Unity and Joy: Celebrating December Together
December is a time when communities come together to celebrate the many holidays that make this season special. Whether it’s crafting decorations, cooking cherished family recipes, or gathering in shared spaces, the focus is on connection and joy.
It’s a season filled with traditions, each reflecting the beautiful diversity of our cultures and beliefs. Through shared meals, storytelling, music, and acts of kindness, we create a tapestry of celebration that fosters connection. December reminds us all that the true magic of the season lies in the bonds we share and the memories we create together at SPIN Girls.
SPIN Girls Monthly Newsletter Re-Launch!
We’re excited to announce the relaunch of our SPIN Girls Newsletter! Each month, we’ll share updates to keep SPIN Girls’ families informed about the amazing activities and accomplishments of your youth. In this first newsletter of the year, you’ll find highlights of recent updates, SPIN Girls Team highlights, details about our latest program, and a preview of upcoming events for December. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out!
- SPIN Girls Team
Exciting News: Our 2024-2025 Motto is Here – SPIN Forward!
We are in the process of transitioning from the name SPIN Girls to a new one that more accurately represents the diversity and inclusivity of our community, including gender-expansive youth. Adopting a neutral motto is a crucial first step in this shift. SPIN Girls welcomes cis girls, trans youth, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and non-binary youth.
Our goal is to empower and inspire young people by cultivating a supportive community that celebrates diversity and innovation, with a strong emphasis on creating an inclusive space for gender-expansive individuals. Maintaining our current name, which is not gender-neutral, may unintentionally exclude some groups by focusing too narrowly on one demographic. Updating our motto ensures that our mission aligns with our commitment to equity and representation.
This year, our motto blends innovation, learning, and empowerment to inspire the next generation of STEAM leaders. Through exciting, hands-on experiences, we’re helping youth build critical thinking skills, creativity, and the confidence to take on real-world challenges. SPIN Forward is all about embracing a forward-thinking mindset, using STEAM to ignite curiosity, encourage teamwork, and spark real change. It’s not just about preparing young minds for the future—it’s about empowering them to shape it.
🎉 Attention SPIN Girls Fam! New Merch Just for You! 🎉
We are so excited to introduce our SPIN Forward Collection—designed with YOUR youth in mind! 🖤
Each youth will receive 1 of each with our new logo:
👕 T-Shirts
🧥 Hoodies
🛍️ Tote Bags
Haven't Finished Registration? Register Here!
Riddle of the Month!
I’m white and cold and fall from the sky,
Catch me on your tongue as I float by.
I can make a snowman or a ball to throw,
What am I?
RECAP: Lab Day 1
Our first Lab Day was a huge success! Mentors, cohort leads, and youth came together to dive into engaging topics centered around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). It was an exciting day filled with collaboration, hands-on learning, and exploration.
Lab Day 1 Topics:
6th/7th Grade: Introduction to Agricultural Science and Soil Testing
8th Grade: Introduction to Biomimicry
9th Grade: Introduction to Food Science
10th Grade: Introduction to Environmental Science and ESG Reporting
Here's to many more moments of growth and innovation! 🚀
Upcoming events: UW Doctor for a Day! 👩🏾⚕️
December 14th: 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
"Doctor for a Day," is designed to inspire and encourage middle school and high school students of color to pursue careers in medicine or healthcare. The program, organized mainly by students from the University of Washington School of Medicine, offers interactive, hands-on experiences that help participants gain insight into the field. These activities include learning physical exam skills, practicing patient interviewing techniques, and even trying out suturing. The program is a great way to spark interest in healthcare careers. Fill out the registration link below!
Keeping Up with the SPIN Girls Team!
Meet 8th Grade Cohort Lead: Jie-Ying!
Hi, I’m Jie Ying, and I’m excited to lead the Keeping Up with the SPIN Girls Team section! Each month, I’ll spotlight a different SPIN Girls team member so you can get to know us better. In this edition, you'll get to learn a little more about me! I’m currently a junior at Kentridge High School and a Running Start student at Green River College and former SPIN Girl!
What activities are you involved in?
I am currently a volunteer at Auburn Multicare Hospital helping out with restocking supplies and taking calls at the nurse’s station. I run cross country and track at my school and am involved with service clubs like Key Club and National Honors Society.
What future goals do you have?
I want to attend the University of Washington for molecular biology so that I can later apply to medical school to become a doctor. I want to specialize in orthopedics and/or sports medicine.
If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Open-minded, critical, and creative. I welcome input and feedback from others since I believe that they are valuable when it comes to my growth and development. However, I take time to reflect on what aligns with my beliefs, trying to stay open while sticking to my values. I also enjoy the arts and have hobbies like drawing/illustrating and writing.
What motivated you to join SPIN Girls?
When I was given the opportunity to become a cohort lead, I was extremely excited and grateful because it would support my professional development. This position is continually strengthening my interpersonal and collaborative skills with others and introducing me to aspects of professional work. I believe that the skills, experiences, and connections I will gain from working with SPIN Girls will prepare me for future endeavors.
What are you most looking forward to this year in SPIN Girls?
SPIN Girls has been going through many changes these past few years, with some familiar faces leaving and new faces arriving. I'm excited to see how old and new SPIN team members will work with each other to produce an even more inclusive and engaging experience for incoming SPIN Girls.
What advice would you give to current SPIN Girls students?
My biggest piece of advice would be to try to engage with the activities and experiences you are given through SPIN Girls. I wasn’t always present in all of the lab and field days when I was a SPIN Girls student, but when I was, it was definitely more enjoyable. Make connections and friendships in and out of your cohort because we are all here to support each other.
When it comes to school and extracurriculars, take your academics seriously and try your best. If you are passionate about something, stick with it fully and explore it completely! I think my biggest regret as a student overall is focusing too much on being “well-rounded.” It is better if you can excel in a field, whether that be niche or basic, then it is to be mediocre in multiple fields. Being a jack of all trades and master of none can be good and bad, and vice versa.
Meet Your Newsletter Social Butterflies! 🦋
Jie Ying (she/her)
Co-Director of Social Media
8th Grade Cohort Lead
Lauren Canto (she/her)
Program Coordinator
10th Grade Cohort Lead
