Have you ever thought, “If I could give advice to my younger self, what would I say?” Or told a friend, “If you looked at it this way, things would be easier”?
I’m sure you have because deep down, we all wish someone who has walked the same path could guide us. The truth is, there are many people out there who have gone through the same journey and are now eager to help others. They’re waiting to meet you, to share their stories, and to help their younger selves through you.
Have you ever heard of projects that support women’s presence in engineering? Today, let’s talk about that and about the power of role models.
The Road to a Dream
When I first started university, a friend studying mechanical engineering told me how few women there were in her class. It sometimes made her feel discouraged. Unfortunately, this imbalance still exists in many engineering departments.
But don’t lose hope because there are so many people and initiatives working to change that. And I truly believe that, one day, thanks to people like us who care and take action, this will no longer be an issue at all.
I study computer engineering, and when I was choosing my major, I was inspired by a woman named Zeynep Küçük. Like me, she studied computer engineering at a university in Anatolia, then moved alone to Istanbul for her first job. I discovered her YouTube videos, filmed in her unfurnished apartment with her phone leaning on a water bottle. She was so dedicated and sincere. Her belief in herself inspired me and I wanted to be like her. I wanted to inspire people just like she did. That’s why I chose computer engineering.
The Influence Never Ends
My connection with her didn’t stop there. I followed her on social media, taking inspiration from the ideas she shared. One day, my student club invited her as a speaker to a tech event (DevFest). We met and she hugged me. It might sound simple, but imagine meeting the person who inspired your career choice!
Later, I learned that many other students also chose this field after watching her videos. Isn’t it amazing how five minutes in front of a camera can influence dozens of lives and maybe even help increase the number of women in engineering?
Final Thoughts
Having a role model lights your path. Someone who has been through the same struggles gives you hope that you can succeed too. And one day, you might become that person for someone else. I truly believe in that.
And to all my sisters reading this, I want to say: Find yourself a role model. It will do you goodjust like it did for me. 🌿