A lead instructional coach at a social justice-oriented summer tech program for students of color reflects on feedback she received from other members of the organization's leadership. Students were admonished for using phones, wearing headphones, taking breaks, and choosing when to participate in activities. Leaders of the organization wanted to inhibit students from engaging in behaviors that might prevent donors from continuing to support the program. The author offers reflections on the experience and believes that preparing students for tech fields involves promoting autonomy and self-management. She also believes that donors should be better prepared to enter tech classes.