The latest articles on DEV Community by Annie Wang (@anniewang1109). https://dev.to/anniewang1109 https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F61359%2F6615f7e9-d9b4-4f27-8914-14518d03e829.png https://dev.to/anniewang1109 en Annie Wang Thu, 08 Mar 2018 03:00:28 +0000 https://dev.to/anniewang1109/nevertheless-annie-wang-coded--4ff5 https://dev.to/anniewang1109/nevertheless-annie-wang-coded--4ff5 <h2> I began to code because... </h2> <p>It all started when I attended <a href="https://girlswhocode.com/summer-immersion-programs/">Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program</a> (GWC SIP) 2017 at Bank of America. Before this program, I thought coding was too difficult for me and that I wouldn't fit in the coding community; however, GWC SIP proved me wrong. Attending this program was one of the best decisions of my life. I felt like a new, better person after completing the program. The program made me a proud, confident female coder and showed me the power of computer science. I found a new passion, supportive community, and awesome friends! If I could replay that experience, I would've broken the replay button. </p> <h2> I continue to code because... </h2> <p>I want to create and share my innovations with others. I hope my innovations will have a positive impact on the world. I continue to code to show that I can. Girls can! Everyone can! I continue to code in hopes of inspiring others to code. </p> <h2> I want to brag about... </h2> <p>the <a href="https://dr-angelina-messina.glitch.me/">interactive website</a> about Angelina Messina that I made with my two friends and my teacher from GWCSIP (shout-out to Brenda, Taz, and Elana) at <a href="https://github.com/amnh/HackTheDeep/wiki">Hack The Deep</a> in the American Museum of Natural History. Even though the website isn't perfect, I am very proud of it. </p> <h2> I'm excited about... </h2> <ul> <li>GWC reunions!!! </li> <li>attending more hackathons </li> <li>meeting other coders </li> <li>spending the summer developing my coding skills </li> <li>starting my college adventure at Columbia University!</li> </ul> <h2> My advice for other women and non-binary folks who code is... </h2> <ul> <li> <strong>Believe in yourself.</strong> You can and you will! Don't let stereotypes stop you.</li> <li> <strong>Don't give up!</strong> Yes, coding is not easy, but remember why you are coding in the first place and keep going. I promise it is worth it! </li> <li> <strong>Surround yourself with supportive people.</strong> They are the people that you can go to when you feel dishearten and stressed about life and the future. They will recharge you. Cherish them! </li> <li> <strong>Do side coding projects.</strong> Develop your coding skills so that you can build more intricate and powerful programs. </li> <li> <strong>Network, network, network.</strong> Seriously, network. You don't know what opportunities will come your way. </li> <li> <strong>Have fun!</strong> At the end of the day, it's all about enjoying what you do :) </li> </ul> wecoded