Re: Girls on FIRST teams
 

This applies to me as well. I do not plan on becoming an engineer when i graduate. In fact, I want to be an artist.
Also, I'm the only girl on my team, and the Vice President.

I don't think that when people are "surprised" that you've put a robot together, they are trying to be insulting.
I would take it as a compliment.

Engineering has, traditionally, been male dominated. and that's a simple fact. People are very excited that so many girls are involved with FIRST, and they encourage more girls to join every year. they may be surprised because very few girls know their way around a robot, and are admiring your skills.

Things are slowly turning around. But, I know that I am treated with respect by my team because I came into the program last year knowing absolutely nothing about engineering. Now I at least know what the Numatics do. :D

Just keep in mind that FIRST really does appreciate girls who join the program.

~Casey

Re: Girls on FIRST teams
 

There are a few other girls on Shark Attack 744, but they mainly do survey or programming. Since the seniors of 07 graduated, I am the only girl that drives and does a lot of mechanical stuff. I think it is totally awesome because the guys on my team treat me the same. I work on the robot with them. When we have "tube fights", "poof ball dogeball", and games of ping pong, they are not going to treat me any differently then the rest of the guys. In fact, they have no problem pegging the ball at me. LOL. It's sorta hard to write this as how they guys and the girls specifically try to work together, because we never really think about it. It just comes natural. We are one team...and it's pretty cool.

Re: Girls on FIRST teams
 

On team 1678, we have three girls, and one of them is set to be the head mechanical person for this coming season. I'd have to say, that I'm quite glad when I see a girl who can break out of the stereo-types and build a robot that works, as It shows that things are moving, and peoples views are changing, if slowly, and more importantly, that there are women entering into engineering.

Our other two women on the team are our elected secretaries, and they're doing a fine job helping us corroborate everything between club leaders and everyone else on the team.

I, myself do the website, and at present thats a one man(in this case) undertaking, so yeah. I'd like very much to see women in all parts of the process, because irrelevant of what gender, skin color, creed or otherwise you could be classified into, your a person, and your useful. The main task at hand is getting people to join the club, and finding out what they're useful with, and using that.

Just my dime on things...

Re: Girls on FIRST teams
 

Well, I believe I can safely say that out of the two teams I've been on, I am the only girl who loves to live in the machine shop. :D
Most of the girls spring for spirit team, but it looks like I might have some feminine company in the shop next year. Strangely enough, I'm kinda disappointed. Part of me loves being the only girl in the machine shop, but the rational part says the more the merrier, we need more girls doing the technical aspect.

BTW, I think somebody said that the girls on their team "wig out" when they get their hands dirty. Let me just say that when I wash up for dinner, the sink turns a delightful shade of greasy grey/black. :D

Re: Girls on FIRST teams
 

OK - so I haven’t posted in years, but I come back to read occasionally...

I did FIRST in high school and college; I was even an engineering major briefly.

One thing you have to understand is that most of these stereotypes you see now will never change and never go away. Even when someone says they will, or they treat you the same, somewhere in the back of their mind the thought will persist.

The only way you will get past it is to work hard and be the best at whatever you do, let your product speak for you so they have nothing to question. Don’t whine. Never complain. Above all do NOT boast about it.

That is my advice to you; take it for what it is worth.

"The old lady accountant"