Hey Abigayle! Excited to meet you! Could you start off by telling us a little about yourself?
Hi! My name is Abigayle Peterson, I'm 18 years old, and I'm an incoming freshman at Western Washington University with a full-ride scholarship in the Honors Program, and Computer Science/Mathematics Scholars Program. Here are links for more info about these programs! CSM: https://cse.wwu.edu/computer-science/csm-scholars Honors: https://honors.wwu.edu/ My passions include computer science, racial equity, entrepreneurship, writing, and mental health advocacy. Apart from being the Founder and Executive Director of Magnify, I’m the Co-Founder of CodeHers Collective where I teach young girls how to code for free, a writer for Reinvented Magazine and Outreach Member of Purple Hydrangea Project. I’m a Grace Hopper Scholar 2020, Wonder Women in Tech Scholar, Elks Foundation Most Valuable Student Finalist, FIRST Robotics alumni, Girls Who Code alumni, Built By Girls WAVE advisee, Nalukai Startup Academy alumni, and regional business plan winner.
When did you first get introduced to coding?
I was first introduced to coding in 7th grade at a local Hour of Code by Code.org event. At first, I desired to pursue a future career as an author.
Having discovered the magic of coding made me realize that programming is like writing a story in a different language.
Tell us about Magnify and your work with mental health advocacy. Where did you get the idea, how did it start, and what is your mission?
In my freshman year of high school, I was bullied both on and offline. Although I'm not perfect either, their words hurt me a lot and dramatically affected my overall mental health. I thought I was alone and that no one else could possibly understand how hurt I was by other's words. I realize that our words and acts can have a dramatic impact. Through coding, I desired to take my past experiences as lessons to use my voice and talents for good. Today, I advocate for anti-bullying and mental health no matter where you come from.
What advice do you have for girls afraid to pursue Computer Science?
My biggest advice is to realize that their feelings are valid to being afraid of starting computer science. Because of the significant lack of representation for women who are in the workforce who have a background in computer science, I know that it’s scary to seem like you are alone. The truth is, you aren’t. One of my biggest regrets is not knowing about amazing organizations such as Reinvented Magazine, Girls Who Code, Kode with Klossy, Built by Girls, and more early on! I recommend you find a community of inclusive, supportive, encouraging, and passionate women who genuinely want you to succeed. In the present day, I’m thankful that I have my own communities of mentors and other like-minded women in STEAM that help me fuel my purpose of creating the world with code.
What were your biggest hurdles in pursuing STEAM/tech?
My biggest challenges in pursuing computer science were battling with imposter syndrome. I felt that I did not belong because of the lack of female representation that dominated my freshman year computer science classroom.
In 2020, I look back at that discouraging experience and desire to change the status quo in our society that women belong in STEM, too.
What advice do you have for people who want to start their mental health journey?
My best advice for those who want to start their mental health journey is to take your time and do not be afraid of reaching out to your loved ones for help. I suggest reflecting on what makes you feel the most “at home” and relaxed and pursue a passion that best reflects that.
What are you working on now and your goals for the future?
Currently, I am leading the 2020 Mental Health Changemakers, a cohort of leaders, students, and founders passionate about bridging the gap between struggling youth and accessible mental health resources. I recruited 70+ students from 5+ countries to help curate the Mental Health Forever database which will be transformed into a website for all. I am also working in a research lab at Western Washington University to improve computer science education. In the future, I hope to work as a software engineer with a specialization in machine learning while continually helping more girls into the world of STEAM.
How can people find out more about you?
My personal Instagram: @abbytes_03
Magnify’s Instagram: @magnify_app
Thank you so much to Abby for letting us spotlight her and her amazing work! She's a changemaker both in STEAM and in the realm of mental health, and we can't wait to see her do big things.
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