20100216web

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T A R L I N G T O N Tuesday February 16, 2010 Volume 91, No. 76 www. theshorthorn. com Since 1919 BY JUSTIN SHARP The Shorthorn staff The first American woman and youngest of either gender in space, Sally Ride,... More

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T A R L I N G T O N Tuesday February 16, 2010 Volume 91, No. 76 www. theshorthorn. com Since 1919 BY JUSTIN SHARP The Shorthorn staff The first American woman and youngest of either gender in space, Sally Ride, gave a speech to a sold-out Texas Hall Monday night, in which she emphasized the importance of science education in America. Ride also spoke about her experiences as a woman in the sciences, the journey to one day traveling in space and challenges facing young students. “It’s common for kids growing up to start to lose their selfconfidence starting in fifth, sixth or seventh grade,” she said. “They know that their grades are reasonably good in middle school but they are not sure whether they are really smart enough to be going on and pursuing science or math or law as they get older. ” She credited teachers who encouraged her when she showed and interest in science. Ellie Sullivan, 13, attended with her sister and grandfather. She Less