Women in College
One day, while calling a college to learn more about their school and a specific degree, the enrollment counselor shared with me that she had completed the same program. As a result, I was able to ask specific questions. Eventually, I asked why she had not chosen a different degree path, namely a degree in business administration. She disclosed a very telling fact: “Because I was intimidated by the math.”
A lot of people are uneasy around mathematics; however, women seem to have it a little harder. Why? Is there a difference in their ability? No. It’s unfortunate that students are not made aware of studies that prove that women are just as good as men in these subjects.
One study stands out to me. A woman is taking a test with two other people, both men. The men out-perform her. This is done repeatedly with different groups of people, all with the same two-men- to-one-woman ratio. Then the tables are turned, and the same test is given to a different ratio makeup. What happens?
The compiled results showed no difference between men and women. We’ll cover more of this phenomenon in the chapter titledStereotype Threats. However, the point here is that women are just as capable as men in mathematics and other STEM subjects. Completing courses in math and science is a requirement for graduating. Waiting to take these due to intimidation limits college goals, such as major and internships, and professional options.
Like minorities, it’s important that women gain a sense of belonging in these fields. One way you can do this is by joining associations and clubs that focus on women in STEM. They connect you to helpful resources, have professionals from various industries come and speak, and host networking opportunities.
Sexual assault is another important topic. The MeToo movement has drawn long-needed attention to the issue of sexual assault, especially in the workplace. Although this movement has made its way onto college campuses, there is still much that we can do on an individual and collective basis. I encourage you to connect with your school’s administrators, faculty, and staff to address this topic.
I speak more about the topic of women and sex in the chapter titled Significant Others. However, here I will highlight a couple of topics. First: consent. There are attempts on various campuses to make it clear what it means to gain and provide consent. This is one initiative you can bring to your campus. If everyone reading this made it a requirement to ask for and require others to receive consent, we would have a much safer environment.
Studies show that sexual assault often happens by people we know and is associated with alcohol use. Being proactive is a great way to reduce the chance of an assault. Plan on going to events with a trusted friends; if you drink alcohol, avoid having more than your body can handle, past a certain hour, and in unfamiliar places. Still, in all situa- tions, be mindful and help create a culture of no tolerance for sexual harassment. When I was harassed, it wasn’t at a party where serial rapists use the cover of this social event to perpetrate, it was on campus and in public. Always be alert for yourself and others. Also see the chapter on Safety.
If something has happened to you or someone you know, speak up to a trusted friend and seek help. The sooner you do, the better, according to research. There are resources on campus to help you with this, such as confidential counseling, health services, and campus safety.
To end on a positive note: find success stories of women. Studies have shown that women do better in college and reach their goals when they learn of success stories. So I encourage you to identify some heroes and put reminders of them on your wall or binder. You can also find role models among your professors, school staff, and administrators.
Resources
Women in Engineering Proactive Network (WEPAN): wepan.org
Women’s College Coalition: womenscolleges.org
AffordableColleges.com -> Scholarships and Financial Aid for Women
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: www.rainn.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
A lot of people are uneasy around mathematics; however, women seem to have it a little harder. Why? Is there a difference in their ability? No. It’s unfortunate that students are not made aware of studies that prove that women are just as good as men in these subjects.
One study stands out to me. A woman is taking a test with two other people, both men. The men out-perform her. This is done repeatedly with different groups of people, all with the same two-men- to-one-woman ratio. Then the tables are turned, and the same test is given to a different ratio makeup. What happens?
The compiled results showed no difference between men and women. We’ll cover more of this phenomenon in the chapter titledStereotype Threats. However, the point here is that women are just as capable as men in mathematics and other STEM subjects. Completing courses in math and science is a requirement for graduating. Waiting to take these due to intimidation limits college goals, such as major and internships, and professional options.
Like minorities, it’s important that women gain a sense of belonging in these fields. One way you can do this is by joining associations and clubs that focus on women in STEM. They connect you to helpful resources, have professionals from various industries come and speak, and host networking opportunities.
Sexual assault is another important topic. The MeToo movement has drawn long-needed attention to the issue of sexual assault, especially in the workplace. Although this movement has made its way onto college campuses, there is still much that we can do on an individual and collective basis. I encourage you to connect with your school’s administrators, faculty, and staff to address this topic.
I speak more about the topic of women and sex in the chapter titled Significant Others. However, here I will highlight a couple of topics. First: consent. There are attempts on various campuses to make it clear what it means to gain and provide consent. This is one initiative you can bring to your campus. If everyone reading this made it a requirement to ask for and require others to receive consent, we would have a much safer environment.
Studies show that sexual assault often happens by people we know and is associated with alcohol use. Being proactive is a great way to reduce the chance of an assault. Plan on going to events with a trusted friends; if you drink alcohol, avoid having more than your body can handle, past a certain hour, and in unfamiliar places. Still, in all situa- tions, be mindful and help create a culture of no tolerance for sexual harassment. When I was harassed, it wasn’t at a party where serial rapists use the cover of this social event to perpetrate, it was on campus and in public. Always be alert for yourself and others. Also see the chapter on Safety.
If something has happened to you or someone you know, speak up to a trusted friend and seek help. The sooner you do, the better, according to research. There are resources on campus to help you with this, such as confidential counseling, health services, and campus safety.
To end on a positive note: find success stories of women. Studies have shown that women do better in college and reach their goals when they learn of success stories. So I encourage you to identify some heroes and put reminders of them on your wall or binder. You can also find role models among your professors, school staff, and administrators.
Resources
Women in Engineering Proactive Network (WEPAN): wepan.org
Women’s College Coalition: womenscolleges.org
AffordableColleges.com -> Scholarships and Financial Aid for Women
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: www.rainn.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)