Next up is my friend from Penn State, Natalie Warnack. Natalie is a first-year student, planning to major in Chemistry. Her goal is to go to Medical School and then become a dermatologist. Outside of academics, Natalie enjoys skin care, making new friends, and playing frisbee. She grew up in Texas with her two younger brothers and older sister but moved to Pennsylvania in 8th grade where she now lives with her mom.
Her mom has always been her biggest supporter. In fact, her mom has inspired her to pursue the major she is going for today. However, she always pushed her to do her best throughout grade school as well. When I asked Natalie if she noticed anything regarding gender differences when she was younger she said she didn’t. This is not surprising because we grew up in such a different time compared to our elders, where women are more supported now.
However, that doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. Now that she is in college, she notices more gender differences. “Walking into my physics classes and recitations, it’s all guys. I mean, there are some girls, but not really a lot. There just isn’t a lot of representation.”
She continued, “I guess I do know a time when I noticed something about being a girl in STEM. Basically, I didn’t do well on my first chemistry exam, and I told my aunt about it. I thought she was going to try to cheer me up or something but that was not the case. She instead told me that I probably shouldn’t be majoring in this, and that I should maybe rethink my major. I know that she just wants the best for me, but she grew up in a time when girls weren’t encouraged to pursue careers in STEM, so she just doesn’t really understand. It’s okay though. Thankfully I did not take her advice and I kept going.” Being a women in STEM is hard work, but it paid off for Natalie, as she just got an A on her most recent exam!
All in all, Natalie would say that she is most thankful to have her mom in her life. Being that she is her biggest supporter, she doesn’t know where she would be without her mom today. However, Natalie is also thankful for her other friends and family as well. If Natalie could give any advice for the girls out there today, she would say, “Surround yourself with people who support you no matter what.”
