Hi my fellow Tech Girls,
As we recognize Girls in ICT Day, I would like to share my journey and thoughts with you as we carve the way for women in ICT.
The Journey – In the beginning
Growing up, I wanted to become a fashion designer because that was my mother’s profession at the time. It was fun working with materials, textures, colours, and patterns. On the other hand, I had a natural curiosity to find out how things worked and a knack for repairing what was broken; traits I got from my father. On some Saturdays, my cousin, Suzette Douglas Gray would take me to work with her where I was introduced to computers. She would leave small tasks for me to complete and upon completion, I would get play Pacman or use Paint to draw. When my primary school (George Headley Primary) started to offer computer classes, I went home and pleaded my case to my parents as to why I should be given the opportunity to participate in these classes. Even though my parents’ joint income was already inflexible, they tried their best to ensure that I was enrolled in the computer classes. Fast forward to high school at Mona High School, my first project involved building an abacus for which I got an E as my final grade. Despite this, I worked extremely hard and managed to maintain an A/B average.
The Journey- Failure a Motivator
In the fourth form at the Charlemont High School, I received a certificate of achievement for getting the highest grade in Information Technology. Upon completion of my secondary education, my mother suggested that I further my studies in the field of accounting at a reputable tertiary institution overseas, specifically, England (not sure why). I told her flat out and I quote,
“If you pay for it, you will waste your money because I don’t like accounts”.
Both my mother and father gave me an ultimatum to figure out if attending Sixth form would be a better option. To be completely honest, I saw the sixth form as an utter waste of my time as I preferred to be working in order to gain my autonomy and become financially independent. In light of this realization, I then decided to attend HEART TRUST/NTA where I signed up for classes in data entry. On the day of registration, my name was called amongst several other students and we were advised that we were enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy programme for IT Essentials. I failed my first test for that class. My grade was 55% and my facilitator, Mr. Andrew Mitchell, told me in no uncertain terms to study hard or I would be booted from the program. After that stern warning, I kept my nose buried in my books, never “missing a beat”, whether studying alone or with my dorm mate Danique Anikey, and sometimes with other students, as we all wanted to succeed. I constantly strived to receive high grades.
The Journey- Progressing by Helping
In my quest to achieve financial independence, I was approached by my Member of Parliament, who asked me the following question: “On completing your program of study, how do you think you could help to develop the constituency?”. Without hesitation, I responded, “By providing access to the internet for youths in the rural areas”. I was tasked with conceptualizing the CAP (Community Access Point) Project for the community of Commodore in Linstead. I had no formal training in Project Management nor as a Systems Analyst. However, with research and adaptability to the role, the project was implemented with the support of the Universal Service Fund (USF).
The Journey- Challenges Hurdles or Stepping Stones?
When I started my degree programme at the University College of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), my biggest challenge came disguised in a programming course called Programming Techniques. I had two excellent lecturers, Mr. Lyndel McDonald and Mr. Sean Thorpe, who were very keen on ensuring that individual learning took place. I managed to pass all my coursework. However, when it came to my final exams, I failed. Despite this setback, I stood resolute that I would not let failing a programming language discourage or prompt me to switch my degree program. I had witnessed many other females quitting because they got fed up with failing a particular course, dubbed the program as being “too hard”, and in bouts or resignation declare colloquially “Me cyah boda”, translation, “I can’t bother”. That really bothered me as I am all about individuals pushing themselves to work harder, especially in a society that affords certain privileges or favours men over women in certain careers. As women, we constantly have to be trying to “beat the odds” as we constantly hear things like, “It’s a man’s world” or “men are more naturally suited”.
When I met my new lecturer, Mr. Desmond Grant the following semester, I came to the realization that I was complicating the problem-solving process and I had to reevaluate how I approached the situation. In doing so, I successfully completed the Programming Techniques course and passed the course a B grade and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology.
The Journey- Discovery
After dabbling in graphic designing because of my job function and as a way for me to have an additional stream of income, Ms. Natalie Rose introduced me to Human-Computer Interaction, which opened an entire world of possibility because I could master the skill and apply the discipline to function as both a User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) designer. I was personally involved in designing, implementing, and running systems. I don’t see myself as a technologist, but I do understand technology; people; clients, and business, and I can be instrumental in driving change that leverages technology to enable people and business. That is the new role and skillset needed in technology that is going to be more interesting and impactful to a wider set of people – men and women.
I definitely want to pave a way for women in Information Technology though the current statistics aren’t particularly optimistic. Despite significant growth in the number of women working in IT roles, research reveals that female representation in the technology sector has stalled over the last ten years.
Jesica Campbell
Concept BNK, Managing Director
ISOC Jamaica, Board Secretary