In October 2016, I was scrolling down my Facebook feed and saw a post from the New York Times, about gender barriers.
Obviously, this is a topic dear to me. I clicked on the link and realized they were asking for females to share their stories on gender barriers they have faced.
I pondered on if anything in my life would be significant enough for me to share and decided, the worst thing that could happen in that they do not publish my story.
So I went for it. In all honesty, I couldn't even remember what I wrote as I did not think to much of it. I was just sharing my story as authentically as I could.
The next evening, I got an email stating that NYT was interested in publishing my story! I couldn't believe it!!
I was put in touch with a photographer, Kevin D. Liles, who was amazing enough to send me the beautiful picture which was used on the article. HIs website is kevindliles.com, please tell him I sent you!
Things moved quickly and before i knew it the story was out. I actually found out through my boss at work who sent an email blast to my co-workers and the faculty, congratulating me.
I also got this email from the NYT which meant a lot to me:
"Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful story with us about encountering a gender barrier. We are so grateful that you took the time to tell us about your moments of triumph and defeat. We received more than 1,000 submissions..."
I was amazed that out of over 1,000 stories mine stood out. I feel so blessed to have been able to share my story with others! It was an amazing experience as I had people reaching out to me on LinkedIn and Facebook telling me to keep striving and reach for the starts.
Please read the article if you have not already! It is a compilation of stories from women from all walks of life and ages. I am under the "...Technology Wasn't for Me" section. You can find the article here.
Here is my submission:
"I am a senior at Georgia State University and a double major in computer information systems and business management. I encounter gender barriers daily but a common one would be the shocking reaction I get when people find out that I am interested in information technology. I get that reaction from people I’ve just met as well as from men in my cohort. That a young woman would be remotely interested in this field genuinely baffles people. It has been hard to stay motivated, but I do it for all the little girls who are told what they can and cannot do."
Love and blessings always,
Faridah