BekahHW
@BekahHW
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I write: Code. Screenplays. Blogs. Novels. | Community Creator/Podcaster: @VirtualCoffeeIO | Keynote Speaker | Sr. DevEx @linuxfoundation | momming 4 kids
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Joined March 2009
What happens when nutcrackers come to life…and they’re not on your side? My brothers and I teamed up to write an epic Christmas adventure about nutcrackers, courage, and the light that shines brightest in the darkest times. Home Alone 🤝 The Nutcracker.
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Dear extrovert friends,. If you see a person standing alone at a conference looking around, invite them into your group. This is the universal sign for please be my friend I’m too scared to ask you. Sincerely,. Your introvert friends.
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I mean, I want to have a job, but I refuse to do a 6-8hr coding challenge without pay.
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I’m a front-end dev, but I rarely write css. And when I had to today I had to look a lot of stuff up. One of the lessons I’ve learned in the last (almost) two years is that it’s mostly not about what you know at this stage. It’s about knowing how to figure it out and look it up.
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21-got married.23-started Eng grad school and teaching.24-had 1st kid.25-finished grad school.26 & 29-had 2nd, 3rd kid.31-had 4th kid, suffered severe birth, psychological trauma.32-scholarship to @FlatironSchool.33-graduated, started working as a dev.It's never too late to start.
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Why isn’t it common practice to talk salary *before* long interview processes? It wastes everyone’s time if you get to the end and salary is the determining factor.
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You learn a lot about the ppl you work with by their go-to names in mock data.
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This morning I learned that I no longer have a job, so I'm looking for new opportunities. I'm currently looking for a remote PT or contract position working with React, though I'm up for learning new technologies. I appreciate RTs or inquiries for frontend or DevRel positions.
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Confession: When I was first starting to code, I was so confused by foo bar. I didn't know if these were terms specific to a language, or in some lesson that I missed. Someone tell me I'm not the only one. #MomsCanCode #CodeNewbie.
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Hi, I’m Bekah, and I’m a software engineer. Just practicing bc I’m having a really hard time saying it aloud. #CodeNewbie.
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I found my 4yo with my phone, on Twitter. Me: please tell me you didn’t tweet anything. Her: I sent a poop emoji to no one. If you received a poop emoji from my account, it wasn’t me and also I am sorry.
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Solved a problem in my code this morning. I can now close 137 tabs.
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I'm pretty sure coding is just a cycle of:. I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm getting the hang of this. I know what I'm doing!.Actually, nope.
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Mind. Blown.
#JavaScript tip for today:. When "console-logging" several variables, you can wrap them in curly brackets to better see which value belongs to which variable. A small thing, but hey.
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I would really like to be able to search for lipstick by hex code. Why is that not a thing?.
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I just deleted all my "Looking for work" statuses from various social media platforms, and it felt so good.
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Here’s what’s hard:.-learning to code;.-being a parent;.-being a parent learning to code;.-getting a coding job;.-being a parent having a coding job. I’ve wanted to give up at both, but being a parent has taught me if I push through the hard stuff, amazing things are waiting.
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Telling my kids that I lost my job in today’s DG layoffs was not how I anticipated ending my day. I missed this chapter in the parenting books.
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My 13yo just pronounced gif with a hard g sound and now he’s out of my will.
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Who’s super excited about working on React projects and starting July 1st is gonna get paid to code???
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I’m looking for a job! I graduated from @FlatironSchool, where I learned:. -Ruby & Rails.-JS & React. I’m looking for remote, flexible, and preferably PT but will consider FT. My background is in writing, teaching, and organizing. Portfolio and blog:
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When I started coding a year ago, I did 20-30 min at a time, and that was an accomplishment. As I fell in love with coding, I overcame the impossible and found 2-4 hours a day to code. We all start somewhere. Don’t let someone else’s reality affect yours. #momscancode #codenewbie.
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Sooooo apparently I did well on the coding challenge last week, bc I have a final interview on Wednesday!.
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You ever get the code right the first time and then become instantly suspicious that you must be missing something?.
