Girls, especially, I encourage you to get out there to do activities in your field like social events, programs, internship, volunteers.
In my college time, I joined a lot of social events related to technology. It opened me up to the world of possibilities and inspirations. It gave me new things to be curious about and at another level I could imagine, and more courage. I always to tried to get as many of my friends as possible to join too, although it’s not easy. I learned new things and got to know many amazing people, some of them are still my friends and mentors now.
In youth, you are supposed to be energetic and try a lot of things.
Besides social events, joining programs, scholarships, competitions and internship/volunteer, are also important. I used to be a volunteer and then an organizer at BarCamp. My life changed a lot because I got to do things I never had done and know people who pushed me to maximize my potential, and it’s not limited to technical skills. Not only the learning from the event and people, but networking with more people also gave me the opportunities to do more web development project to extend my skills and expertise in my field.
Now, as I am glad to take part in a program called Web Development and UX/UI employment skills program as a trainer with the Sisters of Code, a non profit program initiated by IT Step Academy and funded by LED. It’s a meaningful project to help increase the balance of women in tech, raise awareness, and support girls in their technology career journey if they ever have their interest in it. In the program, I get to share my knowledge, experience, know-how and build relationship with young girls, hoping they feel supported despite being in this male dominated industry. It’s fun and intensive at the same time, but I see more than just them coming to learn. I view this program as a training on all skills necessary together as a family. Most students could build strong bond with each other due to interactive sessions and they stay friends, who knows if they could also build something big together in the future? More importantly, after a batch, more trainers are produced, meaning some students from the program step up and become trainers for other types of programs that focus on improving computer and technology literacy, especially in the provinces. This is contagious and impactful!
I mean it when I say I love my current version, because it’s intentionally crafted to my desire and ambition. Life doesn’t always go your way, but there are still a lot of possibilities, and sometimes you only find out later why things happen the way they are. I learned many things the hard way, but that’s what make it interesting and rewarding. I do things at my own pace, and you, too, have your own pace and timezone.
I always tell me students that to get better at what you do, especially, to master a new skills, practice is the key like the known phrase “Practice makes perfect”.
Everything we do stretches us and we become a new version – always.
