For Syriana Peek, a senior at Madison High School in San Antonio, Texas, the future is about leadership and service. With a passion for both STEM and the military, she has set her sights on Texas A&M University, where she plans to work toward becoming a U.S. Army officer. Discover how her AEOP shaped her journey.

Syriana first heard about AEOP during her sophomore year of high school. Her parents, who work with the local GEMS coordinator, Miss Truss, encouraged her to get involved. With their support, she connected with the program lead, explored available opportunities, and decided to give it a try. The experience exceeded her expectations, sparking her passion for STEM.

What really drew Syriana to GEMS was the chance to teach science to younger students who shared her enthusiasm. She loved making complex topics easier to understand—something she wished had been done in her own classes. GEMS gave her the perfect opportunity to blend learning, teaching, and leadership in a hands-on setting.

In her GEMS sessions, Syriana focused on teaching biology and kinesiology. One of her favorite lessons was guiding students through building neuron models. She also led a sensory adaptation experiment, where students tested how long it took for their sense of smell to fade after prolonged exposure to strong scents like mint oil. 

Syriana’s interest in body sciences comes from a personal connection. Her brother was born with brachial plexus nerve palsy, and growing up, she would help him stretch and exercise his arm to improve mobility. This first-hand experience sparked her curiosity about how nerves affect both movement and function. 

One of Syriana’s favorite memories from GEMS was visiting the burn center at Fort Sam. There, medical professionals gave a lesson on burn injuries and patient care. She and her students were able to see a firsthand look at the challenges burn patients face. To better understand those experiences, students wrapped their hands in bandages and tried to tie their shoes – an exercise that demonstrated just how difficult everyday tasks can be for burn survivors.

As a Near Peer Mentor, Syriana worked closely with about 20 students each week, primarily in GEMS II. One of her favorite parts of mentoring was the Q&A sessions after each lesson, where students could dive deeper into the material. These moments helped her build stronger connections with students, which made the classroom learning even more impactful. 

GEMS helped Syriana grow both professionally and personally by building her confidence. Before the program, she had never taught before and worried about making mistakes. However, she quickly realized that GEMS provides a supportive environment – a place for her to learn and improve. Even if she made a mistake, her students were understanding, and her mentor, Miss Michelle, was there to guide her. She also appreciated the professional yet comfortable work environment of the GEMS lab. Before starting, they were given a comprehensive binder with all the necessary materials and lesson plans they needed to succeed. 

Syriana’s best advice for anyone considering GEMS is to trust yourself and never be afraid to ask questions. Seeking answers not only helps you grow but also makes you a better teacher and learner, she says. She also encourages embracing curiosity—if something sparks your interest, dive into it. Research, ask questions, and explore.

To learn more about GEMS, visit here.