[EWCP] EWCPcast 9/16/12 - Gender Diversity

[Jon Stratis]

I also want to take this opportunity to thank Renee and Katie for inviting me onto the podcast.

One thing that didn't make the cast that I just thought of... As an adult male, joining the team 6 years ago was actually pretty intimidating. Myself and some friends I worked with went to an informational session to learn about FIRST mentoring in general, thinking we'd find a team and join there. During a break halfway through, we were approached by the teacher starting the team, who noticed that one of us had a Boston Scientific shirt on, the team's primary sponsor. She basically begged us to join the team, otherwise she would have no mentors and would have to cancel the season. We were all a little hesitant, and she basically strong armed us into it.

It was the best decision I ever made, and it's really changed my outlook on students in engineering. Participating in this podcast about my experiences over the past 6 years was really a great privilege, and I'm glad I could help!