Get inspired

Be Confident.
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Be Confident.

Hey there!

My name is Kim and I have been working in the Technology field for 27 years. I would like to share a few things to encourage you in your journey in the STEM field. There are many in- demand occupations in the STEM field and it is more important and promising now than ever to be a part of building the future. Statistics show that students with STEM degrees find themselves immediately employed because of the growing demand. Skills of STEM studies are people who can problem solve and think analytically, which can be intriguing to most hiring managers. The biggest piece of advice I can give you would be to find a mentor. Find someone who is willing to spend time teaching techniques and processes, but also someone who takes an interest in your long-term advancement. And Lastly, do your research! Some Companies offer internships that provide a chance for girls and women to learn more about different possibilities in the STEM fields. Oftentimes, you will find a Company that also offers job shadowing programs or career days. Job shadowing allows those interested in a specific field to follow an individual already working in that field for a day or a given amount of time.

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Diversity is important.
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Diversity is important.

Hello,

I hope this letter finds you energized and ready to create. I wanted to write a letter of support for you, your peers and the organization. For too long, we have lacked diversity in the technology field. Diversity is important, aside from just being the right thing to do, because it allows for diversity of thought in approaching challenges and opportunities.

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Pace yourself.
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Pace yourself.

Hey there!

My best advice for efficient studying is to schedule and plan when you will study as well as to pace yourself. Start by ensuring you pick times when you will be ready to focus for a defined period of time. Plan to study when you are fed, not tired and will not be interrupted. I have found that for myself I need to break and then return to my task after an hour at most so that I am not losing focus.

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Put in the extra effort.
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Put in the extra effort.

Hey There!

I would like to take a moment to write about a school tip that has carried me through my school and professional career. The guiding principle that I have utilized is the more you put into it, the more you get out. It doesn’t matter whether you are playing a sport, studying for school, or in your professional career, this principle will serve you well. It is easy to go through life by just doing enough to get the job done, however if you want to excel at anything you are doing, you will need to put in the extra effort. If you have a future dream or goal then this is a great way to accomplish them. I know there are many competing interests that take up your time but if you keep focus on what you want to accomplish and work hard towards it then you will be successful.

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Failure isn’t something to be feared.
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Failure isn’t something to be feared.

Hey there!

Choosing an education or career in STEM means that you are embarking on an incredible journey of inspiration and innovation. The giants that came before you lit the torch, but it is your determination, your intelligence, and your potential that carry it forward now, into a brighter future for all of humanity. Each line of code is a reflection of your creativity and your perseverance. Each written program, the possibility of progress and inclusion that only your unique perspective can bring. 

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STEM is in high demand.
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STEM is in high demand.

Hey there!

I want to congratulate you on choosing to build a career in STEM. I have worked in the technology field for 20 years and have found it to be rewarding and very uplifting. Your choosing a field that is at the forefront of innovation that will allow for you to be a part some future groundbreaking discoveries and advancements that will ultimately shape our future.

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Dream big.
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Dream big.

Hey there!

I am so excited to be writing to you and encouraging you to pursue your STEM career!

My advice to you would be to dream big and believe in yourself. Create small goals that lead to your big goals. Focus on achieving those small goals, and celebrate your successes. Think about what you did and what others did that helped you be successful. Then apply that for the next goal.

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Knowledge is power.
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Knowledge is power.

Hey there!

As a former BLACK GIRL, now a BLACK WOMAN in the STEM field – I am so proud of each and every one of you for pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering and/or math. Always remember that knowledge is power. It is a key that can open all doors. There may be times when things do not go exactly as you want them to – but never ever give up. Never ever let anyone make you feel less than. Always believe in yourself and your abilities and never be afraid to ask for help if you need it. I look forward to hearing great things about each of YOU---our intelligent, talented, beautiful, amazing future creators and innovators.

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You totally got this.
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You totally got this.

Hey there!

I wanted to write to you about S.T.E.M. and introduce myself to you! I am very excited to be reaching out to you to encourage you and provide a few words from my experience. My name is Anna and I’ve been in the Project Management profession for over 30 years supporting the technology industry. Times have changed very much since I was growing up and put myself through college and I believe that there are a world of opportunities for girls to pursue a path in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Face it, the world really needs YOU! Everything around us is grounded in S.T.E.M. If you think about, beautiful nature that is all around us with butterflies, my favorite, they are absolute marvels of science.

