Don’t Let Anything Stand In the Way of Your Dreams — Rediet Tesfaye

The best things in life require some level of sacrifice. In Today’s story, Rediet Tesfaye, an Ethiopian Fellow, shared the sacrifices she had to make to be part of the Women Techsters Fellowship. We are inspired, and we hope you are too.

My name is Rediet Tesfaye, Women Techsters Beneficiary, Class of 2023 under the Product Management learning track. When I first heard about the Women Techsters Fellowship, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. It promised to be a fantastic experience that could change the course of my career forever. I was determined to be a part of it, but one big obstacle was standing in my way — money.

True, the Women Techsters Fellowship is a tuition-free program, but, as a student, I had limited funds, and attending the 4-hour classes for five days a week, in addition, to study group sessions and other meetings, was going to be expensive. I relied on the school’s Wi-Fi whenever possible, but it wasn’t enough. I had to find a way to afford the data to last me through the classes.

At first, I was discouraged. I thought about giving up on the Fellowship, but something inside me told me not to, and today, I am so glad I listened to that voice. I realized that I had to make it work if I wanted to be a part of it. So, I got creative.

I started by cutting back on unnecessary expenses. I stopped eating out and started cooking my meals at home. I even sold some of my belongings to raise some extra cash. But that still wasn’t enough. I sometimes needed more money to afford the data for the classes.

Another solution I kept going back to was reaching out to friends and family for help. It was challenging to ask for assistance, but I knew that if I didn’t, I would miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And to my surprise, they were happy to lend a hand.

Their support helped me attend the Fellowship, which has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams. I realized that sometimes, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Anything is possible when people believe in you and your dreams.

Being a part of the Fellowship was everything I had hoped it would be and more. The classes were challenging but also incredibly inspiring. The study group sessions were a great way to connect with other women in tech, and the other meetings provided valuable insights into the industry.

Looking back, I’m so grateful that I didn’t let money hinder my dreams. The Women Techsters Fellowship was a fantastic opportunity that I will never forget, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my loved ones.

So, to anyone facing a similar challenge, I encourage you not to give up. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Don’t let money or anything stand in the way if you’re passionate about something. Get creative, reach out for help, and keep pushing forward. You never know where it might take you.

Would you like to be a part of the Fellowship? Get started here.