Posts tagged with ‘imagirlwhocodes’
Dancing with Robots!
At The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria, Andrea Chaves and Brittany Greve are introducing girls to computer science through dance in their Digital Dance Project. The project incorporates multiple aspects of technology and dance to make a piece of art. Over the course of two weeks, students worked in groups to choreograph the dance, animate the set design and code Sphero robots to accompany dancers on stage. In doing this, Andrea and Brittany hope that students will experience technology in a new light and see the endless opportunities available in the computer science field. Check out the photos below to see how the project came to life!
Brainstorming.
Spheros in the dark!
Rehearsals!
Interested in joining a Girls Who Code club? !
Anusha Khan: There is No “I” in “Code”
“I don’t think a lot of people realize how much power they have with the technology they have at home.” - Anusha Khan
Meet Anusha Khan, a writer, volunteer and a girl who codes. Growing up, Anusha wasn’t interested in computers and thought that computer science wasn’t for her. After learning to code, Anusha now plans to major in computer science and wants to teach other people to code so that they have the same “superpower” that she has. She’s even received a scholarship from Apple to attend their Worldwide Developers Conference and hopes her future career will combine code with journalism.
Learn more about Anusha, her passions, and the technology she can’t live without in our Q&A below.
Q&A with Anusha Khan:
What was your dream job growing up?
I wanted to be a journalist.
What is your dream job now?
I want to find a way to combine journalism and code to do something awesome for the world.
What does it mean to be part of the Girls Who Code movement?
literally translates to “opportunity” in my mind.
It’s hard to forget the impact this organization has had on my life. Before Girls Who Code, I had no idea what I wanted to major in - computer science was the last thing I thought I was going to study in college.
Yet, after the , I realized that programming was something I actually enjoyed. I didn’t have to be a genius, just being me was enough.
Did you always like computers?
No, I didn’t. I always thought computers were for people who were really smart and really good at math. It wasn’t until I took a class about online networking that I realized how important computer science was.
What piece of technology are you most reliant on?
My Mac Book. It’s something I rely on 24/7. I don’t think a lot of people realize how much power they have with the technology they have at home.
What was the hardest part of learning to code?
My biggest problem was understanding that you don’t need to be great at math to learn to code. As long as you try it out, you’ll realize that there’s a world of opportunities available to you.
Have you ever encountered people who stereotype you because you’re a girl who codes?
I feel like a lot of people view woman who code as a prop in the computer science industry - they believe it is just a fad. I have overcome that by showing them that my ideas are here to stay and be implemented.
How has coding made you more confident?
It’s like having a superpower.
Is coding creative? How?
Coding is just like writing a story. You have a beginning, middle and end. You are able to create an entire world with code.
How does code tie to your passions?
A big passion of mine is volunteering and there are so many organizations looking for women to help other women learn to code. I now teach other women to code. I also coded an app called “Remind Them,” which is an app for students who have to take medication and aren’t sure what the purpose is.
Similarly, girls I’ve met along the way are majoring in theater, medicine and political science. You can combine code with anything.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Reshma Saujani, the founder of , stated in a New York Magazine interview,“ I had a colossal failure; I was humiliated but I’m still alive. Now, I feel like I can do anything."
I remember thinking when I first read that statement that it was a crazy idea. I still think it’s crazy. However, this statement really motivates me to try because a lot of us are fearful of failure.
What would you say to a girl who thinks coding is not for her?
It is for you. You just have to try. You don’t need to be super smart to code. All you need is a passion to do something for the world.
Want to learn how to code like Anusha?
Kaylee Llewellyn: 💤😍 😋🙏🌊🌞
“I find it really helpful to embrace a stereotype and then put my own spin on it. I’ll admit I’m a huge “nerd”, but I also don’t view that as being a negative thing. I love coding and Star Wars, but I’m also a fashion blogger who loves to scrapbook and wants to learn how to surf.” ~Kaylee Llewellyn
We’re ending Teacher Appreciation Week with Kaylee Llewellyn, a fashion blogger, avid scrapbooker, Star Wars buff and a teacher who codes. In our Q&A with Kaylee, we learned about how she deals with stereotypes and her outlook on failure. We’re definitely going to take a leaf out of her book next time we fail!
Q&A with Kaylee:
Which of your recently used emojis represents you perfectly?
💤😍 😋🙏🌊🌞
What’s your favorite piece of technology?
My smartphone
What made you join the Girls Who Code movement?
I love being a programmer and my biggest regret was that I was not able to get involved in coding earlier in my academic career. I was really excited to have the opportunity to get to share my enthusiasm for programming with other girls and help de-stigmatize women in tech for girls who are curious about getting involved with coding.
What was the hardest part of learning to code?
At first, I found it challenging to be very creative and logical simultaneously when coding. Programming forces you to think outside the box about how you’re going to solve a problem while also keeping you within the bounds of whichever programming language you are using. It took me a while to learn how to break down large problems into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Is coding creative?
I find coding extremely creative. Coding essentially sets up a task for what needs to be accomplished through a program and as the coder you’re given endless possibilities of implementing a solution.
Did you ever encounter people who stereotyped you because you code? How did you overcome that?
YES. As a half-Korean female programmer, a lot of people would chalk up my being a programmer to me being Asian. I make sure to emphasize the reasons why I personally love being a programmer and also make my interests outside of computer science known. Personally, I find it really helpful to embrace a stereotype and then put my own spin on it. I’ll admit I’m a huge “nerd”, but I also don’t view that as being a negative thing. I love coding and Star Wars, but I’m also a fashion blogger who loves to scrapbook and wants to learn how to surf. There’s always more to someone than a stereotype and I think it’s most helpful to flip those stereotypes on their heads to combat this negative attitude towards women programmers.
How has coding made you feel more confident?
I love knowing that I can solve just about any problem I want to. Coding teaches you great problem solving skills and that’s a skill that most people lack. It is great knowing that if I put my mind to something, I can solve any problem I want.
Tell us about a time you overcame failure.
I still remember the first time I’d ever failed a test. It was in AP Chemistry, and on the first test I scored a whopping 38%. My stomach dropped when my teacher handed back my test and tears came to my eyes. I thought there was something wrong with me because I’d walked out thinking that I had done well. After talking to my teacher though, I quickly realized that I many simple errors combined with his strict no partial credit policy had led to my low grade. The most important thing that I learned was that failures are just a part of succeeding. On the next test I rebounded very well. Overcoming failures is difficult because once they are in the past they cannot be changed. It is good to think of them as learning experiences rather than indicators of talent or self-worth.
What do you say to the girl that thinks that coding is not for her?
I’d say don’t give up! There are a wide variety of coding applications, maybe you just haven’t found the one for you.
Who is your role model?
My mom.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from your mom?
