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Welcome to the tech academy!
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Hello and welcome! I am Dr. Rose Shumba, your guide and mentor on this exciting tech adventure. You might recognize my name from The New York Times, where they discussed the incredible internship programs I helped create. Working with industry giants has been a privilege, but my true passion lies in guiding others.
Witnessing the potential of education
From age ten, I was deeply inspired by the remarkable success stories that unfolded in my neighborhood. I saw kids like me transform their lives by studying at prestigious UK universities and emerging as accomplished doctors, engineers, and leaders. Witnessing their journeys ignited a burning desire within me - not just to dream big but to be amongst those who boarded a flight to the UK, armed with ambition and the promise of education. It wasn't just a yearning for a different life; it was a vision for the future, one I refused to let remain a mere dream.
My early mentoring experience
In sixth grade, I got into math, and that's when I started helping others. Remembering Sarah's face lighting up when she finally got the Pythagorean theorem was something special. It showed me that teaching isn’t just about the numbers or the formulas; it’s about making things click for someone else. It’s about helping them see something in a way they hadn’t before, and that’s pretty cool. Ms. Johnson, my math teacher, saw how much I loved doing this and gave me all the support and chances I needed to keep going. I started leading study groups, making cheat sheets that were easy and fun to use, and even explaining math stuff to parents at school events. By the time I got to middle school, I was given the 'Best Student' award. It felt great, but it also made me think about the future – how I wanted to keep helping others understand and enjoy learning, just like I did.
Crafting my path at a renowned  government school
After middle school, I secured a place at the government school that had shaped the lives of those neighborhood kids who went on to prestigious universities in the UK. This school wasn't just known for its academic excellence but for leadership and character development. Here, I followed in the footsteps of those I admired and carved my own path. Being appointed 'Head Girl' was a defining moment for me, marking the beginning of my journey in leadership. This role went beyond the honor of the title; it was a profound learning experience in responsibility, community involvement, and setting a positive example. My time there was transformative, teaching me the true essence of leadership — leading by example and inspiring others. Here, I started to understand the power of education and leadership in shaping one's future.
Discovering my passion for computer science Â
My academic journey took an unexpected turn after high school. Initially, I was set on studying Agricultural Economics, and I even started an internship related to Agricultural Engineering, with aspirations to study in Scotland. However, changes in British Council funding rules meant I had to reconsider my plans and enroll in a local university for Agricultural Economics. But I realized this wasn't the right fit on the first day of classes. As I walked out, uncertain about my future, I ran into Mercy, a second-year Computer Science student. Sharing my frustrations, Mercy invited me to the Computer Science lab – a place that would soon change my life. This journey wasn't just about learning; it was about discovering a passion I didn't know I had.
Navigating uncharted digital territories
Stepping into the world of computer science felt like being thrust into the cockpit of a spaceship without any training. Everything was alien to me – the code, the jargon, and the whole programming concept. I struggled, feeling lost and isolated in a field dominated by my male peers. Despite this, I committed to spending extra time each day with friends who seemed to grasp these concepts more quickly. Their support was a lifeline in my journey of learning and adapting. My breakthrough moment came with a seemingly simple assignment: to write a program that displayed a yearly calendar. This experience was a turning point, teaching me about programming, resilience, determination, and the critical role of community and mentorship in tech.  This pivotal moment shaped my commitment to ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey through the digital landscape.
From disillusionment to advocacy
After graduating, I landed my dream job as a software engineer at a high-tech company. However, my initial excitement quickly turned to disillusionment. Instead of tackling cutting-edge projects, I found myself stuck with a disinterested mentor and assigned outdated tasks. Frustrated and unmotivated, I realized the importance of speaking up. Once I advocated for myself, I was paired with a new mentor who opened a world of learning and opportunities. This experience taught me the crucial lesson of self-advocacy and its impact on personal and professional growth.
My Academic Trail
Following my stint at a high-tech company, an unexpected call from my alma mater marked the next chapter of my life. Selected for a prestigious fellowship, I started my Master’s in System Design at Manchester University. This was the beginning of a deep-rooted passion for academic research and self-advancement. I then moved to Birmingham University to pursue a PhD in Computer Science. After which, I climbed the academic ladder, evolving from an Assistant Professor to eventually becoming the Head of a Department of Computer Science.
Despite these achievements, my journey through academia was not without its challenges. I often felt a sense of loneliness and struggled to find my place within the academic community. These experiences, though difficult, taught me the importance of perseverance and self-belief. Now, as I lead a department, I reflect on these moments with a sense of resilience. They've shaped me as an academic and a mentor who understands the value of fostering a sense of belonging and support for those embarking on similar paths.
The birth of the Tech Academy
My tech journey started amidst a fog of uncertainties. Where did I fit in this ever-expanding digital landscape? I felt like a lone wanderer, staring at a map of uncharted territories, craving a guide, a friendly voice to point me toward the hidden oases of opportunity. The tech world shimmered with possibilities, yet without guidance, it felt like chasing fireflies in the dark.
So many are still wandering, lost in the maze of tutorials and boot camps, yearning for a personalized map, a community that speaks their language. This isn't just a gap I see; it's a calling I hear, a whisper that grew into a roar. This is the genesis of The Tech Academy – not just an institution but a lighthouse cutting through the fog, a beacon of clarity, support, and empowerment. Join us, and let's navigate this digital revolution together, one line of code at a time!
Personalized guidance and a future-proof path
Think of The Tech Academy as your clear path to a fulfilling tech career. Built upon my journey and the lessons learned along the way, The Tech Academy offers you:
- Personalized guidance: I'm here for you every step of the way, providing tailored advice and support to help you achieve your unique goals.
- A supportive community: Learn alongside like-minded individuals, building lasting connections and a valuable network that will support you throughout your tech journey.
Don't let the uncertainties of the tech world hold you back. Join The Tech Academy today and embark on your exciting journey to becoming a tech wizard! Let's do this together!
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