Gifted Student Reflections about My Experience as a Woman in Computer Science and Engineering Courses

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In this session I will share 3 experiences that I have had as a gifted student. The first relates to the steps that are required to build confidence in challenging courses. The second relates to studying STEM courses as a woman experiencing underrepresentation. The third relates to experiencing achievement in an academic setting. Over the course of my high school career, I have often been advised to consider the implications of continuing with accelerated or advanced classes. When an advisor mentioned the implication of possible stress, my confidence in my decision to choose an advanced class was challenged. Choosing advanced classes requires the student to use confidence to re-enforce their decision. Another experience that women face who are focused on STEM fields such as computer science and mathematics is underrepresentation, and this has affected the manner in which I see myself as a student. Finally, the feeling of achieving and learning in an environment that requires perseverance to thrive is thrilling. Being a gifted student often includes the assumption that we will inherently use our intellect to achieve. When a student is in a situation that challenges their comfort relating to achievement, they may choose an avenue that removes them from the challenge. These three experiences of gifted women studying computer science and engineering are shared by many female students, and I hope this knowledge will give teachers and counselor insight into their experiences.