Be brave and don’t be afraid of taking a leap of faith.
How does code tie to your other passions?
I’m a huge fashion blogger - which is a cool way to tie technology into my passion for fashion.
Interested in being a teacher for Girls Who Code?
Adrienne Shulman: Teacher Who Codes
“I wouldn’t describe myself as someone interested in “computers.” I love solving problems, and that’s exactly what computer science and coding is all about.” - Adrienne Shulman
Meet Adrienne Shulman, a , mother of three and a woman who codes. In our Q&A with Adrienne, she dispels the myth that you have to be a genius to code and explains why you don’t even need to LOVE computers to love coding!
Q&A with Adrienne Shulman:
Why did you join the Girls Who Code movement?
As a women with a 16 year career in technology, I see the huge gender disparity first-hand every day. I read an article in the New York Times in April 2013 that mentioned Girls Who Code, and I immediately emailed to ask how I could !
What was your dream job growing up?
There is too much pressure to answer this question, and I never really knew WHAT I wanted to be. I certainly didn’t want to be a programmer, though. I hardly knew what programming was when I was growing up in the 80s/90s.
What was the hardest part of learning to code?
Nothing! It came very easily to me.
Have people every stereotyped you because you are a coder?
There have been several times when I’m in a work meeting and others in the room - men and women both - have assumed that I’m a project manager and not a coder.
How has coding helped you become comfortable with failure?
Balancing family and a career is always a challenge. I have 3 children (ages 5, 7 and 9) and a demanding full time job, but making it balance was never as hard as it was the first year after my first child was born. I switched to a part time job when my first child was 1 year old and was able to stay in the game to keep my skills current, keep earning a paycheck, and keep continuity on my resume until I was comfortable going back full time. What’s wonderful about coding is its flexibility; it’s a job that you can easily do part time, from home, or at odd-hours. It can be perfect for balancing your home life and your work.
Were you always interested in computers?
No, and I wouldn’t even describe myself today as someone interested in "computers.” I love solving problems, and that’s exactly what computer science and coding is all about!
What were your other passions growing up?
Horseback riding, gymnastics, cheerleading and tennis.
Do you think coding is creative?
Is this a trick question? Coding is used to create SO MUCH, from the obvious things like websites and apps to the physical world of robotics, medical devices, cars, film and media. Now, ! It’s hard to find an area in life or an industry that coding has not helped create.
Also, unlike math where there is often just one right answer to a problem, with coding there are many ways to solve a problem!
Who is your role model?
Sheryl Sandberg
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from your role model?
Everything written in her book Lean In.
What would you say to the girl who doesn’t think coding is for her?
I would ask her why and ask her what she thinks coding is. Non-techies seem to think coding is some secret club and that it’s very difficult to learn. I imagine some coders like to encourage this air of mystique but I like to dispel the myth. Coders aren’t coders because they are smarter than you; coders are smarter because they code. Anyone can learn to code.
I believe role models are important and if a girl has never met a female coder in person and doesn’t see women or girl coders in pop culture, it’s hard for her to understand that coding could be for her.
How can a girl who wants to learn to code get started?
The obvious answer is to start a ! There are plenty of free online resources to learn coding, and I certainly encourage that, but the encouragement you get by joining a group of other girls in a club is incredibly valuable.
What piece of technology do you rely on most?
My Tesla.
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None! FOMO, take that!
Interested in being a teacher for Girls Who Code?
Jennifer Gaspar-Santos: Woman, Mother, Filipina & Teacher Who Codes
“My mother says, “Either you laugh or you cry.” I like this. It helps me overcome failure. You can either accept failure and laugh about it, or you can cry and let it overtake you.” - Jennifer Gaspar-Santos
Meet Jennifer Gaspar-Santos, the Director of Educational Technology and Innovation at St.Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco, CA. She’s also a mother, a Filipina and a lover of curiosity. Jennifer could not say no when one of her students approached her to help start a at school. She says, “It’s that curiosity that pushes folks past the hard part of coding.”
While Jennifer never self-identified as a stereotypical “geeky” coder, she remembers always loving computers. In fact, she claims to have always loved computers more than ice cream. That’s really saying something!
Read more about Jennifer’s passion for code, her role models and how coding has helped her overcome her fear of failure in our Q&A below.
Q&A with Jennifer Gaspar-Santos:
Why did you join the Girls Who Code movement?
The movement speaks to me both as a female director in ed tech and as a female director who is also a person of color. It’s not lost on me how much my role as a Director helps model for girls that anything is possible. We can leverage our identity to push the norms. I was also touched by an enthusiastic student who asked me if I would help start a on our campus. She attended the and wanted that same experience to continue at the school. I literally didn’t even have my boxes unpacked from summer break and she asked me to help get this club going. I can’t say no to a student when they genuinely are curious about something.
Were you always interested in computers?
Yes, I remember when my parents bought me my first computer from sears and it broke. I cried and my mom was so sweet that she said she would buy me an ice cream to make me feel better. I like computers more than ice cream.
What’s the hardest part of learning to code?
Being graded on coding and ridiculed by others who know how to code is the hardest part. I’ll be teaching an intro to design thinking and app development course next year and I’m committed to de-stigmatizing the idea that you have to be really smart to code. The biggest roadblock to innovation is fear and this same fear applies to coding. I think grades perpetuate the idea that you have to get an A in order to be a good coder.
It’s a horrible thought that coders were born with a coding gene. I prefer having the disposition to be curious. It’s that curiosity that pushes folks past the hard part of coding.
Is coding creative?
It’s an art, not a science. It’s using text and logic and variables to create something that didn’t exist previously.
How has coding made you feel more confident?
Coding is like a super power. I know I can roll up my sleeves and learn to code - with or without formal training. The ability to create something that someone once told you only smart people can do is really satisfying.
Has coding made you more comfortable with failure? Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned.
I don’t think this form is long enough. #FailEarlyFailOften
One instance I can think of was hosting my first hour of code. I had this grand idea of collaborating with our school library, our science department, multimedia lab and our social justice club as this inter-club block filled with hour of code activities. I had kids who didn’t know where they were going, rooms were booked, kids eating cookies instead of coding, I had python going on my screen but some other kids on social media. One girl even got lost in the shuffle. It was disorganized.
I even had one girl say, “This isn’t for me,” which broke my heart. I was definitely biting off more than I could chew.
I overcame it by naming it. I had to accept the failure. I had to embrace it and call everything I did wrong. I couldn’t point fingers. I just accepted it. Once you accept the failure, you can put it in its place - behind you - and move on.
Have you ever been stereotyped because you code?
