This article was originally written by Anet Bravo and published on Medium. You can connect with Anet on LinkedIn or email at Anetbravomr@gmail.com.
Two months ago, I lost my job. My work authorization had expired, and although I had already applied for a renewal, it hadn’t arrived yet. As a 20-year-old Venezuelan college student, I found myself facing a new challenge: how to make this unexpected time off truly meaningful.
I had saved a little money, and I’m lucky and deeply grateful to have people around me who supported me during that time. So, instead of staying still, I decided to look for different opportunities, ones I wouldn’t have considered before. That’s when I discovered Code/Art, an organization that empowers girls to explore creativity through code.
As someone passionate about both technology and art, I immediately felt drawn to it. I knew I had to be involved. So I became a volunteer, and I was beyond excited to start this new experience.
A Story That Begins in San José, Venezuela
I come from a small town in Venezuela called San José de Perijá, where dreams often feel out of reach due to a lack of opportunities and resources. I grew up as a little girl full of big dreams and an artistic spirit. My family has always had a deep love for technology , especially my brother and my father, and from early on, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to a field where art and tech could meet: video games and animation.
I spent hours watching movies that shaped my imagination and playing games that made me feel like everything was okay, even if just for a little while. That feeling , the power of creativity and play to bring comfort, stayed with me. It was the fuel behind my decision to emigrate, searching for a future where I could turn that passion into a career.
Coming to the U.S. wasn’t easy, but I will always be thankful for the chance to be here, growing, learning, and getting closer to my dreams.
Why Code/Art Felt Like Home
That’s exactly why Code/Art caught my attention. It’s an organization that inspires girls to explore tech and art, not separately, but together. On my first day walking into the classroom, surrounded by such a kind and welcoming staff and seeing all the excited girls, I couldn’t help but reconnect with my younger self.
Even though I was going through a hard time personally, something inside me shifted. I felt hopeful again. That day, I fell in love with the experience.
Each girl had her own personality, story, and way of seeing the world. Some were loud and confident, others were shy and observant. A few were immigrants, like me. I remember a young Latina girl who didn’t speak English very well at first, and how, little by little, she began to open up and participate. Watching her adapt reminded me of my own journey in this country.
80 Hours That Left a Mark
The project I was part of was a summer camp in partnership with STEM From Dance. The girls would spend half the day dancing and the other half learning about programming and hearing from tech professionals who shared their experiences.
Over the course of 80 hours, I helped guide, support, and encourage these girls. I watched them go from hesitant beginners to confident creators. I met inspiring people, both kids and adults. But more than anything, I learned that helping others grow helps you grow too.
My Reflection
For the first time, I realized my story had value, not because it was perfect, but because it was real. I saw how my presence, my accent, my background could become a bridge for others. I want more immigrant kids to see design and tech not as distant or elite fields, but as powerful tools for self-expression and healing.
Volunteering with Code/Art changed the way I see my story, my future, and my responsibility to others. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
