Cohort Stories: Meet Ana
vol. 4, no. 7 — guest post by Ana Paula Malimpensa
Technology was always involved in my life. I witnessed and experienced the dramatic evolution of technology in short periods of time. Given the time I was born, knowing how to manage technological devices is expected. However, for me, technology was just part of my everyday tasks as a young adult. I found myself in a professional crossroad. I didn’t know much about the technology industry, but I knew these were the job of the future. From there I decided to experiment the field. I registered for my Associate’s in Computer Science. It wasn’t until I took my very first Introduction to Computer Language class that I realized the amazing things technology can do. It was fascinating.
I will never forget when I read my first “hello world” on the screen from a program I wrote myself.
I was engaged to learn everything the course had to offer, so I was certain that, even with its challenges, this was the career I wanted to pursue. My curiosity and desire to have a solid understanding of how things work led me to a hardware/software class. During my three years at Bunker Hill I acquired deep knowledge in specific subjects and a broad understanding in a diversity of topics. I earned my Associate’s degree in December 2018 and already had plans to continue my studies. Between my graduation and my final decision to apply for my Master’s, I volunteered as an assistant for a computer class for adults with no computer experience. It made me realize how much technology can do, how much it can be improved and inclusive, an experience that helped to boost my interests in the field. I found out about Hack.Diversity through friends. I was thrilled to learn I shared the same views as Hack.Diversity, and I was appreciative of the program.
Having the opportunity to participate of a program that was just right for me made me feel more confident in myself as a prospective successful professional.
As a Latina, in my late twenties with limited hands-on experience, I knew the job search would be a challenge. Hack came along to change how I envision myself and to be a constant reminder of how much I can contribute to the team. Diversity is necessary everywhere, but especially in the tech industry where there is so much problem solving involved. Hack.Diversity is going to help me get my foot in the door while also changing the scenario in tech industry in the greater Boston area. I am proud to be where I am now and for always being persistent, strong willed, and for never giving up despite the challenges life has put me through.
As a woman, Latina and immigrant to the United States, I felt underrepresented in class, leading me to struggle with professional confidence. Working full time to fully pay for school while pursuing my Associate’s full time was my biggest challenge. I had to give up many things in my personal life, and still graduated with honors. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree at Boston University in Computer Science with a concentration in Security.
Throughout this journey and pretty much my entire life, what has always motivated me is the fact that I want to be better than I was yesterday. I am sure Hack.Diversity came to improve the professional aspect of my life, and I’ll embrace it the same way they embrace their cause.
The programs structure and up-to-date topics will help me to keep up with the industry, as well as prepare me for my very first job. As of now I cannot speak with authority to what my dream job would be, but I do value a healthy working environment, and if I am lucky, something that will fulfill me as a professional. I can see myself working with the innovative technology for the health industry, directly correlated to saving people’s lives. I am excited to begin this new chapter with a team that respects and supports diversity. I am fully committed to the program and engaged in succeeding along with my peers.
