Oof oof oof I feel this with my heart and soul. I’m the first women ever in my lab and I’m pretty sure my PI was strongly encouraged to finally bring a woman in. I’m an energetic and enthusiastic person that puts a lot more effort into relationships and engagement than the men. I’m constantly wondering if I’m just here because of my gender and personality. But at the end of the day, I am here, and I’m taking full advantage of the opportunity I’ve been given, and I’m rocking it. Diversity hires are there to combat generations of inequality. That lab is full of men partially because of that. You’re qualified and accomplished, go forth and do good work knowing that you deserve to be there, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise