Attending CHI 2026 in Barcelona as an ACM-W Scholar was a highlight of my undergraduate studies. As a psychology student and an HCI enthusiast, I arrived wondering how well I’d fit in the world of Human-Computer Interaction and whether to pursue academia or industry.

From the very first keynote mixing art performances with neuroscience, the conference was filled with collaborations and fascinating interdisciplinary topics. What intrigued me most weren’t just the results, but the creative methods, from researchers using pre-stamped postcards in public bathrooms for anonymous health studies, to using electric signals to shape water droplets, to archeologically analyzing in-game artifacts. Hearing the diverse ‘origin stories’ of these projects and academics I met made me realize that HCI is a home for people from all walks of life, and that my background in psychology fits right in.

Presenting our paper, “‘If I hadn’t seen it that day, I wouldn’t be here today’: The Role of Digital Awareness Content on Social Media in Recognizing Gender-based Violence”, to the CHI audience was a surreal milestone. Being part of the program alongside my supervisors and mentors as well as 5,000+ attendees felt exciting and provided me with a unique opportunity to try on the academic life! Communicating our work in this short format made me reflect deeply about the power of linguistic choices when it comes to topics that are frequently stigmatized. Being mindful not only of scientific accuracy, but also the impact those words can have on my audience helped me polish my scientific communication skills.

I especially appreciated getting to know so many curious, ambitious and creative researchers at CHI 2026. The community felt welcoming and inclusive, leaving me with the feeling that I fit right in. I am leaving Barcelona with a clearer sense of direction and a profound gratitude to ACM-W, SIGCHI, and the University of Zurich for their generous support in making this experience possible.