Power of Seeing Yourself in Tech | Arya Thorbole | TEDxFayetteville

Quick Overview

High school student Arya Thorbole argues that representation in technology, which she experienced personally through a lack of female peers in her advanced computer science class, is crucial because seeing role models who look like oneself fosters visibility, access, and community, ultimately empowering young people to pursue STEM fields.

Key Points: The speaker, Arya Thorbole, felt out of place in her advanced computer science class where only 4 out of 17 students were female, leading to feelings of discouragement and a lack of belonging. The lack of representation in media, stories, and classrooms means that girls often do not see heroes or leaders who look like them, resulting in feelings of guilt or inability to imagine possibilities. The speaker highlights three key areas where representation matters: Visibility, Access, and Community. The non-profit organization Women Plus in Tech (WPI) is mentioned as actively working to break down financial barriers (like expensive certifications and camps) and foster curiosity in young people, regardless of gender. Seeing visible role models who act or speak like oneself makes people feel seen, heard, and inspired, encouraging them to contribute and find their voice. The speaker concludes that the future is in everyone's hands, requiring collective action to ensure everyone feels represented in their own way, whether through mentorship, education, or community building.

Context: Arya Thorbole, a high school student, delivers a TEDx Fayetteville talk titled "Power of Seeing Yourself in Tech: Why Representation Matters." She anchors her argument in a personal anecdote from the previous year when she was enrolled in an advanced computer science program where she was one of only four female students, which initially made her feel discouraged and out of place until she connected with another girl in the class. This experience led her to explore the broader impact of representation in media, education, and professional fields like technology.