I have had people stereotype me because I code. They think that I must also be good in school and be a complete geek. I actually didn’t do very well in school. I thrived in learning situations that were experiential and, unfortunately, most of my schooling was so traditional that I didn’t do well in those settings. I’m also not a complete geek, I’m a Filipino mother of two that happens to like to code. I like when coding brings together people of all backgrounds. It’s not just for “geeks.” I think folks overcome stereotypes by debunking the idea that only some folks can code and by keeping curious, by embracing your interests and by letting your inner voice guide your curiosity. Forget all the other outside voices–it’s just noise!
Who is your role model?
My mother and Lena Dunham are my role models. Both are feminists, both are amazing at their crafts, and both have made me feel so confident after listening to them talk. I don’t know Lena Dunham personally, but I think if she did meet me, we’d be friends.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My mother says, “Either you laugh or you cry.” I like this. It helps me overcome failure. You can either accept failure and laugh about it, or you can cry and let it overtake you. I think the second you laugh at something, you strip it of its power. This piece of advice has also gotten me through roadblocks in my life as both a mother and a female director in technology. I like how it presents choices. It allows the person to decide the road they want to take. It makes me feel like I’m in control of where I want to go.
What would you say to the girl who says coding isn’t for her?
I would sit her in front of my laptop. Give her some hot cocoa and hit play on and ask her if she still felt the same way. If she’s coming from a place of fear, I would tell her that she’s awesome and that there are lots of girls out there that feel the same way. I would start with an unplugged coding activity first to debunk the myth in her head that coding is too hard. If she’s coming from a place of disinterest, I would tell her all the amazing things people create with code.
How can a girl who’s interested in computer science get started?
Get started with unplugged activities. Use legos, paper and non technical ways of learning code. The best way to get started is commit to 10 min every other day, then build to 10 min every day then build to 30 min per week. Approach it like a building a muscle. Every exercise gets you stronger and stronger.
What piece of technology can you not live without?
I can’t live without paper. Yes, that’s my favorite piece of technology.
Which of your recently used emojis describes you perfectly?
I like the smirking face emoji. I’m half smile, half silly. Folks take themselves too seriously with coding. It’s fun if you let it be fun.
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Erik Nauman: Teacher Who Codes
“I was a teacher before I learned how to code. I became interested because it looked like a skill that offered huge possibilities for being creative. I saw people making and programming robots and coding graphical animations and thought it looked like a superpower, a way to make magical things happen with machines.” - Erik Nauman
Meet Erik Nauman, an educational technologist - someone who works in educational technology - at The Hewitt School in New York City. He helped start a local to ensure that his students became part of the larger women in technology network.
As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, we interviewed Erik and learned about some of his passions outside of technology along with his favorite parts of technology.
Q&A with Erik Naumann:
What was your dream job growing up?
I wanted to be an artist or a musician.
What do you do now?
Now, I work at The Hewitt School in NYC in educational technology.
Were you always interested in computers?
No, I really only became interested in computers in the past 10 years. Growing up, I was most interested in art, music, teaching, learning, and nature.
Why did you join the Girls Who Code movement?
I wanted to give my students the feeling of belonging to a greater community of girls in computer science.
Do you sense a fear or insecurity around learning to code from your students? How does being in an all female environment affect that?
In my experience teaching at an all girls school, I do see many girls feeling intimidated when they see code and are expected to work with it. However, there are many who also find it amazing and exciting to learn. I feel like those who get intimidated are seeing it through stereotypes that tell them girls are not able to code, are not good with computers, math, or science. When I teach, I expose my students to programming in interesting and fun ways so that over time they’ll see coding as a normal and thing to do, just like writing or reading.
Why did you learn to code?
I was a teacher before I learned how to code. I became interested because it looked like a skill that offered huge possibilities for being creative. I saw people making and programming robots and coding graphical animations and thought it looked like a superpower, a way to make magical things happen with machines.
What was the hardest part of learning to code?
Learning the basic, common concepts shared by many programming languages took a while for me. However, having an understanding of those concepts makes it easier to learn any new language I want to.
Did you ever encounter people who stereotyped you because you code?
People have made the assumption that I can make technology do anything because I can code. I have had to be patient in helping people understand what is reasonable and what is possible.
Has coding made you more confident?
It has opened up creative possibilities that I like to share with people, which has made me happier.
Has coding helped you accept failure?
I had a hard time learning to wire and program an LED matrix. It was really complicated for me and after a couple weeks I gave it up. But later I picked it up again and figured out how to make it work, and eventually it turned into a fun project that was very successful.
Is coding creative? How?
Absolutely! There are usually many ways to do something so just finding solutions to coding problems is a creative process.
Who is your role model?
.
What’s your favorite piece of advice from your role model?
It’s not so much what she said, but that she considers the big picture in her approach to software development. She always thought about how it will be used and safeguarded to make it dependable under different conditions. That is how her software saved the .
What’s your favorite piece of technology?
I love to work with Arduino micro controllers.
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Jessica Zalzman: Teacher Who Codes
“I wasn’t fortunate enough to have the opportunity to learn coding in high school, so I would love to give that chance to others, especially young, intelligent women who do not know what they are missing out on.” - Jessica Zalzman
Meet Jessica Zalzman, a sophomore at Georgia Tech who is a teacher. Outside of coding, she’s an avid runner and music fan. Jessica joined our movement of Teachers Who Code to give teenage girls the opportunity to learn to code, something she wishes she had when she was in high school.
Read more about Jessica in our Q&A:
Why did you join the Girls Who Code movement as a Teacher Who Codes?
I wasn’t fortunate enough to have the opportunity to learn coding in high school, so I would love to give that chance to others, especially young, intelligent women who do not know what they are missing out on.
Were you always interested in computers?
I was always technologically savvy and my dad would always teach me things here and there but I would mostly use the computer to either play computer games or to engage in creative projects.
What’s your favorite piece of technology?
The laptop because it is so versatile.
What’s the hardest part of learning to code?
The hardest part of learning to code was working through those moments when I would get stuck on one piece of code that just wouldn’t work. However, overcoming this always made it worth it.
How has coding made you more confident?
Coding has made me feel more confident in the sense that I know it is going to be a very useful skill to have in the years to come because technology is our future and someone has to be able to program that technology and come up with new ideas. It is nice to know that I have a coveted skill.
Has coding helped you become comfortable with failure?
I vividly remember a cross country race I was in where I was in second place going into the final half mile or so. The girl in first place was too far for me to see, so I somehow ended up taking a wrong turn and adding an extra loop to the race. When I made it back to the main track, I saw dozens of girls running towards the finish line, but instead of just giving up, I kicked it into high gear and used all of the energy I had left in me to power past about 30 girls in order to end up in 11th place. It wasn’t the placement that I had expected when I was comfortably in second place, but I was proud of my choosing to overcome instead of give in.
Is coding creative? How?
