Listen up, Ms. Taí has something to say!

The TechGirls program attracts high calibre participants as well as staff–this year, we were lucky to have Ms. Taí Coates, a Communications major at the University of Maryland at College Park, as our intern. Taí took great pictures, gave social media support, and provided enthusiastic guidance and support to the TechGirls, whether through leading a yoga session after long day at iD Tech Camps or a restorative laugh session on the bus. Below are some reflections from Taí Coates on her experience as an intern with TechGirls.

It’s been nearly two months since we parted ways with the TechGirls on their way to the airport and two months and three days since I finished my internship with TechGirls. Being a senior in college, I realize it’s important to reflect on any experiences you have, as these are the things that will shape and mold you to become the person you are becoming.

Working with the TechGirls was, to quote TechGirl Greta Bitar-Nehme from Lebanon, “Awesome.”

When I first started my TechGirls internship, I was mostly helping with logistics, but eventually I found myself helping to guide the girls through their development and photo documenting the whole experience. Watching the girls interact with each other was amazing. I was surrounded by some of the smartest young women that I may ever have the pleasure of meeting. Working with them and seeing them get super passionate about different topics back at home—whether it be pollution, child refugees from Syria, or women’s empowerment—helped me realize that I am on the right track to doing what I love most: empowering young women.

I’ve always been a huge advocate of studying abroad—“Travel the world so that you do not think you are the center of it,” is one of my life philosophies. TechGirls gave the girls selected the opportunity to do just that. I benefited from having their world come to me when I would not have been able to visit all 8 countries by myself. Partaking in their food, culture, and experiences shaped me in a way that books and articles would never be able to.

What was so nifty about this internship is that I build a relationship with both the girls and my co-workers that helped to further develop my understanding of what I want to focus on. I also benefitted from the sessions the TechGirls attended. When the girls worked with Hazami Barmada and other mentors during the Community-Based Project Trainings, I sat in and took notes on what stood out to me as I enter my final year of college.

Even though we’ve parted our separate ways, our friendship will be long-lasting. Some of the TechGirls have already messaged me asking for tips on applying for college and I get updates on their community-based projects all the time. I have been very lucky to work with these girls and to walk away not only with the experience but also with these new friends.