Quote:
Originally Posted by Libby K
Am I any less of a mentor because I like makeup and hair and high heels just as much as I like building robots with my students?
Where is the place in FIRST for a girl who likes 'girly' things but also likes robots? Why are we putting her down in this thread? She is no less of a FIRSTer just because she likes to dress up, and if she enjoyed the I Am Jane booth, then good for her!
I'm unfortunately reading some of the posts in this thread as 'Real FIRST girls don't -need- all that silly hair and makeup stuff,' and I'm pretty disappointed in that attitude. Let's instead teach them that they are smart and awesome and capable, and oh by the way -- whatever makes you more comfortable and confident? Go rock that.
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I find this post so inspiring. When I heard that Jane Cosmetics was going to be at FIRST champions I got really excited because I enjoy wearing makeup as well as other stereotypical girly things. That being said I am also a leader on my FRC team and I truly love FIRST robotics and engineering. Not all girls love pink but some do. I think when trying to attract more females into STEM programs, girls should be looked at as equals to boys. There is nothing wrong with a girl that likes to build robots and there is nothing wrong with a girl who likes to do the chairmans award presentations and work more on the business side of things. Something that I have experienced in my 3 years in FIRST is never being looked down upon just because out of all of the hands working on the robot mine were the only ones with red nail polish on them. FIRST has a place for everyone and in my experience is a very open and welcoming community.