I am absolutely thrilled at the thought of enrolling in the Women Techsters
Fellowship, as it gives me a rare opportunity to develop my programming skills with
practical industry exposure. I can see this program as a bridge connecting where I
stand now with certain skill sets to be considered relevant in today's workplace
environment, an area of knowledge that a woman blessed with a newly developed
interest in technology is now yearning to acquire.
I love that the strong emphasis on experiential learning resonates perfectly with my
aspiration; to translate theory into practice. I am excited about this mentorship as it
will be an opening to directly contribute to the alignment of my mentor in
establishing appropriate steps toward awakening my career.
Furthermore, I have a dedication to establishing a sisterhood of women in
technology who uplift each other, share knowledge, and support one another's
growth. My steadfastness, willingness to accept feedback, and ability to engage
others make me an excellent candidate for this program. On a more personal level,
my acceptance will allow me to champion diversity and inclusion in tech, bringing
greater benefit to the ecosystem at large.
During the last semester of my college life, I had a big hurdle preparing for a major
final exam in a programming subject. I was confident at first, but later on, I
encountered some of the more difficult concepts that troubled me; most notably,
algorithms and data structure concepts. I said to myself that I ought to do something
about it; I went up to my lecturer and asked for clarification on the topics I felt I had
difficulties with. He also recommended other materials that could strengthen my
understanding, such as coding challenges and online courses. I also approached
some of my classmates who were very knowledgeable in the subject and asked
them for help.
We established a study group that frequently gathered to discuss some of the tough
concepts and solve practice questions. This group work not only gave me alternative
methods of thinking about problem-solving but also created a very healthy place
where we could spur each other on. My understanding deepened tremendously
through our collaboration and I finally ended up with a good mark on the exam. This
experience further solidified my conviction that perseverance and teamwork are key
in anything, as it taught me to appreciate asking for support and collaborating with
others through challenges.
During a university course in planning, I was leading a team that was to propose
revitalizing a neglected park in the community. My role consisted chiefly of
facilitating the coordination of efforts and making sure everyone generated a clear
understanding of their responsibilities. I supported my team by organizing regular
check-ins where we discussed our research activities and difficulties encountered
along the way. As the date of the presentation approached, this was a period of
intense pressure for us. I stepped in with the introduction of shared timelines via
project management tools to effectively prioritize the tasks. The successful delivery
of our proposal was appreciated by our professors and different community
stakeholders. When disagreements arose in design elements and budget allocations,
open discussions were allowed so everyone would be heard. The process was
instrumental in reaching an agreement after including divergent voices. Eventually,
bonding through teamwork and ultimately contributing to a successful proposal for
improving the quality of life in the community.
In my perspective, success is a two-edged sword in the sense that it is both personal
growth and positively impacting other people's lives. It encompasses having
meaningful goals, overcoming challenges, and lifelong learning. Success is not just
about professional achievements but also about building relationships, working for
my community's benefit, and putting those around me in a position to help their
communities.
In two years, I imagine myself standing confidently amongst fellow technologists,
fully qualified through relevant training programs, and practicing my skills in some
capacity under useful projects and internships. I intend to be part of a vibrant team
where I can contribute to the design of innovative technologies for real-world
solutions. Furthermore, I would want to support women in technology initiatives to
help foster inclusivity. Ultimately, I intend to combine my technical capability with my
passion for community work so that I might make a difference in society and my
own life.
