My journey into the world of technology began when my family got a Windows computer back in the day. I remember playing games like Road Rash and exploring educational software my mother had installed. I spent countless hours on that computer, captivated by its possibilities.
It was in school where my passion truly took root. Computer Science was one of our subjects, and I absolutely loved it. The computer lab quickly became one of my favorite places. In the 8th grade, we learned HTML, and I was thrilled by it. During one of our lab exams, I was the only student to complete a website, which significantly boosted my confidence. Up until then, the teachers hadn't taken me seriously, assuming that tech was a "boys' domain."
In pre-university (11th grade), we started learning Python. Unlike most of my classmates who had prior coding experience, I was new to it. Initially, I struggled and felt frustrated, but I was determined to learn. By the beginning of 12th grade, I could solve any problem presented in class.
This led to my first-ever project: a healthcare website using Django and MySQL. I learned a great deal through this project, although the journey wasn't without its challenges. When I signed up to volunteer for a tech event, my teacher dismissed me without even assessing my skills, likely because all the other applicants were boys. This incident was pivotal for me, solidifying my decision to pursue Computer Science.
I enrolled in an engineering college, majoring in Information Science. Over the last three semesters, I have created apps, websites, and UI/UX designs. Despite the ongoing struggle to be taken seriously, I've learned to let my work speak for itself.
I used to think being a woman in tech was a disadvantage, but my experiences have taught me otherwise. It sets me apart and drives me to work harder.