by: elizabeth grau
Upon learning about this course, I immediately supported its cause. Differences in the way that women are treated in STEM areas of study and work exist insidiously in most cases, often undetected until a closer eye is applied to the situation. However, as I applied a closer eye to my own life throughout this course, I’ve realized exceedingly so that I have faced very few hardships along my path toward becoming a doctor. I say this comparatively, of course, because there is no easy path toward becoming a doctor (otherwise I would definitely opt for it). However, that being said, as we further discuss the discrepancies between men and women in STEM, I come to realize more-so than before that I will likely soon be joining the ranks of women who daily face adversity within their field of choice simply due to gender biases.
Following reading the article ‘5 Biases Pushing Women Out of STEM’ I began to see increasingly more parallels between what was being discussed and my insecurities that I had assumed were typical issues that arose simply from being in college. As I look more closely at those insecurities such as not feeling as though I am up to par, though on paper I am, I realize that a lot of that has stemmed from being a woman pursuing an ambitious career. Even in high school when I would offer help to guys within my calculus class I was treated as though my information were unreliable and they would then seek another opinion. I ended up scoring a 5 on the AP exam for that class while those whom they were seeking a second opinion from did not pass. Instances such as that have left me on my guard ready to prove myself in any way necessary that I am suitable for whatever is being asked whether it be within my classes or within life in general.
This brings me to the second point in the article that women need to adopt more masculine mannerisms in order be seen as competent. This is something that I have done without realizing it since I was in elementary school and it’s a tendency that has only increased along with my level of education. I find that when I dress in a more feminine fashion, I feel the need to hold my head higher and to speak more rather than less in discussions almost as though I’m proving something.
Additionally, when discussing my future career choice, which is to potentially become a surgeon, I feel that I’m facing an uphill battle and the battle hasn’t even begun. The matter of family comes into discussion almost immediately, as surgeons live extraordinary lives dedicating extraordinary time to their profession. While by no means have I made a decision as to what my career path will be, it often feels as though becoming a surgeon is ruled out for me before I’ve even had a chance. Furthermore, following discussions with other surgeons, it’s rather well-known that males are favored over females because the hospital is afraid women will become pregnant and have to go on maternity leave. This should not be a punishment, nor should it be a limiting factor, and it’s a limiting factor that I know that I will be facing soon as I compete for the same position as many men who do not hold the same ‘risks.’
These issues in themselves, however, are mild compared to those faced by women who also identify with minority races. I think that to assist with bridging the gap of women of color in science, scholarships specifically in place to accommodate any needs along with groups similar to ours that accompany these scholarships to grant the support needed for them to be successful could go a long way. Intimidation is a massive factor when attempting to pursue your dreams, and it shouldn’t defer anyone from that dream. I think that giving these women the keys that they need to be successful is absolutely necessary and is an initiative that ought to be implemented more-so than it already is.
Following reading the article ‘5 Biases Pushing Women Out of STEM’ I began to see increasingly more parallels between what was being discussed and my insecurities that I had assumed were typical issues that arose simply from being in college. As I look more closely at those insecurities such as not feeling as though I am up to par, though on paper I am, I realize that a lot of that has stemmed from being a woman pursuing an ambitious career. Even in high school when I would offer help to guys within my calculus class I was treated as though my information were unreliable and they would then seek another opinion. I ended up scoring a 5 on the AP exam for that class while those whom they were seeking a second opinion from did not pass. Instances such as that have left me on my guard ready to prove myself in any way necessary that I am suitable for whatever is being asked whether it be within my classes or within life in general.
This brings me to the second point in the article that women need to adopt more masculine mannerisms in order be seen as competent. This is something that I have done without realizing it since I was in elementary school and it’s a tendency that has only increased along with my level of education. I find that when I dress in a more feminine fashion, I feel the need to hold my head higher and to speak more rather than less in discussions almost as though I’m proving something.
Additionally, when discussing my future career choice, which is to potentially become a surgeon, I feel that I’m facing an uphill battle and the battle hasn’t even begun. The matter of family comes into discussion almost immediately, as surgeons live extraordinary lives dedicating extraordinary time to their profession. While by no means have I made a decision as to what my career path will be, it often feels as though becoming a surgeon is ruled out for me before I’ve even had a chance. Furthermore, following discussions with other surgeons, it’s rather well-known that males are favored over females because the hospital is afraid women will become pregnant and have to go on maternity leave. This should not be a punishment, nor should it be a limiting factor, and it’s a limiting factor that I know that I will be facing soon as I compete for the same position as many men who do not hold the same ‘risks.’
These issues in themselves, however, are mild compared to those faced by women who also identify with minority races. I think that to assist with bridging the gap of women of color in science, scholarships specifically in place to accommodate any needs along with groups similar to ours that accompany these scholarships to grant the support needed for them to be successful could go a long way. Intimidation is a massive factor when attempting to pursue your dreams, and it shouldn’t defer anyone from that dream. I think that giving these women the keys that they need to be successful is absolutely necessary and is an initiative that ought to be implemented more-so than it already is.