What just happened?

I still remember the moment I received that email. I was in my prototyping class, when the subject line flashed on my screen: “Your Config 2025 Scholarship application” For a split second, I thought I was tripping. I read it again. And again. And again. I wasn’t. I had just been selected for the scholarship to attend Figma’s CONFIG in San Francisco.

It's still a livestream. This time, I'm actually in the room

I always saw Config from a distance. Tweets, livestreams, all that. I never, ever imagined I’d be there. But this year, that changed.

I’ve spent so much time with Figma open on my laptop, it almost feels like a second home at this point. I use it daily, literally. It’s the tool that made me fall in love with design in the first place.

So, to be selected by Figma to their actual conference? With the people that actually build it?  That was surreal. 

A room full of inspiration

Walking into Config felt like walking into a living, breathing version of the internet, but way cooler. It was a space that celebrated the full spectrum of creativity, and I was totally here for it, all of it. 

I met designers from startups, big tech companies, and everything in between but you could hardly tell the difference.Everyone was… just so cool. Friendly, open, curious. No ego, no gatekeeping. It felt like community. Maybe that’s because it was. 

Everyone there was excited about design and building cool products. Hearing stories, journeys and processes were truly inspiring. “I worked on META’s cross-posting” “Our team re-designed the NFL app”. Most of the time I was screaming in my head. But I had to keep my cool because there was so much to learn. I definitely got new perspectives, and most importantly, I left with a deeper belief in what I could bring to the design world. 

The sessions, the cars, the self-driving cars

Let’s talk about the sessions first. I was seriously blown away. Three talks that really stuck with me:

That talk reminded me just how much creativity can go into rethinking even familiar things. 

Oh, and can we talk about the Figma Sites launch?! I actually cheered when Dylan announced it. As someone who likes designing and building websites, this felt like they had literally built something for me. 

Outside of the talks, there was this massive wave of swag. I’m talking Figma sweatshirts, stickers, tote bags, all free, all beautiful. I may or may not have come home with enough Figma gear to clothe a small team of designers.

And yeah, I tried the Waymo self-driving car. Sitting in a taxi with no one behind the wheel? Slightly terrifying. Totally amazing. I spent two days wondering if my eyes were deceiving me anytime I saw them dive past me. I just had to try it. 

Advice that hit hard

One of the biggest highlights wasn’t even a talk, it was the conversations. I got to meet actual leaders from the design industry. Like, the kind of people who build the products I use every day.

They gave me such honest, thoughtful advice, on everything from how to make my portfolio stand out, to the way they approach hiring, to how they think about design at scale. It was stuff you can’t Google.  Priceless. 

And the best part? It wasn’t one-way. They listened to me too. It mattered what I had to say. My journey mattered too. I walked into config wondering if I belonged. I left knowing I do. 

So what now?

This trip gave me more than just inspiration. It gave me momentum. It reminded me that I’m not alone on this journey. That this design world I’ve been working so hard to break into? I’m already a part of it.

Getting this scholarship, to me, wasn’t just about attending a conference. It was about access, reassurance, being seen. It reminded me that talent and creativity doesn’t always follow a traditional route. I also learned the importance of being part of a community. It can open doors. To any young designer still doubting your place, still trying to break in: keep going. Your. story. Matters.

Thank you, Figma

For the scholarship, for the community, and for creating space for people like me to grow. You didn’t just give me a ticket to Config. You gave me a seat at the table, the confidence to use my voice; an experience I’ll never forget. And I can’t wait to pay it forward.

I’m heading back inspired, educated and with a little more confidence than before.

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