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# Meet RailsConf 2023 Scholar: Rae Stanton
- URL: https://rubycentral.org/news/meet-railsconf-2023-scholar-rae-stanton/
- Published: 2024-02-02T19:00:03.000Z
- Updated: 2024-02-02T19:00:02.000Z
- Author: Irene Kannyo
- Tags: Community, Conferences

Thinking of applying to this year's RailsConf [Scholars and Guides program](https://rubycentral.org/scholars%5Fguides%5Fprogram/)? Read on to hear from last year's Scholars about what it was like and why you should take the leap and apply!  

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/17/0a/170a5cb5-5524-4ba0-93b6-f17fc9bacca6/content/images/2024/01/headshot---Rae-Stanton.jpeg)

### Name: 

Rae Stanton

### Professional Title:

Software Developer

### How did you get into Ruby?

I got into Ruby after deciding that I wanted to make a career switch. Ruby/Rails was recommended to me as a great starting point, so that's where the journey began.

### Are there any Ruby projects you're working on that you're excited about? 

Currently, I am working on contributing to Ruby for Good open source projects! I love diving into new territory and debugging and solving issues as I grow my skill set.

### Why did you decide to join the Scholars/Guides program?

I wanted to connect with someone during the conference who could give some great personalized insights on the conference and also personally.

### What was the highlight of the conference for you?

Some of the people I met were so great, and we have continued to connect past the conference. There are a few people that really want to elevate newcomer experiences.

### What surprised you, if anything about your RailsConf2023 experience?

I think it was surprising to see just how many people feel the same fears I do, but also just how welcoming the rails space is overall.

### Any advice for first-time conference attendees?

Just go! You never know who you'll meet. Definitely make sure you're staying a hotel close by or at the conference location so you can easily grab dinner or hang out with people. Don't be too afraid to put yourself out there.

### Any other final thoughts?

Conferences like this can be so overwhelming, but RailsConf in particular really brought a good variety of interesting talks and fun opportunities to meet like-minded people. Watch recordings if you need a break and make a note of them so you know which ones to find later. Try to go to talks or workshops that challenge you - it may not stick right away, but you can always make a note and research those things later on. Go out at least once. Fly in a day before and leave the day after if you can swing it - it definitely makes for a less stressful experience so you can focus on connections, learning, and having the best experience you possibly can.

### *Thank you Rae for sharing your story! Feeling ready to apply to be a RailsConf 2024 Scholar or Guide? Sign up* [*here*](https://rubycentral.org/scholars%5Fguides%5Fprogram/) *today! The application deadline is February 20th.*