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Listen, "Annual Company Retreats 2-3x/yr" is not a job perk for me. It's "how am I going to navigate being a mom while traveling at least 2-3x/yr for company stuff." Are you paying for childcare? Are you giving extra vacation so I can spend time with my kids? #momlife.
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I just want to share that I deadlifted 235lbs this morning. And was close to 240. And I’m proud of that.
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I mean, like, does it ever make sense for HR to write the job description for a tech job?.
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Whhhhaaattt!?! Today I completed #100daysofcode and I didn’t even know it. I also taught, published a blog post, got a ticket to Google I/O Ext conference in Pittsburgh, and made homemade gnocchi with my kids. I’ll call today a win. #Momscancode #womenwhocode #momlife #winning.
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The best thing you can do for a new dev is create an environment where they aren't afraid to ask questions.
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Asking junior devs with portfolios or some clear form of representation of their knowledge to take a 4+ hour take-home test is exploitative.
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It is official: I passed my final project review for @FlatironSchool!!!!! It took me almost 11 months to the day and now I'm done 💙💙💙 #FlatironSchool #MomsCanCode
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Two years ago today, I made the decision to leave my job after 10yrs as an adjunct English instructor and to pursue coding full time. Best. Decision. Ever.
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When I was 1st learning to code, ppl kept saying check out the docs. For a while, I had no idea that docs were a specific thing. And when I did learn they were, I wasn't exactly sure how to use them. A lot of docs aren't written for new devs. And we need to be aware of that.
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I’ve heard there are topics you shouldn’t talk about on socmedia bc a future employer might turn you down. I’ve talked about being a mom, mental illness, having ADHD. I guess that means if I ever find myself looking for another job, I’ll end up at a company worth working for.
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Innovation is going to be led by the devs who weren’t hired bc of shitty technical interviews, bc they are moms, bc they didn’t fit into “company culture.” . For those of you who didn’t fight for them, this is your heads-up.
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472 days. That’s how many days in a row I coded. I didn’t code yesterday, but that’s ok. It took packing up my house and moving to break my streak, but I’ll be ready to start again on Monday. Redux, I’m coming for you. #MomsCanCode #CodeNewbie.
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I've coded every day since 1/1/2018, bc it's good for me. When I code, I hyperfocus and block out things I don't need to think about or stop unhealthy cycling thoughts. There are times I think I'll break that streak, but my brain wants it. So now I'm coding in an airport. #coding.
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When I started coding and using twitter for coding, I’d look at ppl who had 3k followers and think “they must know what they’re doing, I’ll follow them.” I’m 2 follows away from 3k and laughing at that. I don’t know a ton but I’m passionate about helping others learn. #CodeNewbie.
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I get a lot of messages from moms asking for breaking into coding, getting a coding job, or postpartum/momming advice. Almost all start w/ "I'm sorry to bother you." Moms, don't be sorry. A ton of ppl supported me to get me where I am. The least I can do is answer your questions.
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90% of my coding frustration comes from my own expectations of what I should be doing and where I should be. New goal: to enjoy and be satisfied with where I am in this journey. #CodeNewbie #WomenInTech.
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One year update of what I'm most proud of:. -I finally feel comfortable calling myself a dev.-I started a 2x/week dev coffee chat that's developed into an amazing community of ppl (open to anyone, sign-up: .-I feel like I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
21-got married.23-started Eng grad school and teaching.24-had 1st kid.25-finished grad school.26 & 29-had 2nd, 3rd kid.31-had 4th kid, suffered severe birth, psychological trauma.32-scholarship to @FlatironSchool.33-graduated, started working as a dev.It's never too late to start.
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If you had 9, 45-minute sessions to teach 11-13 year olds some type of coding, what would you teach or what resources would you use?.
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I'm teaching coding to 20, 12-14yos for the next 8 weeks. If you have any swag/stickers you're willing to send, I'd love to have something for them at the end of the 8 weeks. You can DM me if you're up for it!.
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What's the word for the feeling of excitement you get when you see someone has asked the exact question that you need an answer to on StackOverflow, only to discover that there isn't a real answer there?.
