Meet Amy, our first ACADEMICA

Biggest challenge is persevering when you hit the stereotype wall.

Biggest challenge is persevering when you hit the stereotype wall. When someone assumes you can't do something purely on your gender or first appearance. A lot of times it is unspoken, but quietly you get pushed to the side in the group project or told to do the 'easier/small side bits'. Sometimes you have to repeat yourself multiple times just to be heard and have your idea considered. This takes a lot of patience to hold your nerve.

I'm not saying other genders and other situations don't have this. I'm sure they do but as a woman, especially in engineering, it is almost every time, that is the difference; it has become the expected normality.

Another big challenge is pushing through that mental barrier that is placed on you and saying I am not limited because you have assumed to know my capabilities. Having belief in yourself! The people who said why don't you try that/this had the biggest impact. "Why not", is the best phrase to hear when a peer/lecturer/tutor is encouraging you. They are saying there is no limit placed on you, they see no reason why you can't give your all.

They take down that barrier and show you past it.