My Relationship with Coding (so far...)
Tags: writing, discuss, story, codenewbie
Published: 2023-08-16 23:02:06

When I was 5 years old, my Dad introduced me to the world of video games, igniting a hobby that would become a lasting passion. By the time I turned 6, I was already drawn to the extra layers of concept art and behind-the-scenes development that accompanied these games. With the arrival of our first family computer, and after downloading all my favorite games, I eagerly delved into the realm of Indie Game Development. I spent hours absorbed in learning various coding techniques, aiming to create simple games like Pac-Man or Snake. Each challenge brought new excitement, and whenever I felt burnt out, I'd find something fresh to reignite my enthusiasm.

Over the years, I largely self-taught the art of indie game creation, utilizing the vast resources available online. Upon high school graduation, my career path was clear. Despite a somewhat complex school history due to life's unexpected turns, I remained determined.

Post-graduation, I enrolled at my local community college with the intention of pursuing a degree in 3D Graphics and Design, which had piqued my interest in the visual aspects of game development. Regrettably, after just one semester, circumstances forced me to leave school and secure employment to support myself. This marked the beginning of my journey toward independence, as my parents urged me to assume more responsibility for my life. Nonetheless, I remained undeterred. Approximately a year later, I managed to gather basic necessities—a car, a phone, and a laptop—and re-enrolled, this time at a university.

For the subsequent two years, Colorado Mesa University became my academic home, where I focused intently on achieving a degree in 3D Graphics and Design. Yet, midway through my second year, the global impact of COVID-19 abruptly halted my studies, prompting a return home during the worldwide quarantine.

During the lockdown, I transitioned to a job in the food industry to sustain myself. Here, I discovered my knack for management, swiftly ascending the ranks to acquire a respectable title and income. However, my dream of becoming a programmer and game developer remained steadfast. Determined to forge ahead, I left this role for a more flexible position in package delivery, strategically balancing my need for a well-paying job with the time required to resume my education.

As fate would have it, I stumbled upon a programming bootcamp just after learning of my girlfriend's pregnancy—a surprise that required me to carefully reconsider my priorities. Ultimately, family took precedence, and nine months later, my son was born. Navigating the uncharted waters of parenthood proved to be a formidable challenge, monopolizing much of my time. However, with time, my girlfriend and I established a comfortable routine, paving the way for me to reignite my educational pursuits. Driven by a newfound motivation, I re-enrolled at Flatiron School, eager to immerse myself once again in the world of programming.

My young adult years have unfolded as an exhilarating adventure, marked by unwavering dedication to my aspirations. With the invaluable guidance of the remarkable individuals at Flatiron School, I am poised to embark on a fulfilling career in the tech industry. Whether my path leads me to the realm of Game Design, Web Development, or beyond, I am ready and eager to embrace the next chapter of my life in the world of technology.