"For example, while 53% of the male computer science freshman rated themselves as highly prepared for their CS courses, 0% of the female CS freshman rated themselves similarly. But at the end of the year, 6 out the 7 female students interviewed had either an A or B average. Objective ratings (such as grade point averages or quality and speed of programming) don't agree with most women's self-estimation. "

Quick story...I walked into one of my first programming classes; a packed lab...it was the first day, and I quickly looked around and sat down at the back of the room. The professor walked in, took attendance, and started the class. To my horror, he started telling blonde jokes about midway through the lecture...and everyone was laughing and looking over at me! There were two other women in the class but I was the only blonde. I was there with the same intentions as my male peers, yet I left the class hiding the fact that I was crying. I switched classes the next day. My professor did not know the impact that had on me...from his perspective, he was just telling a few jokes.

Since then my self-confidence has grown. I've realized that what I needed all along was a little self-confidence. There are so many women and men within the online community, as well as physically around us, who are more than willing to teach enthusiastic females, and males alike. I don't get any special treatment as a woman; I'm expected to ask intelligent questions [after I've looked for the answer myself], and I'm appreciative of that...it has helped shape me into a better programmer/linux user.