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I just tried to program my 7yo 😂. Literally just said this to my kid:. Before you ask for something, think if mama is busy, wait to ask. If not, you can ask. This is my brain now. #Momscancode #mothercoder #womenwhocode #womenintech #coding #girlcoder #ruby #learnlovecode.
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Terms I never knew before coding:. camelCase.snake_case.kebab-case. #CodeNewbie #MomsCanCode.
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Friends, I did it. I accomplished my goal for this week. I finished my React App--my last project--for @FlatironSchool. Please excuse me while I feel all the emotions that come w/ working my ass off for the last year. #CodeNewbie #WomenInTech #MomsCanCode.
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Debugging is one of the most important skills to learn, and I also think one of the least taught. Learn how to use dev tools. Learn how to use all the tabs in there. The better you are at debugging, the better you are at coding.
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Raise your hand if you've ever watched a "simple" hour-long coding tutorial and then tried it yourself and it took you three days to do the same damn thing 🤚 #CodeNewbie #MomsCanCode #WomenInTech.
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Two years ago yesterday two of my organs ruptured into each other. This morning I woke up, did some coding, and ran my first 5k. Now I’m going to go ahead and be proud of myself. #Momscancode #mothercoder #womenwhocode #womenintech #coding #girlcoder #5k #recovery.
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Tech friends, let's talk hobbies. What are your favorite things to do in your free time?.
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Dear women and moms in tech, we’re not competing w/ each other; I’m exhausted from being made to feel this way. Instead of trying to stop each other let’s support each other, grow together, lift each other up. I’m thankful to all currently doing this; I know more of us can too.
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Mental health matters as much as physical health. That’s it. That’s the tweet.
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Career changer from college English teacher and community organizer to frontend dev/community builder.
Career changer from ballerina to music publicist to front end engineer 🩰🎶👩🏼💻
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My 10yo caught this one of me and my 7yo today and it was such a nice moment to remind me of what really matters to me. Sometimes I need that.
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Confession: when I was first learning to code, I was pairing with an experienced dev and he asked me if I had a text editor. I opened up a Google doc. #CodeNewbie #MomsWhoCode.
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The tech industry is oversaturated with jr dev applications rn—many of whom look the same, w/ the same projects on paper. Bootcamps and influencers should feel a greater responsibility for selling a dream that’s harder and harder to achieve🧵.
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Today I’ve been a dev for a month AND I’m giving my first conference talk 😁#CodeNewbie #MomsWhoCode.
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4 or 5 years ago, I taught coding club at the elementary school. This week, I ran into one of the kids (now in high school) who’s programming his own games. He told me that I inspired him in coding club and that’s why he’s done so much. “You’re the reason why I am where I am” 🥹.
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Two months ago when I was looking for a job, someone asked if I could take a design and code it, starting with a blank screen. I said I hadn't before, but I probably could. TBH, I had huge doubts about whether or not I could do that. Today I did it.
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I didn’t feel ready to be a developer when I started. But I had encouragement and mentorship. If you’re looking for your first job, I’m here if you need someone to cheer you on, help you set goals, or answer your questions. #codenewbie #momswhocode #womenintech.
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There are a lot of amazing devs out there who don’t have the psychological safety to grow to their full potential.
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This might be a hot take, but once you've landed a role in tech, the best way to grow is to join a community outside your company.
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What better way to start off 2019, than to write a blog on what I’ve learned by coding everyday for 365 days straight? . #MomsCanCode #365daysofcode.
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Hi my name is Bekah: I’m a mom in tech who knows the power of community, and I’m planning some big goals for 2021.
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Shoutout to all the moms in tech out there. The moms who are playing primary parent and trying to work. The moms who want to, but don't have time to work on side projects or OSS or mentoring. Who want to help other women get into tech, but don't have the bandwidth. I see you.
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A month ago I went to a talk on sex trafficking in my community. This weekend I messaged the speaker and told her I would love to help teach the victims to code. And she thinks it’s a great idea! I don’t know when or how it will happen, but I’m so excited ❤️ #MomsCanCode #coding.
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I’m amazed that some companies are fine with having employees in different times zones and others are unwilling to allow moms a flexible schedule w/o reason. Let’s value whether or not the work gets done well first and worry about schedules later. #momscancode #coding #tech.
