My Journey as a Female Computer Scientist: Passion and Persistence

My fascination with computer science has a long and interesting history, dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. Consumer style computers were emerging, and only a handful of universities were offering Computer Engineering BS Degrees at the time. I had a strong feeling that this field would explode, and I wanted to be part of its early growth.

I remember the sense of excitement and potential during those early days. ldquo;I had a feeling the field would explode, and wanted to get in on the ground floor,rdquo; I recall. As it turned out, I was right. It became a wonderful career path, offering opportunities in academia, government, and private industry alike.

Years later, I delved even deeper into the field. In 2012, when I was 24 years old, I was inspired by the keynotes at the Google I/O. The technology they were showcasing was revolutionary, and I knew I wanted to be part of the field that was transforming the world. That day, I decided to start learning to code, beginning with JavaScript.

Since then, my journey in computer science has been both challenging and rewarding. I have expanded my knowledge to include a wide array of programming languages and tools, such as HTML5, CSS3, C, C , PHP, MySQL, Ruby, and more. I have also broadened my skills to include setting up a web server and exploring testing frameworks like Jasmine.

Navigating my career in tech meant not just coding but also networking and attending industry events. My first major conference was the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Technology, a powerful experience that would shape my professional outlook. After that, I began applying for jobs that aligned with my skills and interests, and in December of the same year, I landed my current position.

Challenges and Surprises

Embarking on this career path wasn’t without its challenges. There were naysayers who thought I was crazy and couldn’t understand my motivations. They questioned why I would want to pursue this field. But my husband has been an incredible cheerleader and resource throughout my journey. His support has been invaluable.

Despite the doubts, my passion for coding and my dedication to learning and problem-solving remained strong. ldquo;To be successful, you have to apply yourself, never stop learning, and give your 100 percent,rdquo; I reflect. ldquo;Put your employer at your mercy with your knowledge and problem-solving expertise, and you will always have job security.rdquo;

Continuing the Journey

My commitment to computer science remains unwavering. I am now applying to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science to continue expanding my knowledge and skills. My primary focus is on writing code, a passion that I plan to pursue throughout my career.

In conclusion, my journey as a female computer scientist has been enriching, and I will not stop anytime soon. Whether it’s debugging complex algorithms, optimizing performance, or contributing to groundbreaking projects, I am dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of technology. For any aspiring female computer scientists out there, my advice is simple: follow your passions, stay curious, and never give up. Success is within reach.