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Rub[berDuck]yConf, I :mustache: you a question by Tara Scherner de la Fuente I :mustache: you a question. That's what I send via Slack to folks I'm reaching out to when I'm stuck. Over these first few years of my career, the reach outs are fewer and the problems more specific and/or challenging. Now? I often get that inquiry in a DM. What I'm discovering more and more: That whole rubber duck thing is no joke—moreover, it's often the unofficial mentoring of our industry. What do our own questions teach us? What do they teach others? How can you be a great rubber duck? Beyond that moment, what can the rubber duck do for your career--the easy way?
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In her talk titled "Rub[berDuck]yConf, I :mustache: you a question," Tara Scherner De La Fuente discusses the concept of informal mentoring through the metaphor of a 'rubber duck.' This metaphor stems from programming, where developers explain their code to a rubber duck to debug their thoughts. ### Key Points: - **Learning Process:** Tara shares her personal struggles with learning and how her earlier experiences, particularly with her PhD studies and coding boot camps, shaped her understanding of different learning styles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how you learn and advocating for your own learning needs. - **Rubber Duck Concept:** The term 'rubber duck' in the programming context symbolizes a non-judgmental listener or a tool for debugging one’s thoughts by verbalizing them. This idea has expanded to represent any informal mentoring relationship. - **Mentorship Experiences:** Tara recounts her experiences with informal mentors who supported her learning. For example, she highlights mentors like Sonia and Daryl, who provided crucial guidance, allowing her to grow in her capabilities and confidence. - **Creating Trust:** The talk underscores the importance of establishing trust in mentoring relationships. Tara illustrates this by discussing her approach to asking questions and the significance of maintaining confidentiality with mentors to foster learning. - **Vulnerability and Growth:** Tara discusses how sharing her vulnerabilities, such as her struggles with learning and body image, can create a supportive community, allowing others to feel comfortable in their own struggles and fostering an environment for personal and professional growth. ### Conclusions: Tara concludes that everyone has something to learn and can find value in being both a mentor and a mentee. By easing the learning journey for others—acting as a rubber duck—individuals can contribute positively to their community while also enhancing their own understanding and skills. The collaborative process of teaching and learning leads to mutual growth, highlighting the critical role empathy and support play in the tech industry.
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