Breaking barriers can begin on a small scale. Oregon High School junior Morgan Spindler does it every day as the only woman in the OHS SkillsUSA club.

SkillsUSA is a club offered at the Oregon High School that focuses on different trades within careers. Each week, members attend events at various colleges, participating in competitions that range from robotics, related technical math, medical math, and numerous others. Spindler first got involved in the club during her junior year. 

“Throughout high school, I have always taken engineering geared classes. One of the lead tech ed teachers, Mr. Haakenson, told me about it and said I would be a good fit."

The club is made up of a total of 10 to 15 members, with Morgan Spindler currently being the only girl. 

Spindler feels that “- there is pressure to be better because I am the only girl there, so I have higher expectations to live up to. But everyone in it is supportive; it is a good community to be a part of."

Within the club she has continued to further her accomplishments, striving for excellence. 

“Of the three events I have competed in so far this year, I got first place in related technical math and then second and third place as well in related technical math.”

Winning competitions within a male-dominated environment has given her a unique experience to the reactions of other competitors.

“I feel like you kinda get treated a little differently. Because there are not many girls at these competitions so people, I don't want to say are surprised, but like when you're competing in the math competition as I do, and it's just all guys with you and then you take first most of them are kinda like wait what.”

Shattering expectations motivate Spindler to continue improving and winning competitions. While the club has allowed her to accomplish many things, it has also helped her carve the way for her future career.

“It has given me exposure to different topics and has allowed me to narrow down the field of what career I want to go into.”

Through the club, Spindler has discovered that she wants to go into electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, each a predominantly male-dominated field. She believes the value of women in STEM cannot be understated. 

“It is so important for women to get involved because it is such a male-dominated field and it continues to be a very male-dominated profession. I feel like a lot of women interested in STEM or engineering or anything in that direction in general, feel turned away from it because of the stereotypes around it and the lack of support they get from men in that field.”