# Power of Seeing Yourself in Tech | Arya Thorbole | TEDxFayetteville Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD3hSlCudE8 Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/UD3hSlCudE8 Generated: 2026-03-06T16:33:22.226+00:00 --- ## 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. ![Screenshot at 00:16: The title slide appears on the screen, stating the talk's theme: "Power of Seeing Yourself in Tech: WHY REPRESENTATION MATTERS."](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/UD3hSlCudE8/00-00-16.jpg) **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. ## Detailed Analysis Arya Thorbole begins by asking the audience to recall their first day of high school, noting the overwhelming presence of computers, and revealing that in her advanced computer class, only 4 out of 17 students were female, which made her feel like she didn't belong and left her disheartened. She recounts that meeting another girl in the class restored her confidence. Thorbole then transitions to the core question: why does this lack of representation matter? She argues it matters because representation influences self-perception—when people don't see heroes or leaders who look like them in media, stories, or classrooms, they struggle to see possibilities for themselves, leading to feelings of guilt or inadequacy. She points to the story of the father and son in the car accident where the surgeon says she cannot operate because the boy is her son, illustrating how implicit bias (assuming the surgeon must be male) limits thought processes. Thorbole highlights the work of the non-profit Women Plus in Tech (WPI), which addresses this by removing financial barriers to access (like expensive certifications and summer camps) and providing mentorship, thereby fostering skills and confidence for kids of all genders. The key takeaways from WPI's work are Visibility, Access, and Community. Seeing people who look like you achieve great things inspires you, makes you feel seen and heard, and helps you find your own voice. She concludes by emphasizing that shaping the future requires everyone—from her generation to the next—to contribute by actively working to level the playing field and ensure everyone feels represented. ### Personal Experience - Feeling out of place in an advanced computer class with only 4/17 female students - Finding comfort and confidence upon meeting another female peer - Realizing the impact of not seeing oneself reflected in the environment. ### The Problem of Representation - Lack of representation in media, stories, and classrooms prevents girls from seeing heroes who look like them, leading to feelings of inadequacy and guilt regarding potential achievements. ### The Role of WPI - The non-profit Women Plus in Tech breaks down financial barriers for education (certifications, camps) and builds community, helping kids gain skills and confidence. ### Key Pillars of Change - The solution rests on Visibility (seeing role models), Access (removing financial/structural barriers), and Community (shared support and inspiration). ### Call to Action - Everyone must contribute to creating an environment where all individuals feel seen, heard, and represented, thereby empowering the next generation to shape the future. ![Screenshot at 00:05: Arya Thorbole, a high school student, walks onto the TEDx Fayetteville stage wearing a bright red dress.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/UD3hSlCudE8/00-00-05.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:16: The presentation slide displays the talk's title: "Power of Seeing Yourself in Tech" with the subtitle "WHY REPRESENTATION MATTERS."](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/UD3hSlCudE8/00-00-16.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:11: The speaker recounts the personal story about her advanced computer science class, noting that only four of the seventeen students were female.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/UD3hSlCudE8/00-01-11.jpg) ![Screenshot at 03:11: A slide appears listing the three highlights of the non-profit's focus: Visibility, Access, and Community.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/UD3hSlCudE8/00-03-11.jpg)