Today we’d like to introduce you to Amethyst Farrar.
Amethyst, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a born and raised southwest Houston native.
My career started in 2010 when I was accepted into the University of Houston on an academic scholarship. During my first semester at UH, I was enrolled as an undeclared student because I was undecided on my field of study. I was surrounded by my peers who were certain about their careers. However, this wasn’t my journey. I remember feeling insecure about the uncertainty of my future. I was 18 years old and unsure about what I wanted to do with my life. I reviewed many of the majors at UH and compared each major description to my talents. And one day, I met an advisor at the College of Technology and fell in love with the Computer Information Systems major.
In 2013, I did two amazing internships. The first was at NRG park/stadium as a Network Administrator and the second at an engineering firm as a desktop support technician. Once I completed the internships, I accepted a full-time offer Technical Consultant in software development. At 21, I was making great money and decided school was no longer necessary. That decision was the beginning of the end for me, or so I thought.
In the summer of 2013, I started experiencing intermittent pain in my left knee. I did a few tests and met with two doctors that explained I had a mildly fractured knee that would heal with exercise and physical therapy. After following the doctor’s order, the pain disappeared.
In 2014, the pain returned, and I decided to get a third opinion. I didn’t have medical insurance and I had to pay for several tests and doctor visits out of pocket. With my medical bills constantly rising I decided to get a second job at 24 Hour Fitness. I’d work my corporate job from 7 am – 4 pm and work 24 Hour Fitness from 5 pm to midnight. I did this, Monday through Friday and weekends I’d rest. After months of doing multiple tests, my results revealed I had a rare, aggressive, and reoccurring bone tumor the size of a tennis ball in my knee.
My doctor recommended immediate bed rest to avoid further damage. I stopped working which meant I had no income and no bachelor’s degree to fall back on. With my medical bills piling up, I quickly fell into depression. A year later, I was still battling. I remember being at my lowest and wanting to kill myself. I tried to kill myself. I sat on my bedroom floor crying, telling myself I had nothing left to give. It was only by the grace of God that I chose not to give up. After five years of treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center, I overcame the disease.
In 2018, I enrolled at the University of Houston-Downtown as a Management Information Systems major. I knew this degree was perfect for me as it merges my love for technology and business. I am excited to announce I will be graduating Magna Cum Laude in May 2020. In addition to my traditional studies, I am also a self-taught programmer working on major projects for 2020.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although I’ve faced challenges with my health, I’ve also faced challenges in my career. At the start of my career, my mom said to me, “You’re a double minority. You’re black and a woman, so sometimes you will have to work twice as hard to prove yourself.” She was right. There have been a few times in my career where I was told: “no, I want a man’s help.” As a black woman in tech, there will always be obstacles in my way, but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.
Please tell us about Amethyst The Gem.
Amethyst The Gem isn’t just about me. Yes, it’s my name, but the brand is much bigger than myself. It’s a community where people can come to get inspired. I share stories, experiences, and advice with those in tech and those who aren’t. Amethyst The Gem is a brand of love and empowerment. I am most proud of myself for being vulnerable enough to share my story with the world. I am proud to live in my truth no matter how ugly it may be. My main goal is to inspire others to be the best version of themselves.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’ve been successful in my tech career without a degree because of networking. Putting myself out there and being confident in my ability to succeed is what keeps me at the table. Consistency, honesty, and vulnerability have also brought me much success in my career. People relate to real stories and they become motivated by the truth. If I continue to work hard and have faith, I will succeed.
If anyone is feeling discouraged and happens to read my story, I want to tell them to never give up. To keep fighting and know that things will get better.
Contact Info:
- Email: amethystthegem1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amethyst_thegem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amethyst_thegem-104703564295107/?ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Danielle Johnae
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