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I want to write, today, about my co-worker Olga. She came to America from the Ukraine, and when I first got to know her, she was not an expert in technology. However, over the course of time she has both taught herself (through experience) and learned (in college and from reading) from others to the point where, now, she rightfully can claim the title of computer technician in her own right.

This woman can troubleshoot a laptop problem in a heartbeat, and every new angle she learns to repair, reform, or cleanse a machine of its imperfections she retains seemingly effortlessly. She grabs bright shining facts and holds on to them like a magpie; that she can correlate a lot of disparate elements and keep them all in her head is of major benefit. She follows processes and always has suggestions for improving them.

Although she told me that she worries about an excess of automation in the future (so do I), she said that she enjoys having the wealth of knowledge available to her through the Web.

I asked her what, if anything, she has to say to girls about technology. Here's what she said:

"Technology field is no longer for man only. Being a network or computer engineer was not considered a job for a woman, but I believe that if this is what interests you and where your heart is, go for it."

Go for it, indeed, Olga. You and Ada share a great deal of sisterhood.

Thanks for lending us your skills, your intelligence, and your knowledge at work!