CNN: Why do Girls Lose Interest in Math and Science?

[Evenstar_342]

I totally agree that self-confidence is one of the most important things for a girl to have. Since engineering and the sciences have a reputation for being "difficult for women", having the self confidence can do wonders in encouraging women to pursue these fields. Self-confidence helps even if you're not going to be an engineer. You'll always run into daunting problems in any field.

I've been extremely lucky in having parents that are very supportive of my interests in engineering. This, along with exposure to FLL at a young age, helped me decide to become an engineer. I think that role models whether they be parents, coaches or simply visible engineers and scientists like Sally Ride are crucial in instilling self confidence and interest in engineering and science in young women.