My name is Milla, and I’m a freshman at Duke University majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I wouldn’t be here without Kode With Klossy – two weeks of camp truly changed my life.

I first applied to Kode With Klossy junior year of high school, when I was looking for a coding summer camp. I took coding classes at school, but I was one of the only girls and was constantly fighting to prove myself. No matter how hard I worked, boys in my classes never believed my answers were right or that I was just as smart and capable as they were. I was approaching senior year, and needed to start applying to colleges and picking a major. I wanted to major in Computer Science, but my experiences in class were making me unmotivated and lose my passion for code.

Kode With Klossy gave me a complete reset. I was suddenly surrounded by motivated, intelligent women of all ages and backgrounds. Everyone I met was incredibly kind and supportive, and I’m still in contact with the girls I met that summer. Camp itself taught me so much, not just about website development, but about myself. I learned to add “yet” to every question – “I don’t know how to do this yet,” which is a mentality that truly shifted the way I approach learning. Not having experience with a certain topic or eld doesn’t mean I’m not smart or capable of learning. I just haven’t done it yet. The incredible experience I had at camp reignited my love for coding, and I was inspired to push myself to keep working hard and help inspire other girls to join the STEM eld.

Throughout senior year, I talked about Kode With Klossy All. The. Time. I encouraged my friends to apply, and they had incredible experiences during their camps. I talked about my camp in my applications and interviews, and happily reapplied for the next summer. I attended alumni events and met even more wonderful girls, who I still talk to regularly (one is coming to Duke next year!). I was even involved in the Instagram campaign for summer applications opening

Basically, I love Kode With Klossy. Camp was an opportunity that truly changed my life and mindset, and I recommend the experience to everyone, no matter your coding experience or age. You never know how one small decision will change your life - submit the application! The people and support system are truly special. Thank you, Kode With Klossy!

Love,

Milla