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Go after your dreams.
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Go after your dreams.

Hey there!

Hello Future Coder – So proud of you! Always go after your dream and never let anyone tell you that you cannot do anything!

I am a 41 year old female and I just got my degree less than 6 months ago. It is never too late in your life to do anything. I would encourage you to go to college while you are still young. However, if it is not possible, never give up the dream!

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Grow your knowledge.
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Grow your knowledge.

Hey there!

I have just learned about Black Girls Code and am so excited to see that you have an opportunity to break the mold that has (unfortunately) been set for girls of color in the technology field and encourage you to give everything you have to succeed at this and grow your knowledge in technology.

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Be you.
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Be you.

Hey there!

So Excited for this journey you are on! I am a Client Partner for Verizon Wireless and we work to help companies with all things Digital! I am a part of a team that wants to help you grow and become an awesome Coder to help move technology forward.

Good for you for stepping out and being one of the first young black girls to code! Knowledge is Power and you will be able to be a leader with your peers and so many others.

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Remain humble.
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Remain humble.

Hey there!

Never give up – Take the small wins, a little progress each day adds up to big results.

Work hard – Good things come to those who make the effort and hustle.

Remain humble – Silent workers let their success make the noise.

Keep smiling – Your smile makes life more beautiful.

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Keep going.
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Keep going.

Hey there!

I just wanted to take some time to encourage you on your academic endeavor. I think that this is an awesome program and I am glad that you are a part of it! I watched a video on the program and it looks challenging but please don’t ever get discouraged or give up. You are setting a path for many girls behind you and leaving a legacy. By learning to code and doing the things that you are doing now, you are paving a way for a great career or an opportunity to own your own business. Also, keep positive people around you. Oftentimes others may try to discourage you. Sometimes it comes from the people closest to you. Just remember, anything is possible if you believe in yourself!!

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Your work matters.
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Your work matters.

Hey there!

First & foremost I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Jonathan and I work as a Sr. Solution Architect in the Global Enterprise at Verizon. Wow! I am so honored and EXCITED to be writing specifically to you. I can still remember as a young teenager being encouraged by a working professional. That encouragement was to always have a positive mindset and truly believe you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

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Path to success.
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Path to success.

Hey there!

YOU ARE A STEM AMBASSADOR 

WHAT IS STEM -> STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) has been a powerful engine of prosperity in the US since World War II.

You are on a great path to success. 

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You deserve a seat at the table.
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You deserve a seat at the table.

Hey there!

I’m super excited that you have chosen to explore STEM. I was really moved by the comment about having a voice in the future in the video. You deserve a seat at the table where your voice can be heard and you can have an impact on the future.

I’ve had many times where I felt out of place as a woman in tech. Thank you for paving the way for future generations to continue to bring diversity and awesomeness to the tech field.

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Speak up.
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Speak up.

Hey there!

My name is Erica and I work for Verizon and have owned Tech Operations for multiple channels within the company. I’d like to first say, I am so proud of you! What a great career you have chosen. I have worked in Tech related fields for many years now and I often find myself as the only female in the room. There are times that you may find yourself in the same situation but be proud of that. Remember that you are smart, talented and you deserve to be in the room. Never be afraid to speak up in those meetings. Never be afraid to challenge the way things work. You may have a better way to do it so make sure you share!

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Blaze a new path.
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Blaze a new path.

Hey there!

First of all You Rock!

At first glance technology and equipment can seem overwhelming at times. This is no different from any other new experience in life. Once you get going it will be just as easy as brushing your teeth in the morning.

You stepping up to take on coding says a lot about how powerful, intelligent and strong you are. You are taking steps to blaze a new path for a better world for society.

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The world is yours.
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The world is yours.

Hey there!

As a woman working in a telecom environment, I have so much enthusiasm, excitement and support for a smart, capable, motivated girl like you who is interested in the technical world. I work in Human Resources but support over 5K NYC and Long island, NY management and frontline technicians who meet with customers every day as they install their phone, internet and video services. This is the most exciting work right now with our men and women technicians and managers having the opportunity to provide what is now considered an “essential” service to customers (Covid 19 made this more clear than ever.) Nothing is better than being able to turn on that internet service and see the smiles, hear the thank yous from grateful customers who use all of these important data/media connections to move the world forward.

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