Jessica Perez-Valle, Technical Account Manager at Amazon Web Services | Pursuit Gong Ceremony
I can not believe I started this journey 3 years ago–I am truly so excited to hit this gong today!
As I stand here feeling proud of myself, I feel compelled to share that it was really hard for me to feel proud. For a long time, I focused a lot of my attention on the fact that I saw others get jobs and do amazing things, and I compared myself to them a lot.
As some of you know, my sister Erika, who is now a Spotify engineer (yay!), got hired right after completing our classes. My sister was SO ready for Spotify. But for me on the other hand, I was truly struggling.
I was still working only dead-end jobs, and for the last 5 years I had been working the overnight shift, which was affecting me both physically and mentally, and I knew DEEP down, I needed a change in my life. I mean I needed not just a better future, but I needed better RIGHT-NOW.
And with that in mind, I never said “no” to an interview despite feeling terrified. I kept self-studying in my free time and tried every opportunity that came my way. I made it to a few third rounds of interviews but received no offers.
Then the AWS Silver Linings opportunity came, and just as had before–I went for it. At that time, I did not even think about what the outcome could be; all I knew was that I wanted to keep learning and not be stagnant.
Jessica & her sister Erika with their Grandparents
And while that was happening, I found myself in one of my lowest moments–when you feel so overwhelmed and defeated; I was with my sisters that day expressing these feelings, and my sister Erika said something to me that sparked my mental reckoning.
I told them I felt I wasn't meant for tech, that it was not for me, and I wanted to quit. Then, Erika said to me–“Well maybe going to pursuit together just meant I needed you there. Maybe it just meant that YOU were there to HELP ME be there”. She and I would cry on EVERY single car ride to Pursuit. We had just lost our dad and even just grieving was tough for us to do, as moms and providers–there’s no time. So when she said that, it changed the way I felt about things. I realized that everything we do HAS a purpose. It made me think that if this whole journey was just to help her, then everything I did was not in vain.
And that thought created a domino effect in my head. I began to think well, I have literally gone days without any sleep (now looking back I don't even know how I retained any information). I was really just on auto-pilot mode balancing work, study, life, and being a mom. So, that’s when I understood that all I had done until that moment was really an accomplishment in itself.
And just like my sister and I did with our car rides, just keep riding until you get to where you’re meant to be, even at your lowest. Pursuit was meant for us. Spotify was meant for Erika, and AWS was meant for me. And what is meant for you, will be. Please believe and be kind to yourself. To quote the great Maya Angelou, from a poem I was taught in 7th grade–“Nobody, but nobody, Can make it out here alone.”
So, thank you Pursuit for creating this space and outstanding community of warriors. The opportunities you have provided have been life-changing for me and my family, and in my case not only financially. Thank you so much Jukay, Dave, and all the remarkable people of Pursuit. Shoutout to Shannon, Rusi, and Jose.
Thank you so much to Jeff Drew for leading the AWS Silver Linings program. Thank you to all the 70+ AWS volunteers who genuinely gave their time and support, and gave us so much encouragement. To my mentor Tim Murphy, the impact of your support was life-changing, and I am forever grateful.
To my hero, who I call mom. To my idols, who I call sisters. To my fiance–we’ve had our ups and downs, but you’ve always been my rock. To my baby girl, thank you for being patient with me and being the best daughter in the world. I hope I’ve made you as proud as I am to be your mommy. And to my angels in heaven, my dad and mi abuelita this is all for you.
Jessica with her daughter & fiancé
