Thursday, September 20, 2012

Unlocking Your Brilliance by Karen D. Purcell



Unlocking Your Brilliance
Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Being a female myself, I have to say I never really had any hurdles, any issues to deal with because I am a girl/woman. Although I do know these hurdles do indeed exist, and I have 2 daughters that I would hope never have to go through what I see and hear others go through, especially those who are seeking careers in male dominated fields.
I think this is a book that should be handed out at every graduation, to every woman, maybe even the males. Karen Purcell offers some of the most important and most wonderful advice for anybody to succeed in life. She goes into great detail, explaining in a simple to understand way, how to achieve what you want in life, and how to grab a hold of your dreams and thrive.
The fact that she wrote this book to help others, and share her own story of inspiration, makes this book extremely valuable and a book that will be opened up for many days, months and years to come. There really is something in there for everybody.
This book relates to most of us, and can help you gain more knowledge of what you desire, and want in order to become the person you want to be. Whether you are in any of the fields Karen discusses,(STEM), or not, she explains what you must do in order to get there.
STEM is, science, technology, engineering and math. and just like the title states, "Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive..."
I especially liked how the author uses her own story, and how she got interested in sharing her story, and the fact that males actually persuaded her to write this, is another positive to mention here. It shows the author has had some positive role models, and friends, from both sexes, and that alone gives hope for females who are struggling in the workplace and in college.
It really made me think, and more so since I have daughters, but the part where she discusses how college admissions can be when you are a male, entering these fields, (or any other more thought, "male dominated" career), really hits home. Again, I have never personally been in this type of situation, well actually now that I think about it, I have. But not to this degree, and as quick as that situation came about, it was knocked right down.
I forgot for a moment about the time I started bartending about 21 years ago, and a friend of the owners had a son who decided one day he would like to bartend. So, I went in for my shift, and was told that he would be working behind the bar and I would be waiting tables. That was rather upsetting, not that there is anything wrong with waiting tables, but I was on schedule to be behind the bar that night, and this kid who was home from college break decided he was to be back there.
This went on for a week or so, and after several complaints about his lack of skills, and attitude problem with our customers, he was finally knocked back down. Although he still kept his attitude and continued his comments about how in the old days, only the men were bartenders. Well, he wasn't the best bartender and he was certainly the slowest I have seen. The final straw came when his own dad had to wait for awhile for a drink while this kid stood there fixing his hair in the mirror behind the bar.
So, actually, yes, I do recall a time when there was a dilemma in my life/career, and unfortunately, it isn't always so easy to prove that fast. Lucky for the 3 girls who worked there, he just happened to be a little flaky;)
Building confidence is one of the most important lessons we must instill in our children, girls or boys, and this book takes it one step further.
I would recommend this book to students, whether college or high school, any career minded or career women, or men, (Yes, there is so much to absorb from Karen's story) and even anybody who has a daughter or 2 of their own.
You can read more about Karen and STEMspire on her website.
STEMspire.org

** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **

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