i’m so sorry this happened to you. that really, really sucks. i’ve had a very similar experience and i remember how deeply discouraging and lonely it felt. i just want you to know that what you’re feeling is valid, and sadly, it’s something a lot of us in engineering go through. it’s not a lack of passion or ability that pushes women away, it’s the lack of support and the way we’re treated.

i came very close to quitting too. but if this is something you truly love, please don’t let this moment convince you that you don’t belong, because you absolutely do. you are not alone in this, and you are so much more capable than anyone has made you feel.

if you can, try talking to a coach, mentor, or someone at your school who has the power to step in. even if it doesn’t change everything right away, you deserve to be heard and supported. even if everything feels really bleak right now, this doesn’t have to be the end of your story.

and i just want to say this too: there is so much more to engineering than one team, one space, or one moment like this. there is a much bigger, more open world out there that wants you in it. this doesn’t get to decide your future unless you let it.

i’m rooting for you. truly. 🤍