2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

With an increase in the number of research for broadening participation in computing, we observe that these scholarships point out the deficit stories of why women are not pursuing computing degrees (for example: geek culture, lack of self-efficacy, etc.,) and the asset stories that they possess to persist in a structure not designed for them (for example: having resilience, cultural capitals, etc.,). However, these stories are one-dimensional and harmful in their own ways. To understand multiple dimensions of one woman’s experiences in and out of a computing classroom, we present three different stories of one participant’s interview discourse. We contrast the stories to build towards a more holistic representation and towards cultural critique. Rachel, a Hispanic woman and a transfer student, stood out in the way she presented herself, sharing her experiences of navigating the computing spaces her out-of experiences. Our analysis showcases the limitations of single stories that focus on one’s deficits or on one’s assets. A focus on assets alone may seem positive and supportive, but it does not recognize the starting point and reality for a student like Rachel, particularly when relating to her future. Likewise both of these stories focus on the individual and do not translate towards critical improvements for our everyday environments in computing. We hope that more holistic account we model can help scholars work towards cultural change in the computing field.