by Jen Lindner
We’ve taught over a thousand women in 27 workshops across the country, and inspired women in the Python and Scala communities to begin doing the same. Right on!
Last weekend at Engine Yard San Francisco, 39 students learned how to build, commit and deploy a Ruby on Rails application and now have access to the Railsbridge network of technical support. Today we’re posting what some of the students and volunteers had to say about the experience.
Cathy – student and first time organizer
I was totally impressed by the organization, the curriculum, the volunteers and the fun and ease with which the participants got the concepts. I was in the beginner class since I haven’t programmed anything in over 10 years. It was fun – the curriculum was great and the teachers/TAs were so happy to help me when I got stuck and just tell me cool things about Ruby and tricks with using the editor. I was inspired that I got it and it makes me want to do more.
The participants and volunteers were super cool and easy to be with. I had the feeling that what the organization values people just being themselves. I heard many peers mention how safe it was and how taken care of they felt. I felt that way too. When you’re trying to learn something new – something that’s potentially difficult, like programming, it makes a ridiculous huge difference to know that you can ask a question if you’re stuck – you don’t have to pretend to have anything figured out!
I hope many more women get a chance to participate.
Alison – student
What made you want to attend the workshop?
It’s a unique opportunity for women. I just wanted to become more technical. I’m a business consultant and my clients are always wanting to integrate with stuff – I need to be able to speak the language and become more technical in my current work.
What did you expect – what was unexpected?
I didn’t expect the TA ratio to be so high. There is always someone to move you along. And I didn’t expect to be put in groups with people who are at my level – that’s great.
What do you recommend about it?
Since it’s open to all skill levels, all experience, you just need a laptop and you can move at your own pace.
Tammy – student
Who would you recommend this to?
I would recommend this to anyone who’s interested in technology, and to people who work with technologists.
How it’s going?
It’s awesome – I’m really enjoying it and learning a lot – I’m at a very basic level because I don’t have any programming skills and the TAs are really good about teaching the basic things that can really slow you down.
How would you describe the experience to others?
Everyone is so nice. The teachers are great , no judgement – it’s like “Okay, let me tell you.” Sometimes at work with engineers – they don’t have the same reaction.
Is there anything you would change?
I would like to learn more about Rails.
Nina – student
What are you inspired by?
The space is awesome, I was impressed that there is so much space and everyone is comfortable. The new curriculum is nicely formatted – the change from the wiki to an application is cool and it’s a good structure.
Amy – first-time volunteer teacher
Amy works for Engine Yard in Portland.
What made you want to volunteer?
I’ve been encouraging women to work in high tech for many
years. And especially since I joined Engine Yard, I’ve
been wanting to give more back to the Ruby community. I’d hoped to get
involved with Railsbridge organization in San Francisco (before I
moved to Portland). This weekend’s workshop was a golden opportunity
to gain experience, which I can contribute to Portland’s women’s Ruby workshops.
How was teaching?
Great! And co-teaching worked really well.
What are you taking away from this workshop?
I’m excited to have met so many inspiring and inspired women.
Who would you recommend this to?
Many people! Especially women who are working in a technical field but don’t have a programming background.
What are you inspired by?
The collaborative atmosphere and people teaching each other, people getting confidence.
Railsbridge workshops are an open source project. We are individuals who volunteer their time and work to make these events happen. All of the materials are open source and we welcome feedback.
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