Coding is definitely creative, not only because there are so many different types of things that can be made through programming, but also because there are so many different ways to solve certain problems. The creativity and originality lies in the specific way each coder chooses to solve the exact same problem.
How does code tie to your other passions?
I am hopelessly in love with music. The main source of new music nowadays is through streaming and other types of technology.
What would you say to the girl who thinks coding isn’t for her?
I say that she shouldn’t knock it until she tries it, just like anything else in life. I had no idea how much I would love it until after I started coding in college.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Always make some time for yourself.
Follow Jessica:
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- Snapchat: jzalz16
Interested in being a teacher for Girls Who Code?
Mei'lani Eyre: Rhythmic Gamer & Teacher Who Codes
“I really liked video games growing up, especially dance and rhythm games. Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero and Just Dance were my favorites. It doesn’t come as any huge surprise though, given that I was really big into musical theater and acting for the majority of my life. So really, rhythm and dance games just combined two of my biggest interests into one.” - Mei’lani Eyre
Meet Mei’lani Eyre, one of our Teachers Who Codes. Mei’lani joined the movement a year ago as a student in the . She’s paying it forward as a Teaching Assistant this summer. As a musical theater performer for most of her life, Mei’lani’s favorite technology are rhythmic games like Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero and Just Dance. Who doesn’t love those games?
Learn more about how code ties into Mei’lani’s passions and some of her other favorite rhythmic games in our Q&A below!
Q&A with Mei’lani:
What was your dream job growing up?
When I was 4 or 5, I always dreamt of being an actress. I carried on trying to support this dream until around the age of 11, when I found that I didn’t quite have the passion or drive to become an actress. It was something that I found really didn’t suit me as a person, and I started thinking about the things I really like and enjoy doing.
What’s your dream job now?
Computers are something I really enjoy, and can totally see myself working with for a career.
Were you always interested in computers?
They were always a big part of my life growing up, and I started to grow more curious about how they work around the age of 10. I loved using the internet, different computer programs, and learning; so I started learning to program around the age of 11 or 12. Once 13 hit, I started seriously considering computer science as my career path. By the age of 14, I had applied for Girls Who Code. A year later,
What were some of your other interests growing up?
I really liked video games growing up, especially dance and rhythm games. Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, and Just Dance are my favorites. It doesn’t come as any huge surprise though, given that I was really into musical theater and acting for the majority of my life. So really, rhythm and dance games just combine two of my biggest interests into one.
What made you join the Girls Who Code movement?
After two years of learning with no general direction in the field, I finally found the motivation and confidence to start building my future. For me, the first step in this was joining . My mom’s co-worker had suggested it a while ago, and I dismissed it thinking that I didn’t meet the criteria. But once applications for the opened up, I looked over it again and realized that I was completely eligible to apply. So I did, and I have ZERO regrets about that decision. This summer, I’m going to be a Teaching assistant and help inspire more girls to code!
What’s your favorite piece of technology?
I absolutely love arcade game machines. I think they’re a great piece of technology that have continued to grow and adapt despite the competition of console and PC gaming and they still manage to maintain a relevant status in the gaming world.
Which of your recently used emojis represents you perfectly?
Open mouthed smiley faces! :D
Is coding creative? How?
It’s totally creative! When you’re coding, you’re unlocking your inner MacGyver. You’re solving problems in unconventional ways, with strange tools and a ton of knowledge.
For example: At Girls Who Code, my team and I for our final project during the wanted to help people with anxiety through the power of digitally coded narwhals. Those may seem like two incredibly unrelated topics, but how else would we bring them all together in harmony without a little creativity?
What was the hardest part of learning to code?
Learning how to accept mistakes. I had this idea in my head that I was supposed to know the answer to everything and never make mistakes- because that’s how programmers are, right? Not at all!
Coding is FULL of mistakes! No matter what amount of experience you have, you’re bound to mess up here and there. And the magnitude of these mistakes vary every time. I made a lot of mistakes when I was first learning, and that really drove me away from wanting to continue on for the longest time. I didn’t think I was cut out for programming because I wasn’t smart enough. Because I couldn’t figure out some of the simplest bugs on my own. I didn’t understand that this was something that even the most seasoned programmers go through, it’s just a part of the work.
Now that I understand this, I don’t let myself get discouraged. In fact, I love the feeling you get when you finally fix a bug that’s been frustrating you for longest time. It’s not that I like having bugs in my code, it’s that I love knowing I fixed them.
So, coding has made you more confident?
Coding has made me feel more confident through the fact that I’m actually making something. I can’t draw or paint very well, and I’m not very good at writing stories or music. I’ve never thought I’m good at creating, well, anything. And I’ve never really liked anything that I’ve made.
However, coding has most definitely changed that. I like the programs I make. I’m building something from the bottom up, by myself. Through code, I’ve proven to myself that I’m capable of more than I thought.
Tell us about a time you overcame failure.
Sometime in fall of 2015 I was looking for research projects to be apart of. I know a lot of high school students go and do college research at different universities, so I tried contacting a professor at a local university about one of his projects that really interested me. Because of my few options, I really had my heart set on working with him.
After maybe 4 days of anxious waiting I finally got an email back from him. We went back and fourth exchanging more information each time. Eventually he decided I wasn’t right for this project. However, he didn’t leave me with just that. He told me I was ambitious, and that I should continue to create my own luck to find opportunities that were the right fits for me.
That little piece of advice has stayed with me, as I’ve applied this every time since then where I’ve received a rejection letter from something I had my hopes set on. It reminded me to keep trying and to continue to push through, a thought process which has helped me overcome the many failures and rejections that followed after that event, but led to more successes than before.
How does code tie to your other passions?
I’m a brown belt in karate, and I’ve been an assistant instructor for a kids karate class for the past two years. Karate has been a huge part of my life for the past 4 years, and a lot of my motivation to be in the field of computer science comes from the adults that I’ve met there who are in the CS field.
I’m also an avid rhythm gamer. I may not be well vested in the field of gaming as a whole, but I do have quite a bit of knowledge and passion when it comes to rhythm games. I’m talking Dance Dance Revolution, and super obscure games that most people likely haven’t heard of like Pump it Up, Stepmania, Osu!, and Pop'N. I love going to arcades and just seeing what they have in terms of rhythm games. I will spend a solid hour playing between two machines at an arcade if that’s all they have.
Who is your role model?
My karate instructor.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from your role model?
“Don’t hold yourself back”
What do you say to the girl that thinks that coding is not for her?
Coding doesn’t require you to be a genius the moment you start. It’s a learning process, and you get better as you go. Besides that, it’s not limited to just writing games and word processing software. You can combine code with just about anything that exists. Whatever interest you have in life, technology can come into play.
Where should girls who are interested in coding begin, what’s the best way to get started and to stick with it?