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Wouldn't it be cool if people could submit a question to stackoverflow without apologizing for asking the question or saying they're new?.
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A week ago I completed a coding challenge for a consultancy. And then heard nothing. I assumed I was being ghosted. Except, this morning, I heard back and they want another call. Not a bad way to start a Monday.
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I’m 32. It’s 8:55 on Friday night, and all I can think is “why can’t these kids just fall asleep so I can code?”. #momlife #coding #fridaynight #whathaveibecome #momscancode.
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When ppl tell you to network when looking for your 1st job, it’s not just to find the job; it’s also to learn where you don’t want to work. There’re a lot of companies/ppl out there that look good from the outside, but behind closed doors employees will tell you how bad they are.
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Did I mention today is my first day as a full-time employee at @saucedopen? I'm super excited to continue my work in this new capacity 🎉.
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Despite what I may have coded this morning, you cannot close an h3 with a p3.
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Would anyone be interested in participating in an open source contribution "Bootcamp"?.
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I don’t code in spite of my kids. I code for my kids. Bc when I was learning to code, I was able to reclaim my mental health and find a supportive community. My kids know that I get up early so I can code while they sleep so I can give them more of my time when they’re awake.
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Friendsssss!!! I have only made one longterm goal for myself since coming into tech a couple of yrs ago. It is to keynote at a conference, and it’s coming true!!! I am honored and excited to be sharing this time with folks at the JS&Friends Conf this summer.
We are excited to announce that @BekahHW will be joining us this year as our Keynote Speaker. Stay tuned for details friends.
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I fail those recaptcha image tests so much that I’m starting to wonder if I am a robot.
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I have a friend who’s looking for a junior dev C#/.NET position. I highly recommend them, a super-smart, hard-working dev, who comes with experience. They also have React and testing experience. Contact me if you have something available, and I’ll connect you. RT for reach 😊.
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Once I realized that coding was like writing, that different authors could have different approaches and styles to the same problem, I became a more confident coder. Learning to read and understand other programmers' code is just as important as writing my own code. #CodeNewbie.
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When I was learning to code, I'd see tweets about code or code samples and think "I can't wait until I can understand what they're talking about." And I realized today that now I do understand a lot of them. You're making progress even when you don't realize you are.
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Just going to say this:. The number of Twitter followers you have doesn’t equal how kind and empathetic you are. And *that’s* what matters.
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I'm 90% sure the insurance guy I just talked to said "Love you" and then mumbled "sorry" as we ended the call 😂.
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Ok. I’m going to admit it. I have no idea what to do with punctuation when I put an emoji at the end of a sentence. They didn’t teach that in grad school.
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I had an interview today for a really great organization. And now I have a second interview 😁 #MomsCanCode #CodeNewbie.
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After talking to my career coach, I want to keep working on my women of trauma app. So, naturally, I'm going to the store to buy a new notebook to map out what I need to do how I'll get there. Tell me I'm not the only one who plans a site with a notebook 😂.
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I used to have a hard time understanding why people didn’t talk more openly about the toxic ppl, teams, or companies in tech. And then I found myself in a toxic situation and understood why the whisper network exists. I remember being afraid that if I said something publicly, I.
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I hit a milestone in my dev career today. I was contacted by a recruiter for the first time. After I told him I wasn't interested, he asked if I was available on other social networking sites, specifically FB, insta, and snap. Weird or no?.
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Today’s the 5 year anniversary of my surgery. A day I couldn’t get out of bed or walk by myself. Today I hit a personal record (PR) for squats. I’m proud of myself. Video below of my solid 225lb squat. I did a 235lb after this but the depth isn’t quite where it needs to be.
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"The Tech Industry is Failing Junior Devs" by @BekahHW #DEVCommunity . Here's a couple of tips that I frequently tell jr devs looking for their first job, and some advice for what companies can do to create an environment that invests in and keeps juniors.
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It's Monday! What are your goals this week? I'm trying to:. -Apply to three jobs;.-Practice whiteboard-type questions 4 days;.-Find an open source project to contribute to. #CodeNewbie #WomenInTech.
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