As a general rule, I have found the professons on this campus to be extremely supportive of students as individuals. They encourage us to grow, to think for ourselves, and to condemn mediocrity. Dartmouth has changed dramatically in the last 20 years of co-education, but unfortunately some of our "dear-old-Dartmouth" professors have not.
I would not call myself a feminist, but rather a humanist, because I support the advancement of all peoples. But as a woman, I am sensitive enough to notice slight sexisms that go unheard by many. I had a conversation with a professor last week that didn't need a sensitive ear&emdash; it was blatant sexism.
First, I was told that I simply was not bright. Never before has my intelligence been questioned in such a direct manner. My toes aren't easily stepped on and I am normally slow to offend, however, this incident angered me to no end.
One of the aspects of the Dartmouth education that I value above all others is the professor-student relationship. The role of the professor is to motivate students to challenge themselves, not to degrade their self-esteem and question their place at Dartmouth.
Like every other student at this school, I hold a certain amount of faith in my own abilities to accomplish whatever I set my mind on. I know I am not the next Einstein, but I possess a rigorous work ethic and try to maintain a certain level of academic achievement. I am proud of what I have accomplished in my 19 years.
As a learning disabled student, I have always had to work twice as hard and spend twice as long on my work compared to the average student. However, I know that all that extra time and energy has greatly shaped my personality. Normally, students in my position are applauded for their efforts, not condemned. I am not looking for praise, but no student should be treated in this manner by anyone, especially a professor.
The professor proceeded to question my ability to become a doctor. This professor explained medical schools have made it easier for women to get accepted, attributing to the rise in applicants.
The idea that women and minorities are trying to break into a traditionally male dominated field should be applauded instead of using it as a reason why a "old-school boy" does not get accepted into medical school. Times have changed and women are now succeeding in the medical field. There can be female doctors and male nurses, and these female doctors are just as capable of making split second decisions as men are.
The fact that all the equalities that women have striven and struggled for could be looked upon in such a light is saddening. It has taken a tremendous amount of courage for women to achieve the position they hold in society today. Unfortunately, that position still is not considered equal to a man's. A professor, of all people, should realize and respect the drive and determination of women today. As students, we are encouraged to tirelessly question and search for knowledge and new understandings to become an integral, contributing member of society.
Women have achieved and continue to achieve this position in society. Their presence is felt, uncomfortably or not, in every department of every profession. Unfortunately, some still refuse to recognize the importance of this accomplishment.
My mother, a woman who I consider to be the strongest and wisest person I know, summed up this unfortunate incident in one statement. "Intelligence can't be measured or quantified; those who try are the ones who feel they must be lacking in that department."