Step 1: Find an online tutorial that teaches you the basics of code. y and are great places for beginners to start.
Step 2: Make friends with people who are in the field. Or even just college students who major in CS. After you’ve been coding a while, you will reach an intermediate level where you’ve done every tutorial possible to learn the basics. But if you’re anything like me, you’re going to need help applying this knowledge to different scenarios. That’s when friends with more experience than you come in. They’re not only great for introducing you to new things, but they’re great resources for when you’re stuck and you need help along the way.
Step 3: Profit
Though in all seriousness, learning the bare basics is super helpful and the most important step in beginning to code, but once you’re beyond that point it’s confusing to know where to go next.
Having friends in the field or with knowledge of where to go next is incredibly helpful with this problem! Or really, any group that’s similar. Finding a group like , ChickTech, or something related that aids you in expanding your horizons can definitely grow your knowledge and make you want to stick with coding.
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Margot Richaud: First Generation Coder
“With code, I was able to create a video game to raise awareness on gun control laws. The video game is called Gun Cleaners, and players use the up and down arrows to collect the assembly’s votes to help pass the gun control bill while avoiding being shot by guns. With a fun and addicting video game, we were able to help raise awareness about one our society’s most pressing problems.” - Margot Richaud
Meet Margot Richaud, one of the stars of our new YouTube Series, “My Code!” Margot is a 17 year-old from New York City. She’s the first person in her family to go to college and just received a Gates Millennium Scholarship for college. Margot plans to use her coding abilities to make a social impact - by educating people about gun laws and space debris - and one day hopes to start her own school that teaches computer science.
Learn more about Margot in our Q&A below and on
Q&A with Margot Richaud:
What’s your favorite subject?
My favorite subject is Computer Science. Ever since I learned how to code Computer Science has become more than just a subject, it has become my passion. I love that I can feed my curiosity of technology and be able to code fun video games, apps, websites, and so much more!
What was your dream job growing up?
Growing up, I wanted to be everything! I wanted to be an actor, veterinarian, dancer, and the typical jobs every kid would say. But the only job I truly remember pretending to be was a teacher. When I was little, I had a small black chalkboard and I would sit my dolls as if they were in a classroom. I would pretend to be a teacher and teach them the lesson I had learned earlier in school that day. I loved being able to teach my “students” and share my knowledge with them.
What’s your dream job now?
When I entered high school and took a computer science class, I realized I want to be a computer programmer. I have been coding for the past four years and I plan on expanding my programming skills in college to be a computer programmer!
You’re the first person in your family to go to college. How does that feel?
I am in the process of breaking my family’s barriers and going beyond their experiences and expectations. No one in my family has ever coded, much less heard about coding! When I told my family I loved coding and plan on majoring in Computer Science at college, they were stunned. It’s scary but also really exciting at the same time.
What made you join the Girls Who Code movement?
I was always surrounded by technology and never understood how it worked. Filled with curiosity, I questioned my family a lot about technology. Unfortunately, I never got any answers due to their lack of knowledge and understanding of how technology actually worked.
It wasn’t until my freshman year in high school that I became the first person in my family to know how to code. I joined the movement because I loved coding. Even though I knew how to code a little bit in Adobe Flash CS6, I craved for more knowledge. The Summer Immersion Program helped support and encourage me to follow my dream. I may not be fluent in coding but I do have a passion to become proficient at it.
Did you always like computers?
I was always interested in computers! I remember when I was elementary school, my mom would either take me to the park or let me play games on the computer after I finished my homework.
Whenever I used and played games on the computer, I couldn’t stop wondering how it was possible to make a computer function and see all of those cool animations in the games. All we have to do is push the power button to turn on the computer and push the arrow keys during the game, but there must be sooo much more behind it. It wasn’t until I learned how to code that I finally had the answer to the wonders of how computers and video games functioned. Even though I really don’t know how to code a computer yet, I at least know the gist of why computers work!
Do you think coding is creative?
Coding is beyond creative! With code you can create almost anything that comes to your mind. You can code a video game, app, website, and even a robot! During the , I was able to code a robot that danced to “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd. With code, I was able to create a video game to raise awareness on gun control laws. The video game is called Gun Cleaners, and players use the up and down arrows to collect the assembly’s votes to help pass the gun control bill while avoiding being shot by guns. With a fun and addicting video game, we were able to help raise awareness about one our society’s most pressing problems.
What’s the hardest part of learning to code?
The hardest part of learning to code is not getting it right the first time, but that is a huge part of coding. When I was first learning how to code in Java, I kept forgetting to place a semi-colon at the end of some statements. There will be many times when our code does not function, but it’s only up to you to take the challenge and work to fix the error.
Have you ever experienced stereotypes as a girl who codes?
I go to an all girls school and my computer science class is filled with all girls. However, there are times when I wonder what it would be like to be in a co-ed computer science class. Eventually, I am going to have to code and work in a co-ed environment but I’m glad that I started to learn to code in an all-female nurturing environment.
How has coding made you more confident?
I have learned to be okay with failing. Additionally, I am one of the few percent of women and latinas who know how to code and that is amazing. Being a girl who codes is truly empowering. My programming skills helped me create and grow, making me more confident in my abilities and myself.
Tell us about a time you overcame failure.
I honestly have overcome many failures. At the end of the day, how I got back up is what truly matters. After I fail, I work twice as hard the next time so I don’t crash again. It it my persistence and strong ambition that motivates me to do better.
Which of your recently used emojis describes you perfectly?
💩 ⭐️ 👑 . The poop emoji is the most used in my keyboard haha. I am the one who greets my friends with the 💩 emoji and call them my “poopers”. Also, instead of cursing (which I don’t) I use 💩 emoji haha. The ⭐️ represents me because I think of myself as a ⭐️. I always work my hardest so I can win wear the 👑 .
What’s your favorite piece of technology?
My absolute most favorite piece of technology is my phone! I think it is beyond amazing how I can communicate with my friends, take pictures, play games, and keep updated on the world with just my phone!
Who is your role model?
My mom is my #1 role model! She is the most hard working, loving, and inspiring person in my life. She is a single mother who takes care of two kids, works for hours, and always pushes me to do my best. My mom is the one to put her kids before her, she prefers to give us the best because she wants us to have what she may have not always had. The stories she tells me about her past, sacrifices, and moments of struggle motivate me to have a successful future so I can finally take care of her. Apart from being my mom, she is also my best friend. I have such an amazing relationship with my mother because we joke around like little kids, talk in funny voices, share gossip, and obsess over clothes.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from your mom?
The best piece of advice my mom ever gave me was, “trabaja duro, lucha por lo mejor, y nunca te des por vencida.” Which translates to: “Work hard, strive for the best, and never give up.” My mom has always told me that the decisions I make about my life will only affect me. If I decide to work hard or not, that will only affect me and my future. Whether I continue striving for the best or give up, it will also affect my future. I only have one life and I must make the best out of it.
