Monday, May 13, 2019

Girls Can Do Anything by Diane Burton


Did you know that three out of four science divisions at NASA are headed by women? For the first time in NASA’s history! Is this amazing or what? Earth Science division, Heliophysics division, and Planetary Science division have female directors. Wonderful role models for today’s girls and young women. Here’s a link to learn more about these women:

Two years ago, my local book group chose to read Hidden Figures, the book on which the movie of the same name was based. I found the book boring. Too many dry facts. The movie, on the other hand, held my interest from the beginning to the end. Whether you preferred the book or the movie, the representation of the women who helped put Americans in space is a fantastic story. All through the movie, I kept wondering why we hadn't heard of these women before.


My granddaughter loves to dance. In many ways, she’s a girly-girl. Yet, through Girl Scouts, she’s encouraged to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines. And because I want her to she has many options, I’ve gotten her LEGO sets featuring females, like Women of NASA . . . along with ballerina ornaments at Christmas. Whether she chooses to become a dancer or an engineer, she knows she has options.


When I was in high school, a girl was supposed to get married and have children. As a just-in-case she didn’t find a husband to support her, a girl could be a teacher, a nurse, a secretary, and a telephone operator. Limited options. I emphasized to my daughter and the girls in our Girl Scout troop, that girls can do anything. They aren’t limited by what society deemed “women’s roles.”


Now, we’re reading and hearing about women who broke through barriers and made their mark on history. What will happen now that today’s girls have leaders to look up to and follow? Maybe they’ll figure out how to put a woman on the moon. Or Mars. 




To paraphrase Buzz Lightyear, girls can go “to infinity and beyond.”










6 comments:

L. A. Kelley said...

Great Post. I just finished reading SKY GIRLS about the first transcontinental air race for women in the 1920s. Amazing what they had to overcome, but it all led to female astronauts today.

Diane Burton said...

I haven't read that. Thanks for the suggestion, L.a. I'm off to Amazon to get it.

Lea Kirk said...

Ooh! Yes, I'm grabbing that one too, L.A. Great post, Diane! We have a girl troop now (BSA), and they're kicking ass. The lovely thing is how supportive our affiliated boy troop has been. The older boys have jumped right in to teach them the skills they need for ranks and merit badges. I love this younger generation! They give me hope.

Diane Burton said...

Thanks, Lea. I'm thrilled to hear about girls (anyone, really) trying new things. Kids need to experience many different things--art, music, dance, outdoors, sports, camping, etc. It makes them well-rounded and helps them not be afraid to try something new.

Francesca Quarto said...

And let's not forget older women who come to realize their dreams later in life, but by then, have the maturity to appreciate their own contributions to society writ large! I wish the nuns would have preached less morality and more individuality!

Francesca Q.

Maureen said...

Wow I didn't realize LEGO had sets with female figures in them now, that's great. It's been awhile since I was in the toy section, but it's wonderful to see that girls start learning early on that even the sky doesn't have to be the limit :)