That Harvard study about orange sneakers? It misses the point entirely. Authenticity in tech isn't about performative rebellion or quirky fashion choices. It's about recognizing that your different way of thinking — shaped by your background, experiences, and perspective — is exactly what makes you valuable.
I've watched countless developers try to fit into some imaginary mold of what a "real programmer" should look like. They code-switch their personalities, hide their interests, and suppress the very qualities that could set them apart. Meanwhile, the most successful people I know in tech are the ones who figured out how to be genuinely themselves while delivering exceptional work.
Your unconventional background isn't a bug to fix. It's a feature to leverage.