What would you say to the girl who thinks coding is not for her?
I would tell her, “Maybe. But have you actually tried coding?” Coding probably seems and sounds geeky, hard, and not something a girl would usually do. Then I would say, “Keep going at it, girl!” Never give up because you find something too hard. Once you get it right, all the struggle will be worth it.
Follow Margot:
- Instagram: @mar.richaud
- Twitter: @MargotRichaud
- Snapchat: @mar_margooot
- Pinterest: @LittleMargot
- Linkedin: Margot Richaud
Interested in learning how to code like Margot?
Sejal Mehra: #Concussion Can’t Slow Me Down
“When I say that I code, most of my guy friends question me and wonder how a girl could speak the same language as them. Code isn’t exclusively a boy language, it’s a computer language.” - Sejal Mehra
Meet Sejal Mehra, a girl who’s not letting her gender stop her from enacting major change for herself and others. After a concussion, Sejal learned to code as a way to build up her confidence. When she’s not coding, Sejal is a foodie and loves to share her passion for food with those around her. Maybe she’ll create the next great #foodie app!
Q&A with Sejal Mehra:
What does being part of the Girls Who Code movement mean to you?
was the start of a new beginning for me. I was hit by a volleyball in my gym class, which resulted in a concussion. That concussion resulted in me missing a month and a half of school and losing my self-confidence. I started getting really depressed from the pain medication I was on. My mom ended up finding Girls Who Code and suggested I apply as a way to motivate me for my recovery. Learning to code brought happiness and confidence back into my life.
What was your Summer Immersion Program experience like?
When I found out I would be in a classroom with 20 other girls, I got pretty intimidated. However, our mutual interest in technology brought us all together. There’s a group chat of all of our classmates and we’re having a reunion soon!
What was your dream job growing up?
I wanted to be the President of the United States of America.
What about being President was exciting to you?
I wanted to be a leader and be able to enact major change.
Do you still want to be President?
Now, I would like to run a technology company. I like both hardware and software so we’ll see which direction I end up going in.
You mentioned you want to enact major change. How will you do that through technology?
I’d like to work on apps that help people with things they deal with every day - like transportation, food or health.
Did you always like computers?
No, I didn’t. When I was little, I thought computers were something for my brother to play with. I was always good with computers, though. In fact, my family would always ask me to help them with their technology.
Was it hard to learn to code?
The hardest part of learning to code is paying attention to small details. For example, it’s really easy to forget to add a semi-colon at the end of a line of code. Without that semi-colon, though, your program won’t run properly.
Do people stereotype you because you’re a girl who codes?
When I say that I code, most of my guy friends question me and wonder how a girl could speak the same language as them. Code isn’t exclusively a “boy” language, it’s a computer language.
How has coding helped you regain your confidence?
As I mentioned, I never thought that STEM was accessible for me; it was more accessible for my brother. On top of that, after my concussion I felt very isolated and limited. By learning how to code, my confidence grew with every line of code I created!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never give up and put your best foot forward. Give everything 110%!
What advice would you give to another girl to inspire her to code?
Coding can lead you to many different fields. You can make a website, an app or build whatever you want with code.
Does code tie to your other passions?
I LOVE food! My mom is a great chef and I like to eat everything she makes. Food is a work of art and can be presented in many different ways. It also brings people together. Code allows you to share the food you’re creating or eating with the rest of the world. Like food, code also connects people and is a work of art.
Follow Sejal:
- Snapchat: SejalMehra
Interested in learning how to code like Sejal?
Gayeon Park: Surprise Coder!
“It’s not important to just teach girls computer science; it is a very practical and useful skill for everyone to learn!” ~Gayeon Park
Meet Gayeon Park, an 18 year-old girl who codes from New Jersey. Similar to many other , Gayeon’s love of computer science came by complete surprise and changed the course of her academic and professional aspirations.
Q&A with Gayeon Park:
What does being part of the Girls Who Code movement mean to you?
I can summarize being part of Girls Who Code in one word: surprise.
Why “surprise?”
From getting accepted to the funded by AOL Charitable Foundation to becoming a Girls Who Code alumni ambassador, there have many big and small surprises. Girls Who Code introduced me to various technological fields and gave me a chance to talk to professionals from each. I’ve also attended awards and spoken on panels. I’m also pursuing a college major in computer science, something I never would have imagined doing!
What was your dream job growing up?
I wanted to be president.
Do you still want to be president?
No. Now, I aspire to be a computer scientist or chemical engineer.
Why did you apply to the Summer Immersion Program?
I originally had no intention to apply, but I was invited to and decided to try. Although I was first reluctant, my experience in the club made me want to expand my knowledge of computer science. So, I applied to the
Gayeon with her Girls Who Code final project team
What was the hardest part of learning to code?
It’s most difficult when there is a logic error in my code. I have to break everything into smaller groups and figure out where I went wrong.
Do people stereotype you because you’re a girl who codes?
The only tough situations or stereotypes I run into are when a guy belittles me for coding as though I’m not as good as he is.
Why should girls learn computer science?
It’s not important to just teach girls computer science; it is a very practical and useful skill for everyone to learn!
Has coding made you feel more confident?
On scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most, I would say I’m an 8 in my confidence. I used to be very timid and scared to ask questions. After my experience learning to code with 20 other girls, I can now speak with a variety of people with ease and am confident in myself. With a coding background, I can undertake the problems of the world and feel prepared for any surprises that life might throw at me.
Will you continue to code?
Yes, I continue to code and have participated in AOL’s Step Up panel, the Code for Good hackathon at JP Morgan, and the Pennapps global hackathon!
Interested in learning how to code?
Maggie DeMilt: Defending the Goal While Taking a Shot
“When I was little, I had a female teacher tell me I was good at math ‘for a girl.’ I couldn’t believe that a female teacher would qualify my skills like that. That interaction has pushed me to show my former teacher that I’m good at math or any other subject not ‘or a girl’ but ‘as a person.’” ~Maggie DeMilt
Meet Maggie DeMilt, a 16 year-old from New Jersey who uses gender biases to fuel her aspirations. Maggie was first interested in technology because of her captivation with how the camera can capture priceless moments on film. Now, she’s finding a way to use her determination and sportsmanship as goalie of her lacrosse team to guide her in her study of computer programming. Read more about Maggie in our Q&A.
Q&A with Maggie DeMilt:
What does being part of the Girls Who Code movement mean to you?
Girls Who Code means home for me.
Why “home?”
It created an environment that has given me the motivation and confidence to pursue anything and everything that I am passionate about. The has pushed me to strive to always do my best and work through my frustrations. They say home is where the heart is and my heart is always with Girls Who Code.
