The Physics of Equality by Kusum

The Physics of Equality by Kusum - March 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I was part of the Physics Club at my high school in Nepal, I encountered a situation that profoundly transformed my perspective on teamwork, leadership, and the importance of fostering diversity in academic settings. As one of the only two girls in the club, my colleague and I were appointed as spokespersons—a role that initially seemed to honor our capabilities. However, this recognition quickly unveiled a challenging reality; our male colleagues held deeply ingrained biases, relegating us to peripheral tasks and excluding us from core decision-making processes. This treatment was a stark reflection of the internalized misogyny prevalent among them, a mindset that our club's president explicitly endorsed by asserting that our involvement was limited to providing "face appeal" rather than substantive intellectual contribution.

This dismissive attitude could have derailed my enthusiasm for physics, yet it served as a catalyst for my desire to challenge and transcend these biases. The turning point came when our club moderator, recognizing the disparity in treatment, encouraged us to assert our right to be involved in more significant aspects of the club's activities. Motivated by this support, I volunteered for the preparations of our Physics Olympiad, and then ended up participating in the competition. I have had a passion for Physics since a young age which was the primary reason for me to join the club. Participating in the Olympiad was not just about proving my intellectual strength; it was a statement against the prejudiced notions that sought to limit our contributions based on gender. Winning a silver medal in the Olympiad was a moment of personal triumph and a public rebuttal to those members of our club who doubted our capabilities based on misguided stereotypes.

Elected as the vice president the following year, I was determined to utilize my position to effect change within the club. This role required me to work closely with the club's president, whose perspectives on gender roles in STEM were markedly different from my own. Despite his continued attempts to undermine my contributions by labeling me as merely his assistant, I sought assignments directly from the moderator, ensuring that my involvement was both visible and impactful. This period of collaboration, fraught with challenges, taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, and the transformative power of leading by example.

Determined to dismantle the notion that physics and mathematics were male-dominated fields, I focused on recruiting more girls into the club. This initiative was not just about increasing numbers; it was about creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, felt empowered to explore their passion for physics. By the end of my tenure, the club had become a more diverse and welcoming space, reflecting the changes I had strived to implement.

Working closely with someone who held such contrasting views forced me to develop patience, strategic thinking, and the ability to advocate effectively for inclusivity. It highlighted the importance of resilience in the face of resistance and the impact one can make by challenging prevailing norms. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my approach to teamwork and leadership, teaching me that diversity of thought and representation are crucial for fostering innovation and growth.

As I continue my studies as a STEM major, the lessons learned from this challenging collaboration remain a guiding force. They underscore the significance of advocating for diversity and inclusion within STEM fields, reminding me that true progress is achieved not just through technological advancements, but through the creation of environments where diverse perspectives are valued and nurtured. The journey through the Physics Club has not only enriched my academic pursuits but has also instilled in me a lifelong commitment to championing gender equality and diversity in every arena I enter.