The Full Circle Moment: How Jasmine Carey is Building the Next Generation of Innovators
Ever peek inside a vacuum cleaner as a kid, just to see how it works? For most of us, that curiosity might have earned us a scolding. But for Jasmine Carey, an instructor with NIU STEAM, it was the first step on a path that would lead her to a powerful mission: empowering kids to explore, question, and build without fear.
In the latest episode of STEAM Studio Spotlight, we sit down with Jasmine for a conversation that is as inspiring as it is genuine. Her story isn’t only about her career; it’s a testament to the profound impact of giving young minds the freedom to learn by doing.
The Journey is the Joy
Jasmine’s journey is what we love to call a “full circle moment.” She started as a student at NIU, first as an undergraduate in Engineering Technology, then earning a Master’s in Instructional Technology. Along the way, she was a camp counselor and graduate assistant right here with NIU STEAM. After graduating, she took her skills to a local school to launch a makerspace, gathering experience before finding her way back home to NIU to lead the Barb City STEAM Team.
But why come back? As she explains to hosts Dr. Kristin Brynteson and Russ Devereaux, the draw was the unique magic of informal education. In her classroom, there are no bad grades or wrong answers. There’s only freedom to question, the space to try, and the confidence that comes from knowing that a mistake is just a learning opportunity in disguise.
This philosophy fuels the incredible work she does with middle schoolers in the after-school program and summer camps. We get into the nitty-gritty of how she builds that culture of confidence from day one. It starts with a simple mantra: “It’s okay to try and fail, but it’s not okay to not try at all.”
What is Success, Really?
The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore how Jasmine and her team are redefining “college and career readiness” for these students. It’s not just about handing them a list of jobs. It’s about bringing in local barbers, police officers, and entrepreneurs to share their stories. It’s about showing them the faces of success in their own community and helping them understand the real work—and passion—behind every profession.
You’ll hear heartwarming stories of transformation—of the quiet, hesitant sixth grader who blossoms into a vocal, take-charge leader by eighth grade. You’ll learn how a student struggling with a science worksheet suddenly aced it when offered the chance to 3D design a plant cell instead. It’s a powerful reminder that when you connect a student to content in a way that resonates with them, everything clicks.
This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone who believes in the power of hands-on learning. It’s a look behind the curtain at how a supportive environment and a focus on the design process—try, fail, redesign, try again—can unlock a child’s potential.
So, if you’re looking for a dose of inspiration and want to hear how we’re nurturing the next generation of engineers, artists, and leaders right here in DeKalb, press play on our conversation with Jasmine Carey.
You might just be inspired to look at that old vacuum cleaner in your closet and see it not as a broken appliance, but as a world of possibility.