What was your dream job growing up?
I wanted to be a photographer because I liked the idea of capturing a beautiful moment on film. The logic behind the technology of the camera also sparked my curiosity.
Do you still want to be a photographer?
Even though photography still fascinates me, I no longer aspire to be a photographer. I now hope to be a computer scientist and create technology that inspires girls around the world the same way my camera inspires me.
Why did you apply to the Summer Immersion Program or join a club?
Technology has always been a large interest of mine and when I was eligible to participate in my school’s Java elective class, that further piqued my interest. I wanted to know as much as I could about computers and coding. My mom saw an article about and she told me to consider applying.
What was the hardest part of learning to code?
It’s accepting failure. In computer science, trial and error should be expected. It’s unheard of to get everything completely correct on the first try. Don’t get me wrong, failure is frustrating. The only way to move on from it, though, is to persevere through it.
Have people stereotyped you because you are a girl who codes?
When I was little, I had a female teacher tell me I was good at math… ‘for a girl.’ I couldn’t believe that a female teacher would qualify my skills like that. That interaction has pushed me to show my former teacher that I’m good at math or any other subject not ‘for a girl’ but ‘as a person.’
I still experience these types of stereotypes. When I say that I code, many people automatically believe that I’m lying, are confused or believe that the quality of my work is inferior.
Why is it important to teach girls computer science?
Everyone, no matter the age, gender or religion should try coding. It affects almost every aspect of life in every part of the world. By teaching girls computer science, we give girls a bigger opportunity to run the world.
How has coding made you feel more confident?
Every time I finish a program, I feel accomplished. Not many people know how to code and honestly it feels good to know something that a lot of people don’t. I also feel like I can truly insert my personality into whatever I code. Having control over technology makes me feel powerful and confident.
Tell us about a time you overcame failure?
When I was coding a pretty challenging program. I was supposed to make a looping background similar to Super Mario Bros. I couldn’t figure out how to manipulate my code to function properly. After accepting that I was wrong, I asked for help. I was then able to solve the issue with the help of a person who understood the code. While it was humbling to admit that I didn’t have the answer, it made me realize the benefits of teamwork.
How does code tie to your other passions?
I am goalie for my lacrosse team at my school and very proud of it #VILLAX! I love being a goalie because I am the last line of defense and the support for my team. Being a goalie can be REALLY frustrating when points add up because I was unable to stop a ball from going in the net. It’s the same frustration as in coding when you don’t know how to fix something. In both, when I get frustrated, I take a step back and look at the big picture. Rather than look at the past, I look at what’s next.
Follow Maggie:
- Snapchat: magsters23
Interested in learning how to code?
Leslie Landis: Popcorn & Pop Culture Enthusiast
“My parents always say I can’t go without my phone and I always answer back with yes I can. One day I thought to myself, can I?” ~Leslie Landis
Meet Leslie Landis, a 16 year-old from New York City who has a popcorn addiction, counts YouTube and Project Runway as her guilty pleasures and as an experiment to see how much her life depended on technology. After her cell phone fast, Leslie wants to use her coding ability to educate the world about global issues.
Read more about Leslie in our Q&A.
Q&A with Leslie Landis:
What does the Girls Who Code movement mean to you?
Before Girls Who Code, I never saw myself as a coder or an engineer. gave me not just valuable coding skills but a valuable opportunity: to see myself in a whole new way. Now, I see myself as someone who can take on a big industry regardless of the gender gap. I am a more able, confident, and ambitious girl with big dreams and I want to share that with everyone around the world.
What was your dream job growing up? What’s your dream job now?
Growing up, I wanted to be on Project Runway and start my own fashion empire. I loved Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn so much and i still watch that show!
Now, I want to be the CEO of my own social media empire.
Why do you want to be a CEO?
I love being a leader and helping people get to their end goal. In group projects, I like guiding people through every step.
Why did you apply to the Summer Immersion Program?
I thought that coding would be a very helpful life skill, especially since I want to start my own company.
Did you always like computers?
Growing up, computers were just for doing my homework. I wasn’t really that interested in computers until I realized that there was a whole industry around it.
Do people ever stereotype you for being a girl who codes?
When I tell my friends that I like to code, I’m put in a “STEM” bubble. I’m so much more than that, though. I’m a writer, a reader and I love art. I’m not just the girl who codes.
What was the hardest part of learning to code?
It’s making sure not to second guess my talent. I’ve had to learn to trust myself.
Why do you think it’s important to teach girls computer science?
I think that computer science has been unfairly labeled as a boy’s job just because it falls under a STEM category and not a Humanities category. It’s the 21st century, but girls and are still growing up in a world where they’re told that they cant go into STEM or they’re not naturally good at math and science. Teaching girls computer science is the first step to breaking these labels of what boys are good at and what girls are good at.
How has coding made you feel more confident?
In school, when I’m intimidated about a new project or subject, I think back to when I first learned to code and how intimidated I felt. Everyone starts off as a beginner.
Do you think coding is creative?
People assume that STEM is very strict and computational but it’s actually really creative. You have to think outside the box and be creative in the way that you problem solve.
What problems do you want to solve with code?
I like the impact that social media has on people because news spreads faster and people are more easily informed about global topics and issues.
With that being said, will you ever give up your phone again?
IT WAS SOOO HARD but I learned a lot about how reliant I am on my phone and technology in general. I’m not sure if I’d choose to do it again.
Follow Leslie:
- Snapchat: xoxoluvleslie
Interested in learning how to code?
Kaitlin Gu: #FlawlessHacker
“It is rare to meet people that will make a lasting impact on your life and I had the luck of meeting 20 of them. These girls are my friends, my family, and my number 1 supporters and I will never forget them.” - Kaitlin Gu on
Meet Kaitlin Gu, a senior in college whose ultimate goal is to make an impact and she is. Learn more about how Kaitlin is pairing her love of music with technology and helping inspire our in the Q&A below.
Q&A with Kaitlin Gu:
What did you want to be growing up? What do you aspire to be now?
Growing up, I wanted to be an accountant. I didn’t really know what it meant - and if I’m being honest, I still don’t really know - but my mom told me that it was an important job and I wanted to be important. At 7 years old, there were no courses for how to be an accountant so it was difficult to maintain that aspiration. However, the desire to make a significant impact still hasn’t gone away.
Now, as I’m about to graduate college, I get the question, “So, what is it that you want to do?” almost every day. The truth is, I don’t really know. There are a lot of roles that are appealing to me: teacher, software engineer, designer, etc. What I aspire to be in all of these roles is the same as it was when I was 7: important.
What is your definition of important?
To have a meaningful impact. For instance, Girls Who Code was very meaningful - or important - to me. Some people might think important ties to fame but that’s not it for me, it’s about affecting peoples’ lives.
