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Posted by Fran .

Other on team #166, Team Merrimack, from Merrimack High School and Unitrode/R.S. Machines.

Posted on 8/13/99 4:32 AM MST


In Reply to: Re: You've Got Male posted by colleen on 8/12/99 9:57 PM MST:



: Well said!!!!! I know there is a strong need to encourage females in engineering so the separate contests are to encourage them. Many young girls simply feel they are not good in Math and science that it is simply a guy thing and they shy away. Isn't it ironic that to enter the autodesk award you had to WRITE AN ESSAY not create an animation or build something....so what gives. I like opportunities like this but lets keep it on the same lines.
I was actually more put out at the statement I heard at rumble about an award for the best all female team.....sorry but as a female I want to be judged for my work, let my robot and skills stand against any other robot regardless of gender. The special contests for females won't really encourage more female particpation because those girls already love science and technology and that is why they are here. Admittedly they are probably trying to compensate
for the real life inbalance...........I constantly hear 'its a real battle in a man's world' from female engineers and better skills are not always recognized because you are female. I do think programs like FIRST teach the kids to look recognize skills for what they are not who you are.

'Mom'





: you're really afraid of offending people, eh?

: personally, from the perspective of being the recipient of the female-only award, i agree with what you say... it's obviously the desire of Carol Bartz to encourage women into engineering, and a valid reason for having the award.. and since Autodesk is a major sponsor and all, and because I think it's a worthwhile award- I don't see them being rid of it in the future.

: As for the all male award- one for a student would be cool.. or a general student one, in which teams nominate one student and they write the essays and stuff like the girls for the DYF award do.. good idea

: As for the male engineer award, i'd say no... if you want to make, again, a general award to be given to one engineer (kinda like the Woodie Flowers Award modified i presume) i think that would be cool...

: Yeah, a lot of this stuff is sexist.. that's not going to change.. i think FIRST will always be male-dominated so the girls that do get really involved are going to get a little more attention regardless.. more awards that are more personal for effort would be cool..

: How bout an engineering award in honor of Dean?

: -colleen

: and P.S. you were very well spoken, i would have never gotten offended :-)