In Her Words: CS gives you the tools to build your idea
By: Girls Who Code Alumni, Estella Fucelli
When I think back at the people who have had the most impact on my personal journey, it is impossible to leave out my sister, Elettra. Although I dislike admitting it, I have come to realize the importance she has had—and still has — in molding my outlook on life. Her passion, which accompanies her in every endeavor, her resiliency, which has allowed her to deal with the many
setbacks that came her way and, lastly, her ambition, which has always pushed her to achieve great things, are all qualities I strive to imitate.
As one of the few female computer science students of her class, my sister always pushed me to pursue technology. It wasn’t until the summer of 2017 that I actually decided to listen to her advice and apply to the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program. This was the first time I became aware of the gender gap in technology and the impact organizations like Girls Who Code have had in enabling positive change.
The summer I spent learning how to code will always hold a special place in my heart because it not only taught me the technical skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world but it most importantly educated me on the values of bravery and sisterhood. In terms of bravery, I intend it as
understood by Girls Who Code. Their definition encompasses resiliency, persistence, and ambition. It is all about not being afraid of taking risks. And believe me when I tell you that the organization doesn’t simply stop at telling you to be brave but rather it makes it their mission to teach you how to do it. It also creates a space in which you are surrounded by other women and girls whose only wish is to see you succeed. It is a unique place where collaboration, rather than competition, is encouraged and where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to realize a common vision.
Once the Summer Immersion Program ended, I was full of hope for what the future could bring. I decided it was time for me to start challenging predetermined ideas and seek a way to positively disrupt my reality. Thus far you may have imagined that I went on to pursue a degree directly related to technology but, surprisingly or not, I decided to choose a different path. Although I have immense admiration for those who study computer science and its related fields, I decided to study International Relations in Washington, D.C. You may have noticed that, earlier on, I used the term “directly related” when discussing the connection between technology and my degree choice. This word choice was very intentional. Although these two disciplines are not directly related, their connection exists in the sense that they complement each other perfectly. International Relations teaches you how to critically think about the world and how to better grasp people’s different realities. In this field there is no right answer, everyone has their own stance. Because of this, you learn how to ask questions about the world and how to find the information you need to fulfill such inquiry. Then, once you have crafted your unique perspective, you are able to enact change where change is needed. This is where computer science comes in. It gives you the tools to actually execute and build your idea.
This summer, I was lucky enough to be granted the opportunity to work as an intern at Girls Who Code. Here, I assist the international expansion team in their mission to bring free coding programs to girls across the world. Working with these incredibly driven individuals has opened a whole new world to me. It has shown me that my two biggest passions, international relations, and technology, can be bridged.
Estella Fucelli is a student at American University studying International Relations. She is spending the 2019 summer interning for Girls Who Code on their International Expansion team. She participated in the 2017 Summer Immersion Program at Adobe Systems.
