My quote for life is from Mikhail Baryshnikov, a famous ballet dancer: "I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to to dance better than myself."
I am also a ballet dancer and in dance and in science, I tend to work this way. I think it is easy for female scientists in particular to struggle with comparisons, either their own or those that are imposed on them. I try to focus my efforts on always improving myself and doing my best. This keeps me moving forward when things get tough and excelling in my work. For instance, if I hit a challenge in my work, I know getting through it will make me better than I was before, so I push through. If I am doing well, I know I can always do better and should be open to advice, critique, and self-improvement. I am very careful not to compare my career trajectory to others. It is not helpful and can highlight inequalities that seem hard to overcome in the world today. I prefer to focus my efforts on bettering myself, the students I mentor, and the collaborative relationships I have or will form in the future. That goal in itself can help women in STEM, people of diversity, and others who are under represented, particularly when I focus on improving my connections with these groups.
-Dr. Alyssa Stark, Assistant Professor of Biology at Villanova University
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