Nhaem Ratana: "Technology is not only for boys, girls can also be good at it!"

In parallel to her IT degree, Ratana decided to complete her knowledge by joining during her free time a coding training provided by Sisters of Code, the first female coding club in Cambodia and new partner of Happy Chandara School. Freshly graduated, Ratana told us about her journey in the tech world.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Nhaem Ratana, I’m 20 years old. I just finished my second year of Management Information Systems at SETEC University. I chose to study IT because I am passionate about technology! I never thought that it was made for boys, like most people in our society think. When I was a teenager, my sister had an old computer and I was really interested in it. I learnt by myself and sometimes I watched YouTube to help, and I kept practicing. I used it everyday, and maybe I was the first one who knew how to use a computer in my class. Everyone came to me to ask: “How does it work?” They wanted me to help them. 

How your studies look like?

Every semester I study many subjects, but my major mainly focuses on coding, networking and data analysis. I also study how to use Adobe Illustrator, Premiere Pro or Photoshop. My favorite subject is web development. I know HTML and CSS languages, not yet Java and Python. It’s kinda fun for me to study coding: it's another language that only people in tech know about. Most people think it’s weird, but it’s interesting and fun, I really like it.

How would you explain your studies to your friends?

Before starting coding, we have to think about an algorithm. It’s the step where we control and tell the computer how we want it to reach our goal, step by step and very accurately. If you miss one of them, it wont work. We have to be very specific in our writing to make the computer understand how to do it. When it works the way you want and the code is running, you feel like: “Wow, I’m so cool!” But most of the time there is an error…

You don’t need to be good at maths to code!

Were you more “scientific” when you were in Happy Chandara School?

In high school I wasn't really good at maths, and coding doesn't really include numbers. You don’t need to be good at maths! If you are, it could be easier, but if you keep studying and knowing the basics, you can be good too.

What is your dream job?

I want to be a website developer, and maybe create applications for smartphones too. I haven't decided yet. Right now, I’m working for a company called Redbridge, as an IT officer. I have to check our clients’ computers, or answer emails from clients if they have a problem.

You joined a training session with Sisters of Code, the first female coding club in Cambodia. Why? 

I saw a Facebook post when I was in grade 11 in high school. I didn't join the session at this time because I was living in Prek Thmey and I didnt have any transportation. And then I had already started university, I was living at Chandara Students Home and I saw they started a session again. I applied, I was selected with 40 other students. It lasted 18 weeks, 2 hours per week on Sundays afternoons.

What did you learn with Sisters of Code?

The spirit of mutual help. With my classmates, we were always helping each other to solve problems. We had a group chat: when one of us had a problem with our code, we took a picture and sent it to the group. In a few seconds, someone replied: “You should do this like this, the code is wrong with that step...” It wasn't about competition or being perfect, we were just helping each other and growing together. At the university, I study website development, but I created my own game for the first time with Sisters of Code. It was fun. I also programmed an animation about my mum who just passed away. The drawings are not the best but I’m proud of all those things I’ve done by coding.

Would you recommend this training to your friends?

Definitely! But I would also recommend it to high school students or teenagers who like technology and don't know how to start. People from 10 years old to 20 years old can join. It’s not complicated or stressful. Teachers are friendly and everyone has a positive mindset. It’s both in English and in Khmer. It’s also about learning to be confident with your work and showing it. Coding is not impossible, nobody is too young or not skilled enough. You can join anytime.

What do you want to tell women who think they are not made for coding?

Technology is not only for boys, girls can also be good at it! Remember that the first computer program was made by a woman, Ada Lovelace. The tech industry needs more girls and I would like to motivate them. I want to tell all girls and women that technology is not as complicated as they think. Don't be afraid!

And what would you like to tell to your friends in Chandara Students’ Homes?

When you are looking for something, just try to solve it by yourself. You can use Google to solve it step by step. When you have a problem, don't tell yourself: “I don't know I will let someone solves it”. The solution is everywhere, on Google, YouTube, and other websites. You can learn by yourself, step by step.