Automotive engineering, otherwise known as auto shop, is a class offered at Campo as an elective course. However, unfortunately the lack of women in the class is evident.
This class teaches important skills about cars like how the car functions, how to fix a car, how to change out tires, and much more. As senior Hanna Birdsong said, “It’s one of the most important classes offered at Campolindo.”
Regrettably, the stigma surrounding this class encourages boys to take it but not girls. Due to the pressure some might feel and the fear of judgment, they miss out on the opportunity to take this class, due to it being a male-dominated course. There is a long standing belief that women are not suited for mechanical tasks or activities. Eason Fang offered his opinion when he said, “It’s not seen as a conventionally female industry that people would go to.”
Steve Boone teaches auto shop, and he is a teacher who is greatly appreciated by his students. By playing music and making the environment a safe space where everyone can learn about how their cars operate, he teaches the students how to work on cars in a fun, engaging way. Sophomore Wen-Hui Alford enthusiastically said, “Mr. Boone is amazing. He’s a good teacher. He’s super understanding and he’s really fun. He makes the class entertaining.“
More female students should choose auto shop as their elective because it teaches them how to work their cars. When they experience problems on the road they would know what to do because of this class. Not only does this class prepare people for potential disasters on the road, it prepares students for the future and teaches them to live on their own. Knowing what to fix with your car can help you save time and money. Birdsong noted, “after only one semester I was able to identify problems with our family car, such as the need to replace our brake pads. I’ve also been able to replace the headlights myself and clean the air filter of my car, which definitely saved money.”
Both the subject matter and industry is male dominated. This is because the idea of women being in auto shops is not spoken about enough. In order for that to change, people normalize girls being involved. Alford said, “I think it [inequality in the amount of women in this class] can change if people can speak up about autoshop and voice more on it, because it’s just very male dominated and it shouldn’t be. Women should know about cars especially if we’re going to be driving.”
While the surrounding stigma around girls taking autoshop has existed for a long time, there should be a change. People need to acknowledge and normalize the fact that everyone, despite their gender, is allowed to participate in any class. Moreover people should start supporting everyone in whatever choice they make even if it seems unconventional.
