[Bridgette]

For the most part, I have been supported in my math and science related endeavors. My parents encouraged my involvement in FLL in middle school. My participation in FLL actually led me to intern for the Navy during the summer before my freshman year of high school! That internship, as well as mentorship from my FLL mentors even after I was finished with the program helped me to keep an interest in math and science as I entered high school.

Without FLL or my older brother's FIRST participation, I don't think I would have discovered my interest in engineering. In fact, due to some conflicts during my freshmen year, I wasn't involved on 121. During my sophomore year, I became a member of 121. I did a great deal of the electrical work on the robot and I also wrote the team's chairman's award submission. I felt that I had to step up to escape from my brother's shadow and prove myself as a contributing member of the team. While my team has been great to me (and I will miss them as I start college in the fall), I still feel that I'm not taken as seriously because of my gender.

Also, some people seem to believe that women in math and science receive preferential treatment because they are in the minority. I have not found this to be true. I agree with Beth about confidence being a major issue. There have been times when I wanted to give up on pursuing a career in engineering. I have had some difficulty with my math and science classes this year (my final year of high school), but it has just made me work harder. I like a challenge, and I like proving people wrong. I know that I want to be an engineer, and I am not letting anyone stop me from achieving my dreams.

So what can be done to keep girls interested? Providing female role models is crucial, but I think career education is important as well. Let young students learn about the many different jobs available for people with degrees in math and science. I don’t feel like forcing girls into math and science will solve the problem, but making the topics more accessible could help. The “glass ceiling” still exists today, and it takes a lot of strength, diligence, and perseverance for women to be treated equally.