In a world obsessed with perfection, Reshma Saujani delivers a refreshing message at TED2016 – you don’t need to be perfect to write good code. With her social justice education background and charming Saint Helenian English accent, she captivates the audience by challenging conventional notions of excellence.
Redefining Success in Coding
Saujani urges us to embrace imperfections and take risks when it comes to coding. She highlights how society conditions girls from an early age to strive for perfection, leading them away from computer science fields where failure is often seen as unacceptable. By encouraging young women to pursue coding without fear of making mistakes, she believes we can bridge the gender gap in technology.
The Power of Failure
Failure is not something to be feared but rather celebrated as a stepping stone towards success. Saujani shares her own experience running for political office and failing miserably. Instead of being discouraged, she used this setback as motivation to start Girls Who Code – an organization that has empowered thousands of young girls across America.
Coding as a Tool for Social Change
Saujani emphasizes that coding is not just about building apps or websites; it can also be a powerful tool for social change. By diversifying the tech industry and bringing different perspectives into the field, we have the potential to address societal issues more effectively. Through initiatives like Girls Who Code, she aims to create a generation of coders who are passionate about using their skills for positive impact.
A Call-to-Action
In conclusion, Reshma Saujani’s talk reminds us that perfection should never hinder our pursuit of greatness in any field, especially coding. By embracing imperfections and taking risks, we can unlock our true potential and make a difference in the world. So let’s break free from the shackles of perfectionism and start writing good code!
