Hidden Figures- Reflection
- Why is it challenging for women and minorities to break into STEM fields? What sort of obstacles do they face?
As we have discussed in class, society still does not believe that women should be completely dedicated to their careers or go into fields that were thought to be for men. We are just as capable as any man, if we put in the same amount of work we could get same or better results depending on the example. Although, it is not as bad as in the movie we are allowed to study engineering and study whatever we want culturally it might be hard to fit into the group. There have been occasions where I cannot participate in conversation because I don’t know what the guys are talking about but this is something that I have grown accustomed to and it no longer bothers me. Minorities have a similar experience when it comes to STEM, they might not have the same cultural difficulties but they might still not feel welcomed.
The obstacles are not literal obstacles, its not like companies are saying you cannot be part of our company because you are latin/black/indian or because you are a woman. The obstacles are more finding a company that actually wants to have more diversity because they are interested in having a well rounded office but because they think that will increase the value of the company. Going along the obstacles faced by women in STEM , a year ago I wanted to work at an electrical plant back in Ecuador. One of the owners was excited about having me with them but the other owners did not agree to have me in the company because I am a woman. They literally told me that if I wanted to visit the plant I would have to cross-dress and look as a man. I ended up doing another internship but I knew that if I had taken that job I would have cross-dressed to be able to gain all the experience and all the knowledge from being at a plant. If I was a man, I would not have that problem and I would have been able to go into the plant and know that all the other co-workers who I truly am.
2. Are role models important? Growing up, did you have any role models? Who has inspired you or motivated you to pursue your STEM field?
Role models are important, but they should not be the only thing you aim for. My role models are my father and my maternal grandfather. I admire them because of their hard work and making their families move forward. My grandpa was able to study abroad, and therefore was able to become part of the Ecuadorian government and play a role y name treaties that have helped Ecuador move forward. He has always had a curiosity for traveling and getting to know more about difference cultures and always being very informed into what is happening in the world. I wish I have the drive and courage to leave things I know behind in order to go to different places and work to get what I want. My father did something similar, and I admire how he has worked to hard to get to where he is but has not left his family behind. He is the reason why I know there is a way to have a good work-family balance, he is the most hardworking person I have ever met while still being completely present in important events of my life. They inspire me to get to higher places and know that no matter where in the world I am, I can make a difference if I put myself to it.
Nobody in my family is part of STEM, my father is an economist and my mother is a lawyer. My maternal grandfather is also an economist and my paternal grandfather was part of the military. My STEM dedication came purely from my love for math and science and problem solving. I think it would be easier for me if I had somebody in the STEM field in my family but its not the way it is and I have learned to go through this process of learning and growing by myself.