On Tuesday afternoon, I was abruptly removed from my comfortable sofa perch in the Medium office, the only place I ever called home. After a long journey (I wasn’t even offered a beverage or pretzels) stuffed in a dark suitcase, I emerged fairly disgruntled at having been displaced from my home in San Francisco.

My grumpy mood was soon turned around when I realized where I was—Grace Hopper Celebration for Women in Computing! I had heard amazing things around the Medium office about GHC but never imagined that I, as a penguin (and a male one), would have the chance to attend.

Quickly, I put my leadership skills to work organizing the rest of the Medium team in setting up our booth and arranging t-shirts, though I was a bit miffed that they didn’t come in penguin sizes.

When the career fair doors opened, I had a bit of a fright—I hadn’t expected so many people at the fair!

For the next few days, it was all hands—and wings—on deck at the career booth. I didn’t expect to be quite so popular, and as a very dignified penguin, I was a little embarrassed by all the attention.

I was also a little bit afraid of being left alone at the booth, for fear of someone mistaking me for free schwag.