Jessica, an art historian at Columbia College, and Kai, a hands-on learner turned cybersecurity professional, are a couple who, despite their vastly different educational backgrounds, share a deep love for learning through experience. In an interview about their lives, passions, and involvement with Science World, the couple reflected on how early hands-on experiences shaped their paths and the impact these experiences have had on their family today.
How It All Began
Jessica and Kai’s journey together started in grade school, but their academic paths diverged early. “Jessica was always the studious one, while I was...less so,” Kai says with a chuckle. Jessica’s love for art and crafting started young, while Kai thrived on hands-on activities, particularly at science museums, where he could see tangible lessons come to life.
"I've always been much more of a hands-on kind of person, so places like science museums were always a big thing for me where there were more tangible, hands-on lessons." Kai recalls. This preference for experiential learning would eventually lead him through careers in film, biotech, aerospace, and more, building a bridge between his childhood interests and adult life.
A Shared Love for Science Museums
Although Jessica and Kai attended science museums as children, they didn’t visit them together until much later. "I remember going to the New York Science Museum on field trips in elementary school," Jessica notes. Kai adds, "And now, as adults, Science World here in Vancouver is our go-to spot for weekend family outings."
For them, the appeal of Science World is its hands-on approach, something Jessica feels is critical for fostering a love of learning in kids. "Every exhibit is a hands-on exhibit, which is important for developing foundational interest in subjects like science," she says.
Passing Down a Love for Science
Their daughter, Zoe, is following in their footsteps. Jessica and Kai recall the first time they brought Zoe to Science World during the pandemic. “When Science World fully reopened, it became our regular weekend spot,” Jessica laughs. "Now we’re there almost every weekend, and Zoe loves every moment of it."
Zoe’s favorite exhibits include the x-rays in Bodyworks and the water table in Eureka, where she can manipulate water flow and see how things work. "She’s always building little barriers and figuring out how the water moves," says Jessica. "It’s great to see her learning about cause and effect in such a natural way." Kai agrees. “Kids will naturally ask questions and having a place where you can come and then make that very concrete for them is super useful... it really works for her and it's super helpful for us.” he notes.
From Members to Donors
After frequent visits, Jessica and Kai decided to become members, and it wasn’t long before they transitioned to donors. For Kai, the decision was a natural progression. "Having a place in the city that is really family-friendly and nurtures that non-standard learning that I really care about was really important to me."
Jessica adds, "As an educator myself, I think it's very worthwhile to provide more equitable access to science education. Science World’s mission to provide equitable access to science education is something we strongly believe in."
The couple believes that organizations like Science World play a crucial role in shaping the future, not just for their family but for children across the region. "Science World does a great job of making learning accessible and fun, and that’s something we want to support in any way we can," Kai says.
Looking Forward
As members and now donors, Jessica and Kai are excited to see the future of Science World unfold. They admire the institution’s efforts to expand its programming and reach more communities across British Columbia. "Sharing science education in communities as stories and experiences is a way to embed them within communities, in ways that will allow them to come back to later in life," Kai notes. "You never know when a fun memory from childhood might turn into a career or a lifelong passion."
For Kai, the value of science education and accessibility goes beyond just learning. "Science World and places like it are super important institutions that both define how our communities engage with one another, and how our children grow up and choose what to do with their lives. It’s really valuable to support institutions that can make a difference in our local communities."
Jessica and Kai are hopeful that their support, along with others in the community, will help Science World continue to inspire the next generation of learners—just as it inspired them.
Science is Essential.
Science World serves the future generations of scientists and science enthusiasts. The solutions to the biggest challenges we face will come from science. Become a donor today and help us continue our mission to increase science literacy across BC for everyone.