Emma Koslow: Girls in STEM

Welcome back to my blog! I hope you're having a wonderful summer and got lots of relaxation in. I'm savoring my last few days of break since I go back to school next week.
In today's post, I interviewed Emma Koslow, a high school sophomore with a passion for computing. I hope you have as much fun getting to know Emma as I did. Let's get started!

Sanjana: Hey, Emma! It's such a pleasure to interview you. I read your bio, but I'd love to know a little more about you! What is your favorite book, movie, food, etc.?

Emma: It's great to be talking to you! My favorite book is Harry Potter, but movie is hard because I love so many! My favorite food is probably sushi (but only vegetable because I don't like fish).

S: Sushi is so good! I have a lot of favorite movies, too. I know technology plays a big part in your life, so tell us about your tech background. What got you started with tech?

E: I know I became interested in tech when I was really young and I used to use my parents' computer. I think the first time I did something major in computing was probably when I was six and created my first website! It was called Koolpupz and was about dogs. I think that is what really started my interest in tech! 

S: That's so cool! Now that you're older, how does technology influence your everyday life?

E: Technology definitely has a huge influence on my life. While there are the basics like using my phone and computer, it influences what I do everyday. I am working on creating an animated short about girls in tech. My classes in school also often require me to use a computer, like AP Computer Science A. 

S: I would love to watch the animation when you're done! It sounds like you are very well-rounded. What do you feel is your biggest technological achievement?

E: I am so excited to show it to everyone! It has been so much fun to create! I feel like my biggest achievement has been being able to teach myself various programming languages. Whenever I learn a new language, I feel so accomplished. Also, receiving the 2017 NCWIT Aspirations in Computing National Honorable Mention and New Jersey Winner awards was a huge accomplishment. Being recognized by such an incredible group is a great honor!

S: Congratulations Emma! That’s a wonderful accomplishment! Can you explain what NCWIT is?

E: The National Center for Women in Information and Technology (NCWIT) is an organization that is a collaboration of different companies and colleges that are working together to support girls in tech! They created the Aspirations in Computing Award to acknowledge high school girls in technology and gives them the chance to win prizes and to connect with other girls in computing!

S: As a fellow member of the NCWIT community, I know it is a wonderful organization. I’ve met great girls, like you, through it! However, I know that girls in STEM must overcome obstacles. What challenges do you believe girls in STEM face, and how can they work to overcome these challenges?

E: The huge challenge is definitely being underestimated or not getting opportunities because of being a girl. People are still getting used to the idea of women coding and working in STEM, so some people need time to accept the fact that girls can do just as great things as boys can. The best way to overcome this is to keep moving forward. I have heard way too many stories about women who have quit their jobs or dropped out of classes because of the gender gap and discrimination.

S: This is such an important message to spread! We need to face stereotypes and gender biases head on. Thank you so much for your time, Emma! You've done big things and I can't wait to see what else you accomplish.

That concludes my interview with Emma! She has a bright future ahead of her and this was a great experience. Thank you so much for reading and be sure to comment below with your thoughts!