This is a submission for the WeCoded Challenge: Echoes of Experience
👩💻 Introduction: The Struggle You Don't See
I still remember the first time I doubted if I belonged in tech.
I had just started my first coding job, and every meeting felt like a test. Everyone spoke in acronyms I didn’t understand. Conversations moved fast, and I hesitated to ask questions, afraid that if I did, they’d realize I wasn’t "good enough."
I thought I had to figure everything out on my own. I was afraid of looking unqualified. So, I stayed silent. I struggled in isolation. And I almost quit.
🎯 The Moment That Changed Everything
One day, a senior engineer noticed me hesitating and said something that changed my mindset completely:
☝ That hit me hard.
I had spent so much time trying to “prove” I belonged that I forgot that learning is part of the process. No one starts out knowing everything. And those who grow the fastest aren’t the ones who pretend to have all the answers—they’re the ones who ask the right questions.
So, I decided to change the way I approached tech.
💻 Debugging My Mindset: From Isolation to Empowerment
Instead of suffering in silence, I started asking questions. At first, it was uncomfortable. But then something surprising happened:
Every time I asked a question, I noticed something. Others in the room looked relieved.
Because they had the same question.
That’s when I realized: 👇
My struggle with feeling lost wasn’t unique—it was universal.
And by being open about it, I wasn’t just helping myself. I was helping others, too.
I took it a step further. Instead of just asking questions, I started documenting what I learned. I shared notes, wrote articles, and mentored others who felt like I once did. The thing I once saw as my weakness—not knowing everything—became my strength.
Because it made me a better Learner👩🎓. A better Mentor👩🏫. A better Developer👩💻.
✍ The Lesson: You Belong Here
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in tech, I want you to know:
- You don’t have to know everything to succeed.
- Asking questions doesn’t make you weak—it makes you grow.
- Your struggles don’t disqualify you. They make you stronger, more empathetic, and more valuable to those around you.
So, the next time you feel like an outsider, remember this: 👇
You belong here. And your journey—struggles and all—will one day help someone else feel like they belong, too.
💬 Now, I’d Love to Hear From You! 😊
Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome or feeling like you didn’t belong in tech?
What helped you push through?
Drop your story in the comments 💬👇
- By Preethi G
