UNWRITTEN CODES

 At first glance, life and programming may seem like worlds apart—one organic and unpredictable, the other governed by logic and structure. But beneath the surface, both follow a blueprint of intention, adaptation, and continuous refinement.

In programming, everything begins with a purpose—a problem to solve, a function to fulfill. Similarly, life begins with questions of meaning and the pursuit of direction. We define variables—our roles, beliefs, and ambitions—and assign them values shaped by our environment. Just like in code, those values evolve over time, rewritten through experience, challenge, and choice.

Identity in life mirrors the fluidity of programming objects. It’s dynamic, rarely static. As inputs change—culture, expectations, relationships—we adapt. We debug ourselves. We crash, we reset, we learn. And often, the most resilient versions of ourselves emerge not from flawless execution, but from rewriting the parts of us that no longer serve our growth.

Like code, life isn’t always efficient. It’s layered, messy, and full of unexpected outputs. But if we dare to reflect, refactor, and keep building, we may discover that who we are—like the best programs—is never finished, just endlessly evolving.

The SYSTEM, as many call it, is a complex, ever-evolving program—its true nature difficult to define or fully decode. Its function changes depending on the user, with personal stories acting as algorithms shaping each interpretation. For those who feel they don’t belong, the effort to integrate is like debugging endless lines of code, striving to adapt and conform. But even after gaining access, they often realize the system was never designed with them in mind, leaving them as outsiders. This paradox forces a pivotal question: was the pursuit of belonging worth the cost of losing self?

Unwritten tells the story of Safina Diallo, a young African entrepreneur who embarks on her journey in America with bold dreams and a passion for technology. With determination, she hacks her way into a world that promises limitless success to those who can build fast-growing businesses and secure venture capital. Just as Safina feels she’s cracked the code and shattered the glass walls that keep people like her out, she’s met with an unsettling truth: this world isn’t ready to truly embrace her.

Her identity, values, and trust in others are put to the test as Safina battles an invisible beast while trying to stay grounded in who she is. She finds herself entangled in a power struggle with her investors, fighting not only for her company but for her sense of self. Her business—a reflection of her deepest aspirations—becomes the stage where this battle for belonging and survival unfolds.