Breaking the Coder Stereotype: My Storytelling Journey
Throughout college, it is not uncommon for you to develop that classic introduction spiel about yourself. It contains all the juicy details, like your major, year, and sometimes a hobby or two. Usually, for me, my introduction quickly includes the fact that I’m studying computer science and marketing, pursuing a dual degree that entails a lot of work and carries many stereotypes of both what a coder and business woman look like.
Yet, as I have advanced in my college career and looking towards my next chapter, I realize that there is one identity that always crosses my mind when it comes to what I want to be known for: Storyteller. A collector of people’s life stories and a connector among my peers to help bring their passions to life. It is likely to find me with a messy bun and cup of hot coffee writing away on a cloudy Saturday morning.
Photo by Thom Holmes on Unsplash
In addition, I don’t look like I’m at a desk all day coding. I admit to spending a good amount of time dressing up for the day, with the mentality that you never know what you’ll be doing really during the day — just be prepared for it. I usually am meeting up with a friend at a coffee shop or checking out a new restaurant. I dance to relieve stress. Since January, I’ve been learning Japanese. From the way I socialize to my passions that I talk about, I can almost understand the look of surprise that flits across one’s face when they realize that I’m a computer science student who teaches people how to code with a decent portion of my free time. Trust me, I almost did not see it coming too.
My journey into coding comes from the primary passion of mine that I mentioned: Storytelling. Now, as a kid, I loved putting things together and fixing things around the house with that puzzle-solver attitude my mother instilled in me. I picked things up fast. So, when I came across an online community of writers who were creating all these types of stories and characters, I was ready to learn whatever I had to in order to join. As I got involved further, I realized that these members were not simply writing quality stories together, they were using code and design to bring these characters to life by creating these beautiful character profiles that contained all the details of these imaginative figures. We were constantly pushing each other to come up with new layouts, push the boundaries of our knowledge, and learn skills that would elevate our creative writing roleplay game. Technology was bringing our stories to life.
Photo by Kaitlyn Baker on Unsplash
It was not till a friend of mine, whose passion was computers, had caught me in action at lunch. As he watched the code leave my fingertips, he pointed it out. “You should join AP computer science with me,” he said, nudging me then. I remember looking at him, raising my eyebrows. Till then, my perception of what qualified as coding was very different. I knew my brother coded, and it would look interesting on his screen, but I always just assumed that it would never be something I would actually do.
Before I could answer, he pointed to my phone, “You already are coding. You’d be good at it.”
That was the power of an ally. In that instant, a new story was starting in my mind, one that featured myself as an unconventional type of coder. The rest was history from there. After the class, those puzzle-solving skills and simple desire to learn technology carried me through and I found myself searching for colleges that would enable me to pursue that passion. As time carried on, I realized something. In the past, before my eyes were opened, I had fallen victim to a harmful stereotype. These days, coders are not isolated beings hacking away in a cold basement lost in their own world. No, these days, coders are changing the world, constantly innovating and collaborating with each other — each with their unique style and passions. As a woman in technology, I was no exception. I could make an impact on the world, just like they can.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
Even more, I am in a unique position at this time of the field right now, where my impact can really help pave the way for other women to follow. By mentoring, growing, and staying true to myself, I can continue to break the misconceptions that are placed upon those involved with technology. There is no one type of coder, and that fact alone empowers us to show up 100% at the table. Regardless of what you major in or what school you went to, your passions and experiences are valued and when we accept that, we can make change. When I walk into the room, with heeled boots and a sleek blazer, it may not be the conventional image of a computer scientist. Yet, for me, that is what I envision for myself as a woman in technology. Create your own story and use technology to bring it to life.
