Almost Equal

I just finished Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, and Elizabeth Zott’s story hit me hard. Because I know what it’s like to be discounted after nothing more than a glance.

Eighth grade. Perfect science scores all year.

The science award went to the boy who sat behind me. Whose tests I’d seen. Whose scores I knew I’d beaten.

I locked myself in my room for hours. And then I had a realization that stayed with me:

I had to be so much better than the boys just to be seen as almost equal.

It wasn’t fair. But giving up in my bedroom wasn’t going to change anything. So I made a plan.

I would be so good they couldn’t ignore me.

I carried that through baseball, medical school, and every boardroom where I’ve been the only woman at the table. I carry it now, working in a high-profile medical AI company.

The rules are different than they were in eighth grade. But not as different as we like to think.

I have a new grandson whose heritage spans five continents. By the time he enters his career, I hope the ceiling is gone. Not raised. Gone.

Until then, I’ll keep showing up. Keep doing the work. Keep refusing to be overlooked.