I was 18 years old when I started my career in design. I watched Seinfeld and Friends to relate to the water cooler talk at my tech startup. I was the only Black person around. I listened to Oasis and The Smashing Pumpkins to better connect with my peers. I was scared to be me.

Today I’m still scared to be me, but I care less what other think, which is freeing. I think about my young self when mentoring people new in their career. Helping them to be self aware, but authentic. Modulating yourself based on your environment.

It’s tiring and frustrating, but a survival tactic to maintain positive self esteem. I look forward to the day when code switching isn’t necessary for anyone.