One of the most memorable experiences I had at BYU Idaho happened during my Frontend Web Development II course. When our instructor assigned a group project, I looked around and realized I was the only woman on my team.
At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel. It wasn’t the first time I’d been in a male dominated environment, but it still made me wonder whether my ideas would be heard or whether I’d have to work twice as hard to prove myself. I even caught myself thinking, “Maybe I should just stay quiet and let everyone else lead.”
Thankfully, I didn’t listen to that voice.
Instead, I decided to show up the same way I always try to, prepared, willing to learn, and ready to contribute. Before every meeting, I reviewed the project requirements and came with ideas. If there was something I didn’t understand, I asked questions instead of pretending I knew everything. And when I had a suggestion, I shared it confidently.
Something interesting happened after that. My teammates weren’t expecting perfection from me. They were expecting participation. The more I contributed, the more they trusted my ideas. Soon, discussions felt natural, and we worked together as a team instead of focusing on the fact that I was the only woman in the room.
That experience taught me something I still carry with me today. Confidence doesn’t always come before action. Sometimes it comes because you choose to speak up even when you feel nervous.
I also learned that being different can actually be a strength. Since my perspective wasn’t always the same as everyone else’s, I often noticed things they overlooked. Whether it was improving the user experience, catching a design inconsistency, or suggesting a different way to organize our work, having a variety of viewpoints made our project better.
Of course, it wasn’t perfect. There were moments when I questioned myself or wondered if I belonged. But instead of letting those thoughts stop me, I reminded myself why I was there. I had earned my place in that classroom just like everyone else.
If I could go back and talk to the version of myself who walked into that first group meeting, I’d tell her this:
Don’t shrink yourself just because you’re the only woman at the table. Your ideas deserve to be heard. Speak up, ask questions, volunteer for tasks, and don’t confuse being quiet with being respectful. Your contribution matters.
That’s advice I think applies far beyond university. Whether you’re in software development, engineering, business, or any other field where you might find yourself outnumbered, remember that diversity isn’t just about representation. It is also about bringing different ways of thinking to solve problems.
Today, when I find myself as the only woman in a meeting or on a project, I don’t focus on being the only woman anymore. I focus on being a dependable teammate. I prepare well, communicate clearly, support others, and keep learning. Those habits have done far more for my confidence than worrying about whether I fit in.
To anyone who’s about to start their first group project and feels intimidated because they’re the only woman, don’t let that stop you from participating. Your perspective is valuable, your voice belongs in the conversation, and you might inspire another woman to believe she belongs there too.
Looking back, that Frontend Web Development II project wasn’t just about building a web application. It helped me build something even more important, confidence in my ability to contribute, regardless of who else was in the room.
Gifty Akosua Arkoh
Gifty Akosua Arkoh is a Software Development student at BYU-Idaho with a passion for technology, education, and empowering young people through STEM. She has over three years of experience in STEM education and is developing skills in web development, project management, and digital innovation. Gifty enjoys creating technology solutions that address real community needs and is passionate about using technology to make education more accessible and impactful.