Girls Vs. Boys

[nehalita]

You know, honestly, I have no idea.

I go to a normal public high school + medical magnet + engineering magnet. In the medical magnet, you have a handful of guys, in the engineering magnet, you have a handful of girls. The funny thing is, most of the magnet kids end up in the same science and math classes. The imbalance is beyond noticable yet it seems "normal" to have an imbalance.

I try to make sense out of it but the more I try, the more confused I get.

One thing I do notice is that girls might have a hint of intimidation (speaking from first person). I was intimidated to initially enter robotics, then to become active, and finally to try the mechanical and electrical side of robotics. I was afraid that i "didn't have what it took" and opted for the fundraising, writing, speaking, and managing jobs which I enjoy but I felt I was limited to those roles. With the help of some mentors from my team, I got to try the mechanical and electrical jobs and loved it.

I think I got off topic. So, let me just sum it up. I don't know why this happens but I think it's a pity. Woodie Flowers once said, “We need more women in engineering. Not only because it is fair, but because you bring to the profession something badly needed. You think differently and on average, have more empathy. That leads to better products, more ethical behavior, and a more gracious workplace. Especially
in the developed world, we need much more than "go analyze this" engineering. Women will affect the future of engineering." I agree.