The Numbers Matter
By Charmaine Wilcox
N.O.I.R.E. STEAM
“Excellence demands responsibility”
The Numbers Matter
The numbers, they matter. The “Numbers” matter. Why do we make up fourteen percent of the United States population, but only four percent of doctors, and less than one percent of all female mathematicians? We built this nation, and yet we are not represented in the jobs that matter to our future. STEM is the way of the future. Advances in science are leading to the creation of new medications, medical treatments, and leading to advances in land and water conservation. Technology makes our everyday lives easier. Engineers are creating state of the art prosthetics, buildings, and conservation tools.
Mathematicians are tracking economic trends, creating computer programs and assisting NASA on their road to Mars. We need to make a conscious effort to push our children back into the classroom. We encourage them to excel in the arts and athletics, while neglecting the fact that everyone cannot be “the one who makes it out”. With less than two percent of all Division 1 college football players making it to the NFL, it is obvious that we must make better choices in the career choices we promote to the children in our community.
I want to see the next Mae Jemison reach mars, black medical doctors who can help fix the racists culture of the medical field, and I would like to see more children embrace their talents. As we work on this, we will see that our children are excellent outside of the arts and athletics. With excellence comes responsibility. It is now time for us to take on that responsibility and help change the lives of our children for the betterment of our future.
