As part of the Informatics program, I applied for and was given a full ride (housing, food, flight, and passes) to the Tapia Conference, which is a celebration of Diversity in Computing named after Richard Tapia, a mathematician. This opportunity made it possible for me to engage with other students in technological fields and industry professionals without logistical or financial barriers.

At this conference, I learned a lot about what is possible in technology while keeping social impact at the forefront, and I also learned a lot about the process of applying to jobs in tech spaces. One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of leaning into curiosity - asking questions early, even when it feels uncomfortable, furthers learning and opens doors to mentorship and future opportunities. I also heard from multiple panelists that sustaining creativity and growth requires taking care of ourselves. The Google panel on workplace resilience emphasized that fulfillment outside of work is essential to long-term success and balance. This was an important thing for me to hear from industry professionals, as I tend to struggle with finding time to take care of myself and relax.

Finally, the conference had a lot of interesting talks about how the tools we build are never neutral: their impact goes beyond functionality, and they shape the experiences of communities and the environment. Attending Tapia reminded me that pursuing meaningful work isn’t just about honing technical skills, but about aligning those skills with empathy and ethical considerations. All in all, receiving the support to attend this conference strengthened my commitment to carrying forward these lessons into my own projects and practices.