They say that the best things in life happen unexpectedly, and my journey into software development is no exception. It all started in 2020 when I was feeling burnt out and restless. I needed a new hobby, something that would allow me to channel my creativity and problem-solving skills. That's when I discovered the world of coding, and I haven't looked back since.

One of the things that drew me to software development is my love for building things. There's something incredibly satisfying about starting with a blank canvas and ending up with a fully functional application that people can use. It's like creating a work of art that not only looks good but also has a purpose. I enjoy the process of designing, coding, and testing my projects, and seeing them come to life.

Another aspect of software development that I love is problem-solving. Every project comes with its unique set of challenges, and I enjoy the process of figuring out how to overcome them. It's like a puzzle that needs to be solved, and the feeling of finally cracking the code is like nothing else.

But maybe the best thing about software development is that it involves so much empathy. I believe that software should be designed with the user in mind, and I always try to put myself in their shoes when developing applications or viewing other applications for inspiration. I think about their needs and try to create software that is intuitive, easy to use, and improves their lives in some way. For me, software development is not just about writing code; it's about creating solutions that make a difference in people's lives.

Of course, my journey into software development wasn't without its challenges. When I first started learning to code, I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there. I tried learning on my own through online courses and tutorials, but I found it hard to stay motivated and keep up with the pace. That's when I discovered Practicum*, a software engineering boot camp that teaches the MERN stack. I got a scholarship through Women Who Code, and it changed my life in just a month. Thank you WWC, truly.

Joining Practicum has been a game-changer for me and has allowed me to fully understand and appreciate the art of software development. The structured curriculum and hands-on approach have given me the support and guidance I needed to finally understand the concepts I had been struggling with. The tutors are knowledgeable and passionate, and I’m learning so much from my fellow students as well. Being part of a community of like-minded individuals who shared my passion for software development was inspiring and motivating.

My journey into software development has been a rollercoaster ride filled with challenges, triumphs, and unexpected surprises. I’ve been burnt out on it, taken breaks, and, honestly, given up on it completely. There were points where all I would do was code. There were points where I didn’t want anything to do with it. I’ve happy to say that through it all, my love for building things, problem-solving, and empathy have kept me going and my love for myself has helped me find a balance. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next!

Happy Sunday!

*This isn’t a sponsored post, I truly just love this program.