[maltz1881]

One of the things that we tell the new MALES coming onto the team is that I had better not see them taking tools away from girls or telling them "you can't do that, here let a guy show you how it is done". Our team captain is a freshman girl who was part of FLL for several years and then came onto the team afterwards. Our then team captain realized she was head and shoulders above everybody. He turned over the position of captain to her to all of our amazement. She hasn't let anybody on the team down either. They all respect her and come to her for advice. Even though she is a freshmen, the new kids shadow her to learn how to use tools and how to figure things out. She is usually the 1st to arrive and the last to leave..

My advice to you is to ask appropriate questions, find out all the info you can on certain subjects that your team is having issues with. I agree with Jane, keep a journal and write in it as much as possible. Most guys are pretty level headed on FIRST teams when it comes to accepting females. Don't be afraid to try something new either. Best of luck!!