Inspired by Ada Lovelace
A #WomensHistoryMonth post by Swathi Parthibha, a high school student pursuing STEM in New Jersey.
When I was younger, I felt discouraged from exploring computing and technology because of the stereotypes of women in technology that were imposed on me. I was always seen as odd and boyish because my interests such as video games and coding, were not shared by other girls my age. I did not want to be seen as different, which is why I saw working in technology to be an unattainable goal for me. Being young and impressionable, instead of accepting who I was I decided to hide these parts of my life from others in an effort to assimilate with my friends. In retrospect, I realize that by doing this I was essentially stripping away my uniqueness and I’ve since learned to welcome this side of me instead of suppressing it.
In today’s world, it is essential for young women in computing to have powerful figures as role models to enable them to recognize the potential that they possess in a particularly male-dominated field. As an aspiring computer programmer myself, one of my biggest inspirations who has influenced my life in numerous ways is Ada Lovelace.
I first learned about Lovelace early in high school while studying from a C++ textbook in preparation for an engineering exam. We were required to read about the history of the modern computer and the first programming languages. While reading, I noticed that almost all the scientists and mathematicians that contributed to the development of the modern computer were men and the fact that Lovelace was a woman and the first programmer in history, caught my attention immediately.
For some background, Ada Lovelace was a mathematician who worked under Charles Babbage, who is coined by historians today as the “father of the computer.” He developed the differential engine, enabling mathematical calculations to be performed by a machine for the first time. Although the device was meant for purely mathematical purposes, Lovelace saw the potential implications of the device in science and logic in which algorithms could be carried out by these machines. When she was tasked with writing about Babbage’s analytical engine, she added her own notes and theories, which included an algorithm to calculate Bernoulli numbers, effectively making it the first published computer program in history. She gained recognition after her death when in 1953, many engineers took inspiration from her theories in order to develop new computer algorithms, which eventually led to modern-day computing.
After learning that the first computer programmer was a woman, I began to grow more confidence in myself. I felt empowered as I believed that I was capable of achieving more that what may be expected of me, just like Ada Lovelace. Therefore, any time that I feel susceptible to the gender bias, I remember how Lovelace did not let female stereotypes stop her in any way. This has helped me push myself to reach new heights in my growth as an aspiring engineer.
Lovelace has inspired me to pursue my dream of innovating technology despite the gender bias that I may face. Her unique and impressive qualities allowed her to become a pioneer in the field of computer science and technology, and she set a precedent in which I aspire to follow. My career goal is to innovate new technology that can be implemented to improve people’s day-to-day lives like Lovelace did with her contributions to the modern computer. I strongly feel that having Ada Lovelace as my guide will allow me to successfully meet these goals in the future, and I hope that Lovelace can serve as a mentor and inspiration for more young women all around the world.
When I think of Ada Lovelace, I think of innovation, passion, and determination, all qualities that I admire and aspire to possess.
During the time Lovelace lived, it was unusual for a woman to be working in computing, which led her to sign her work with just her initials. Despite this, Lovelace asserted herself as a visionary and pioneer. She showed the world that women in computing are definitely a force to be reckoned with. She is truly a testament to the strength of women all around the world, and for that, she should be honored.
Swathi Parthibha is currently a high school student in New Jersey. She works to spread STEM in her community, especially to young girls, through volunteering and hosting engineering events as part of her robotics team and working in a STEM education center in her town. She was recently selected as a National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing New Jersey Winner, and she also competed at the FIRST Robotics World Championship last year.
