Math, Science, and Girls

     In 1947, a 17 year old young woman graduated from high school in Upstate, NY.   Having an A+ average, she was accepted into New York University.  The following fall, she traveled down to the city to begin her studies in biology.  Two months after receiving her degree, she accepted a job working in the cancer research labs at Sloan-Kettering.  In time, she was in charge of an entire lab.  Who is she?  She is my mother.

    I am perplexed by stories about young women not choosing careers studies in math and science.  So much is discussed and written in terms of the society preventing females from following this path.  While I don’t disagree that there may still be some obstacles out there, I do believe that the family has the biggest impact on the choices of our girls.   My mother’s family didn’t totally understand why she chose to study biology.  They thought nursing was a more viable option.  Yet, they did not prevent her from choosing her major.  The same followed for me and my siblings.  Whatever choices we made regarding school or career was ours to make.

     The fact that I had a parent who was allowed to make such a decision played a huge factor in knowing that I had the freedom to go into science.   My younger sister also made the same choice and became a successful engineer.   The achievement in math and science in my family was considered a good thing, and not something to disregard because we were girls.  I remember at the time some of my peers not having the same encouragement.  Their families felt that it was wiser for their daughters to work in a more traditional female job.  That is perfectly acceptable if it is the choice of the young woman, but if she has the talent and the interest to pursue areas pertaining to math and science, the opportunities are abundant.

     Society is not telling our girls they are not good at math and science.  That is a myth that has been handed down through the years.   Lest we forget the thousands of women who went to work during World War II working on projects that required a great deal of technical aptitude.  There have been many women who have made discoveries besides Madam Curie not present in our history books.  There are numerous female doctors, engineers, researchers, and professors who are presently working in a multitude of capacities.   There are a considerable number of female high school science teachers who present a role model to our children every day.  No one in “society” is telling our girls not to pursue their dreams.

     In 1947, a brilliant young woman walked her own path.  There were many others just like her who paved the road way before the issue of female equality was explored.  If they were able to do it during their lifetime, there is no reason why women today can’t as well.  It takes determination, hard work, encouragement, and a desire to live out a chance of fulfillment.  Let us stop telling stories about women not doing something because of society, and start telling about women who do because they can.

Working an 8 Hour Day

     My daughter was sick this week.   As a result, I was bound to the house for 2 days.   Not knowing if she would be better the next day, I went to the supermarket as soon as my husband came home on Tuesday.   I haven’t shopped in the evening in quite a while, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Surprisingly the store wasn’t crowded at all.  Shelves aren’t as stocked, but I was able to purchase what was needed.  All was good until I got to the check out.  That is when I noticed a major difference.

     The cashier and the bagger were both under the age of 20.  With me standing right there, they did nothing but complain about how many hours they had to work, their schedule for the week, when they were going to finally get their break, and what the managers were doing to them.  I wanted to say something, but really did know what.  Mostly I wanted to know why they applied for full-time hours if they didn’t want to work 8 hours a day.  Also, what made them think it appropriate to have this type of conversation in the presence of a customer?

     I usually shop for food around 9 to 10 A.M.   Parking lots aren’t crowded, lines are shorter, and I prefer to do this early in the day.  The staff tends to be made up mostly of adult workers.  Most are kind and friendly.  There are some that are much older than me.  I often wonder if some are working to make ends meet.  Regardless, they are efficient, smile, and go about the business of serving the customer.  They might move a little slower, but they have the strong work ethic that I remember being instilled as I was growing up.  My grandparents worked much longer hours, in less desirable conditions, in order to survive.

     I am not throwing all young people under the bus.  There are many places, including this store, where the young people are incredibly polite and helpful.  There are others though who need to learn that working is not easy.  Every job can have long hours, difficulties, and a tough schedule.  Every type comes with challenges and periods of exhaustion.  The satisfaction comes from the knowledge of a job well-done, of contributing to society, and working for your pay.  Much that can be learned from people who have worked for many, many, years and still know how to smile.