Growing up in Hampton, the face of science was brown like mine.
Interpretation
Margot Lee Shetterly reflects on her experience of seeing diverse representation in the field of science during her upbringing.
In this quote, Margot Lee Shetterly emphasizes the importance of representation in the sciences, particularly for people of color. Growing up in Hampton, she was surrounded by scientists who looked like her, which played a crucial role in shaping her identity and encouraging her aspirations in a field where diversity has often been lacking. This statement affirms that seeing oneself represented can inspire individuals to pursue careers in fields they may have thought were inaccessible to them.
In practice
In a speech addressing young students, this quote can inspire them to pursue careers in STEM fields.
A lot of times, we talk about black people as if being black is all they are. They get up, go to work... and are as complex and interesting and variable as any other group of people. We don't often capture that or write about it.
I feel like, in a lot of ways, 'Hidden Figures' is the book that I wrote and have been waiting to read since I learned to read.
For too long, history has imposed a binary condition on its black citizens: either nameless or renowned, menial or exceptional, passive recipients of the forces of history or superheroes who acquire mythic status not just because of their deeds but because of their scarcity.
It takes so long to train a physicist to the place where he understands the nature of physical problems that he is already too old to solve them.
This new power, which has proved itself to be such a terrifying weapon of destruction, is harnessed for the first time for the common good of our community.
Receiving the National Medal of Science is the thrill of a lifetime, but good science does not happen in isolation.
Mathematics is the tool specially suited for dealing with abstract concepts of any kind and there is no limit to its power in this field.
A mind is accustomed to mathematical deduction, when confronted with the faulty foundations of astrology, resists a long, long time, like an obstinate mule, until compelled by beating and curses to put its foot into that dirty puddle.
Researchers have found that the brain definitely sends nerves directly to organs of the immune system and not just to the heart and the lower gut. In that way, too, the brain is influencing the body.
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