Were you always interested in computers?
Yes and no. My brother always played on the computer so it was really hard to get access to it. I loved the access I had when I finally got ahold of it. I wish I had gotten more time with it.
What made you apply to be a TA at Girls Who Code?
I wanted to be a because I wanted to make an impact on young girls’ lives. I didn’t have the opportunity to do computer science in high school, and I wanted to help give that opportunity to others.
What was unexpected was the impact that my students made on my life. They gave me courage, confidence, and a family that I could go to if ever need be. If you (the reader of this blog) are asking me if you should join the Girls Who Code movement by or applying for the , I will always answer yes! You not only get to learn how to code but you build a network of people who are your #1 champions.
Is coding creative?
Of course! I create things all the time with code. I get to do a lot of projects that I’m really passionate about. Recently, my friend and I did a printing project for our school where you could see which printers are broken. There were pictures of computers that worked and computers that were broken. So, you could see where you could print based on these images.
Another thing that I made was Meowsic, which was a hack for a hackathon that I helped run at Spotify. You can bring together any song and then add meows to the downbeat of the song.
That sounds like the most fun app ever! Was it hard to create the app? Do you think coding us hard?
The hardest part about coding is the initial confidence gap. I remember having this sense that computer science was incomprehensible unless you were a natural born talent. And you feel even more like an outsider when you don’t see a lot of people that look like you. The truth is, most people feel this way. So much in fact that there’s a name for it: “impostor syndrome.” Unfortunately, more women are likely to feel this way. This feeling doesn’t ever go away, which I don’t necessarily think is a bad thing. It means that you feel like you can always learn more and that is always true. What’s important is to not let those feelings get in the way of your own desire to learn.
Why do you think it’s important to teach girls Computer Science?
It’s interesting, you can immerse yourself in supportive environments that empower you and make you feel like you can do anything that you want! Every so often, though, you will meet someone outside of that environment that makes you question everything you’ve ever accomplished because of your identity. Those moments happen from time to time and they stick out more than I’d like.
I remember feeling weird being the only female developer at my job and not being assigned projects. I would wonder if it was because of my gender. I was also paid less than my male peers. At my school’s club fest, people scoffed at the existence of a women in the computing club. Those moments are the hardest because they fabricate doubt and doubt is incredibly dangerous. What has always saved me is a power pose. Just standing like I’m superwoman for about one or two minutes reminds me that I AM superwoman. I tell myself everything that I’ve accomplished, everything I’ve worked for and stand like I have all the power in the world and it shuts down all the noise.
Would you say that coding has made you feel more confident?
Working through a problem, struggling through it and then solving it gives me an immense amount of confidence. When I wrote my first “Hello World” program in Java, I did a little dance after. Fast forward two years and I’m debugging a lab for operating systems and doing the same dance when a program runs. The ability to look at my code, understand how it works, and being able to point to that program and say “I did that” makes for a great feeling. What ultimately makes me the most confident is being able to give that feeling to another person by teaching them how to code. Giving someone the ability to celebrate their code and claim ownership of it is so rewarding and I hope that I can always offer that to others.
Tell us about a time you overcame failure.
The worst thing about failure is that sometimes it can really consume you. I remember quitting a job prematurely, and I felt like a complete failure. Then, I started feeling like a failure for not being able to get over that failure quickly enough. In hindsight, I realize that in quitting that job, I was standing up for my values. Despite promises of a paycheck, I worked there for a long time without any compensation, the work was not challenging enough for me and took up time that I could have been dedicating to honing my skills or bettering myself in some way. Nevertheless, at the time I was panicking. I would try to reason with myself, telling myself that successful people will fail at one time or another, that I would be ok. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that if I were to put this job on my resume, the previous employer would make sure that I would never get hired again. I viewed these feelings as an even deeper sign of failure, and I tried to suppress them immediately.
I think is is important to let yourself feel like a failure. No one can ride on the highs of their successes forever. You need to be taken down sometimes so that you can learn from your mistakes and rise up even higher.
How does computer science tie to your other passions?
I help organize a hackathon called the . I strongly encourage everyone who is reading this to attend! I don’t really know much about music - I’ve been told I’m tone deaf by a variety of people- but I love it. I thought I would never be able to pursue my music passion but Monthly Music Hackathon provided me with a space to do it.
What advice would you give to another girl to inspire her to code?
The biggest hindrance I find in computer science is people saying, “Oh, you don’t look like the type of person who would code.” There isn’t a typical type. Look for mentors who tackle that standard. A lot of people think I can code because I’m Asian. It’s a back-handed and racist compliment.
Can we come to one of your hackathons?
NYU WinC is the largest community of technical women at NYU, with over 200 members and we’re throwing a hackathon called on April 16. We’re bringing together over 100 women engineers from the greater New York area and from colleges such as NYU, Columbia, Barnard, Pace, and Cooper Union for a day of coding, mentorship and awesome projects!
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Udacity + Girls Who Code Clubs Hackathon: Social Impact Winners!
Sowmya, Chris, Ishika & Gauthami, Girls Who Code Club Members and winners of Udacity’s Hackathon on March 17, 2016!
& Girls Who Code Clubs’ Hackathon to get girls interested in STEM resulted in many creative ideas from a TV show called “Keeping Up With The Kodeashians” to a YouTube series to a game that codes to your favorite pop song. We’re definitely taking notes!
However, it was team Post-It Accordion that took home the social impact prize for their idea, “STEP UP.” Learn more about “STEP UP” and team Post-It Accordion in our Q&A below.
Q&A with Sowmya, Chris, Ishika & Gauthami (Team Post-It Accordion):
What is “Step Up?”
Chris: It creates coding centers with computers and internet access in rural communities in India that teach computer literacy as well as provide tutoring and academic help.
What inspired this idea?
Ishiki: It was actually personal for some of us. My dad lived in a rural part of India and he was the only person in his community to get out of that and into a tech career. He inspired his peers and women in his community to follow suit. That domino effect is what we wanted to reflect in our project.
Why the name “Step Up?”
Sowmya: We want girls in India to step up by learning to code so they can rise up against their circumstances.
Why did you learn to code?
Gauthami: My dad is a programmer and I never really understood what he did. I decided to learn to code because I was curious.
Chris: I joined my robotics team in freshman year of high school. I was definitely more of a mechanical person but wanted to understand how to program the robot. Now, I understand all aspects of robotics and am more easily able to communicate with my team.
Sowmya: I was curious about what I’d be able to create with code.
Ishika: I’ve always been first and foremost an artist. I never thought I’d want to do something with technology but I realized that tech is a growing field and ties to ever industry. I’d like to use coding and technology and go into video game design or something creative. I can translate coding into art.
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