How do people play Zarya?

No this isn't a Zarya OP post, but I was genuinely wondering how people play zarya?

I don't play any of the tanks in Stadium Rn, so I've been playing Orisa but after went on a bit of a loss streak of 5 matches again a Zarya who just melted me. I normally play support but needed to win one more match for my lootbox.

So I decided to go Zarya (for an easy win) first time touching her in years and it just reminded me how BORING she was. Literally the least engaging gameplay I've ever experienced.

I'd genuinely like some tips to make her gameplay more engaging (if possible)