As a mentor in the Girls.js initiative, I had the honor of supporting women taking their first steps in the world of programming. This project is not only about learning to code, but above all about building community, self-confidence, and breaking barriers in the technology industry.
My role and approach
My main task was to lead small groups of participants through the secrets of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Working in small teams allowed me to:
- Individual approach – adjusting the pace and method of explanation to the needs of each person.
- Building relationships – creating a safe space for asking questions and experimenting.
- Support in problem-solving – not only technical but also mental, helping to overcome the frustration of “code not working”.
For me, mentoring is something more than transferring knowledge; it is accompanying in discovering passion and showing that programming is accessible to everyone.
Challenges and successes
Online Mentoring (2020 Edition)
The COVID-19 pandemic challenged us to move workshops to the virtual world. It was a valuable lesson in adaptation. Using tools like CodeSandbox Live, we managed to maintain interactivity and the possibility of ongoing support (“looking into the code”), despite the physical distance. It turned out that energy and willingness to learn can break through any screen.
On-site Workshops (Łódź)
During the on-site editions in Łódź, I could observe direct interaction and the power of teamwork. The sight of participants solving problems together and enjoying their first working scripts was incredibly satisfying.
Key project values
From my perspective, Girls.js is an initiative based on:
- Accessibility – democratizing knowledge and opening doors to IT for people from different backgrounds.
- Diversity – bringing new perspectives to the world of technology, which makes it richer and more innovative.
- Support – showing that no one has to be alone with their errors in the console.
Summary
Participating in Girls.js as a mentor was for me not only an opportunity to share experience but also a lesson in humility and inspiration. Observing the path from “I don’t understand” to “it works!” in my mentees confirmed my belief that education and mutual help are the foundations of a strong IT community.
