Her Story
About Dawn
Dawn Ring serves as a mathematics instructor and tutor at Varsity Tutors in Eugene, Oregon. With 26 years of experience in the education industry since 2000, she focuses on mathematics and one-on-one instruction while drawing on expertise across STEM disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and oceanography. Ring earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus on Violin Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Oregon. She later obtained a Master's degree in Mathematics from the University of Washington, followed by a Master's in Oceanography and a PhD in Mathematics and Oceanography from Johns Hopkins. Ring values meeting students where they are, establishing rapport, and treating others with respect in her professional work. She attributes her success to grit and perseverance after overcoming significant personal challenges.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dawn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I have a mental illness that I have overcome which made it very, very hard to achieve everything I have. I think the reason I have gotten where I am is just grit and perseverance.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I was undergrad, I was exploring all these different things. But my research advisor wanted me to try to get a little more focused... if you want to really achieve success in one thing, you do sort of have to hone out... filter out a lot of the other interests in pursuit of the one goal... Put a lot of time. Figure out what you want to do, and really keep your eye on that. Don't be too diverse, too eclectic.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't doubt yourself due to what other people, mainly men, saying to you or about you. It's tough being a woman, especially in a STEM field, in a scientific or mathematical field. Especially math, is really dominated by men, and it's easy to be overlooked or to have insecurities in that environment. I think you have to really try to believe in yourself. And not let what they say influence you. Keep your eyes on the goal.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include economic issues making it hard to get jobs, and as a woman you have to always do double the work to be considered equal, you have to be better to be considered the same. Opportunities include trying to have access to education for people who don't have it around the world, making education more equal globally, not just a first world thing.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Meeting people where they are, figuring out what their needs are, and trying to accommodate and give them what they need. Establish a rapport with the student is really important. Respect the students and expect respect of other people. Treat other people the way you would really want to be treated.
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