What excites me the most about getting into tech/web development is the opportunity to expand on my creativity and learn new information to help others. Tech is something that has rapidly evolved and changed over the recent years. I am grateful to have grown up with tech and learned to acclimate myself to the rapid changes. Through the years I have watched my parents struggle with the use of technology. They have never been tech savvy, as they grew up in a developing country that isolated them from access to technology. This inaccessibility has resulted in their struggle to navigate computer and smartphone interfaces. I also find myself confused at times when trying to navigate certain web pages because of their poor development. As someone currently learning about front-end design, I am on a mission to make my web designs as accessible to anyone as possible, regardless of how long the user has been exposed to tech. 

After completing the Codetalk program I plan on using the knowledge that I have acquired to open an online store for art commissions. I have always been fascinated by art because it is a form of self-expression that shows us more about a person than words can explain. Art adds color and livens the world around us. The first time I was truly inspired, was when I visited my grandmother’s house in Guatemala. I remember walking into her house and being astonished by the paintings that she proudly hung on the wall. The paintings consisted of an underlayer of acrylic and had an overlay of glass pieces. I later found out that she used broken glass bottles and candy wrappers to create her designs. This was an impactful moment for me because it taught me that creativity didn’t have to fit a mold. It taught me that I was allowed to think outside the box and create without the fear of being judged. As I’ve matured and gained extensive experience in this field, I am committed to assisting others in realizing their artistic visions. 

After completing Codetalk, my immediate goal is to finish my bachelor’s degree. This journey has been challenging; I initially entered college without a clear direction. I started my studies at San Jose State University back in 2017 and dropped out shortly after. I completed my general education courses and was on track to choosing my major. After the two-year mark, I was told I had to make a decision and choose a major or I would be dismissed. I decided on child development because I had cared for children in the past and enjoyed it. I later got offered a job at a child development center as a toddler’s teacher assistant and was on my way to becoming a teacher. Ultimately, my work in that field made me realize it wasn’t my true passion. Codetalk altered my trajectory, providing a transformative opportunity in the tech field, and sparking newfound motivation and optimism for my career goals. Realizing that I could do more with my hobbies and use tech/web development to create a portfolio was the push that I needed to redirect my academic focus toward design. Having applied to colleges back in November of 2023, I am currently waiting for admission decisions, eager to embark on this new journey.

A barrier that I am concerned about is the gender imbalance in the tech industry, where men significantly outnumber women. The tech field is a male-dominated workforce, and as seen throughout history, it is difficult for women to climb the ladder. In a women’s studies course, I took in college, I read about a phenomenon called the “glass escalator.”. This refers to men entering women-dominated fields, getting paid more, and being promoted faster than women. As a woman of color, I face additional barriers. To combat this, I am maintaining a positive outlook and making sure that I am proud of the work I produce. Building connections and remaining open to any opportunities within the tech field that may arise is also something that I am actively working towards. As someone who hopes to someday work at a tech company, I am using what I learn along the way to make sure these obstacles don’t stump my professional growth.

Another barrier I am worried about is my ability to effectively market myself and my business. This is due to limited prior experience in business advertising and ownership. I know that this will be a learning curve, however, I am aware there are free resources I can utilize. Watching content on YouTube and listening to creators talk about their experiences is beneficial because it offers insight into what strategies to avoid. Moreover, I think enrolling in an advertising course at my local community college could serve as a step in the right direction in regards to overcoming this obstacle. I also think it’s important to note that making mistakes is a crucial part of the learning process. All I can do is learn from my mistakes and not let them weigh me down.