Amelia Symonowicz
Founder of AIlume
I never thought that one project could change so much. Well… I was wrong. It changed practically everything – my approach to IT, my network, my skills. The STEAM Academy was a breakthrough. I felt that IT is not a hidden mystery and that I can step out of my comfort zone, break through, and give it a try. The Girls Code Fun Foundation gave me confidence, courage, and helped me spread my wings. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I gained through the project. I am more confident in myself, my decisions, and the words I speak. I have the determination and courage to create my own initiatives for young people – I am currently working on a project related to artificial intelligence. I came to believe in my worth and my potential. This experience showed me that it’s worth taking risks and seizing opportunities, because they are the ones that can truly change your story. If you’re facing a difficult choice, make the decision from the perspective of the person you want to become, not the one you are today!
Amelia, you are a graduate of the 4th edition of the STEAM Academy. What do you do on a daily basis today?
I am still a high school student – an exemplary one, I might add – who is searching for her desired and dream career path. At this moment, I am still looking; I’m not sure what I want to do in the future or whether my future profession even exists on the job market. After gaining more confidence in the IT world, I am convinced that my career is connected to this field.
What motivated you to take part in the Girls Code Fun Foundation’s project?
It was a spontaneous impulse. I felt it might be my chance to discover whether this piece of technological knowledge was truly meant for me. The STEM Academy project I took part in, and the incredible people I met there, quickly confirmed that following that impulse was a very good decision.
“Aim higher than you think you should. Your success begins where your uncertainty starts.”
What skills or knowledge did you gain during the program?
In my opinion, the program gave me diverse knowledge covering many areas of IT. Thanks to the skills I gained during one of the projects, I was able to expand my development paths with previously unknown opportunities, which I am gradually trying to take advantage of. Additionally, participating in the STEAM Academy and acquiring new knowledge earned me recognition from my teachers at school. This also translated into better grades. In my free time, I try to further develop my competencies and constantly learn something new, closely related to programming.
What motivated you to get up early on weekend mornings? What were the biggest challenges you had to overcome during the program?
The biggest challenge I definitely had to face during the program was balancing all my weekly activities. I had to combine them with the project classes in a way that wouldn’t affect my commitment to any other aspect of my life. I’m proud to say that I managed to do it – I planned my days so that I could find time for everything. I’m not someone who relies on motivation, so I try to count on self-discipline instead. When I have responsibilities to fulfill, I remain determined. I must also admit that, over time, the people I had the pleasure of working with gave me an extra boost of energy to keep going.
How did the program influence your further education? Did it change your approach to technology?
The program changed the way I think about myself. As a result, I now have more confidence in recognizing my skills. I have the courage to seek out initiatives waiting for me. The STEAM Academy opened the door for me to co-organize a TEDx event for youth and inspired me to start working on my own project. I completed it with the conviction that women also have power in fields considered to be male-dominated.
You took part in mentoring. How did working with a mentor affect you?
At first, I was skeptical and even terrified of working one-on-one. The focus was entirely on my goals and my needs. However, I quickly realized that the meetings with my mentor were a great opportunity to talk to someone experienced, who had already been through the early stages long ago. I received support and suggestions on every issue that was troubling me. Becoming a mentee was the best decision I made at that time. 🙂
What are your plans for the future, considering the skills you gained in the project?
I plan to take my final exam in computer science and then pursue studies related to technology. In the meantime, I will be involved in community work and support other young people.
Do you feel more confident in your IT and technology skills now?
Definitely! I say this with full confidence. I got the wind in my sails and the support I needed.
What advice would you give to other girls who are considering taking part in the STEAM Academy?
It’s worth actively seeking out different opportunities, even if you’re not sure whether you belong in a certain place. Try, send in an application. Do it especially if you feel scared, undecided, or uncertain. I also wasn’t sure if my abilities were good enough to get into the project. I silenced the fear and negative thoughts with a wave of belief in my own skills – and I tried.
What do you want to achieve in the coming year, considering what you learned in the project?
I will try out new solutions when writing lines of code. My goal for the coming year is to build innovative and creative websites from scratch. After that, I plan to learn Python for my final exam 🙂
What was the most valuable experience for you in this project?
The amount of knowledge. I was surprised by how much information can be shared in such a short time. After each five-hour class, and later after the webinars, I left with pages full of valuable notes and a head full of ideas on how to apply the cases discussed during the program to my own projects or tasks I was working on. Brilliant, isn’t it?
Without a doubt! And what changes did you notice in yourself after completing the project?
A huge amount of inspiration to pursue IT. Making use of the materials and resources I discovered during the project classes. More motivation in creating.
What surprised you the most during the project?
I joined the project with little background – I felt like I didn’t know many things and was sure this might set me apart from the other participants. However, during the classes I never felt that I was falling behind. What also pleasantly surprised me was the professionalism of the foundation: the constant contact with the organizers made me feel continuously supported, and the mentors’ commitment and cheerful sense of humor were incredibly contagious.
What surprised you the most while taking part in the project?
I joined the project with little background – I thought I didn’t know much and was certain this might set me apart from the other participants. However, during the classes I never once felt that I was falling behind. I was also positively surprised by the foundation’s professionalism: the constant contact with the organizers made me feel continuously supported, and the mentors’ dedication and cheerful sense of humor were incredibly contagious.
