold medal at the Canada Wide Science Fair, he realized that he does have the ability to win and go far. However, by setting unrealistic expectations, and not working as hard as he did the prior year because of them, he set himself up for "failure" and disappointment.

Rule 1: Managing Expectations

For the first time Canada Wide Science Fair participant, just having the chance to attend is a gift enough. Most finalists from their region have won some sort of medal or other award for their work at a regional science fair. It is important to remember that even if you do not wind up winning an award or medal at the Canada Wide Science Fair, your region has recognized you as one of the brightest young scientists in your area. As corny as it sounds, just by attending the Canada Wide Science Fair (or being selected for Team Canada) you have already won. It is best to attend these fairs not expecting to win anything- although this being said, still hope for the best (without being unrealistic- don't expect to win best in fair with your first science fair project). At CWSF you are competing against many many other projects which are at the same caliber as yours or even better. For returnees, the best anyone can do is not rely on past results to vault them to the top again- but rather strive to work harder than the previous year. In other words, you are only competing against yourself and your ability to do better than before.

Rule 2: Be Proud of Your Project! Live in the Now!

This rule is fairly straightforward- You are a returning/ first time Canada Wide Science Fair/ ISEF Finalist. The work that you have put into your project has been recognized regionally by your local science fair. So.... BE PROUD OF YOUR WORK. Perhaps you feel that your project last year may have been a tad better, but it is important to "live in the now". As harsh as it sounds, just because you may have medaled last year, does NOT mean that you will medal again next year. Present your project the best that you can, and be proud of the results whether they be negative or positive.

Rule 3: Knowing What to Believe

Students who have particularly awesome projects will be told time and time again how great their work is. While this positive reinforcement is needed and great encouragement, DO NOT LET IT GO TO YOUR HEAD!! Judges do NOT enjoy talking to students who are overly cocky or arrogant about their projects. They do not need to hear in and out, over and over again how awesome you are or how great everything is. Let the science speak for itself. The reason why this is a rule is the fact that students who believe all the positively and who forget about little areas that they can improve in, usually are disappointed when the result (awards) don't turn out quite according to plan. In judging, and in respect to your project, remember to keep a level head and know who to believe- yourself. Positive support may just provide you the extra needed boost to perform at that next level, but remember to always be realistic at the same time.

Final Words

Whether you are looking forward to attending your first, second, third, or even fourth Canada Wide Science Fair, remember to keep realistic and down to earth. Show the judges that THIS YEAR you deserve to win an award by dazzling them with your wit and brilliance. Please, promise that you will NOT rest on your laurels by giving yourself unrealistic expectations based on previous outcomes. We all know that just because you aced the first chemistry test does not mean that you will get 100 on the final exam. Even on a simpler level, we all know that just because you got 95 in Grade 10 Math (or equivalent); unless you put the effort in, you most certainly will NOT get 95 in Grade 11 Math.

Be proud of the work that you have done! Making Canada Wide Science Fair/ ISEF again or even for the first time is the opportunity of a lifetime- so make the best of it. Science fair is about fun, and through setting unrealistic markers, you are eliminating a good portion of the fun. Only you truly know your project, so believe in YOURSELF and NOT ONLY rely on what people tell you.

Good Luck!