In celebration of Ada Lovelace Day, this post is a tribute to the professors who teach us that the only thing to fear is fear itself.  This is for the people who make it possible for females to achieve great things in technology and science.  Those instructors and mentors never gave us any other alternative than to go forth and conquer.

Today I spoke with another female geek who graciously shared her background with me.  She's from Eastern Kentucky, and after high school, found herself in a Southern Liberal Arts college.  Her degree in Computer Science was by chance.  She took an introductory programming course and from there she couldn't stop.  This is all very similar to my history, and both of us give credit to our amazing professors.

Those professors designed curriculums that offered a wide variety of courses.  Those professors gave us high quality lessons and instruction.  Those professors encouraged creativity and innovation.  Those professors veiled us from the stigma associated with minorities in the industry.  The geek said she didn't even realize that she was in a minority.  I had the same experience.  I was a student driven by a desire to learn, not a female student.

The inspiring geek I spoke with earlier has continued, unwavering into her future.  She recently completed her Ph.D., works for one of the largest technology companies in Lexington, and teaches at a local university.  It reminds me of something a great orator recently said, "Don't fear your future - shape it."

So, here's a huge thank you to those professors.  You paved the way for us and many other geeks to begin our explorations into the world without hesitation.