I am a winner in the Information Age, more by luck than choice.
My brother suggested I take an introductory programming course so on a whim I
enrolled. As a result, I found zeal in place of the monotony I have always known
in school. I excel in my classes now, but at first I struggled because I lacked
confidence; I nearly quit. When I became a teaching assistant, I saw that many
struggle, but few admit it. Girls lose largest in this environment. Many of the
girls I talk to expect to fail and see failure in their successes. They freely
admit that they are not smart enough or talented enough to excel when I have
already seen them excel. Other girls my age tell me, “I could never do what you
do,” but they never try. The winners in the Information Age do not take the
time to recognize aptitudes, encourage success, or empathize in failure. The winners create losers out of girls like
me.
Wow, your post struck a cord in me. Perhaps I need reevaluate my attitude as a winner.
ReplyDeleteI also thought about a line from a poem by CW Longenecker called the Victor: "If you think you are beaten, you are... the man who wins is the man who thinks he can."
Careful not to compare your weaknesses with your neighbors strengths.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying the fault lies with the strong. But someone with strengths can make a big difference by recognizing strength in others too. A little encouragement is good for anyone.
DeleteYour post reminded me of this article I read on getting women into computing. Here's the link: http://www.thedailymuse.com/tech/you-cant-be-what-you-cant-see-how-to-get-more-women-in-tech/.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I really enjoyed that. It says some of the things I've been thinking.
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