My (abridged) Story
Tags: webdev, community, writing
Published: 2023-06-06 19:43:59

In my youth, I faced the harsh reality of poverty. We lacked the basic luxuries like a TV or a car, and our crumbling trailer offered no respite from the biting winter cold. As a teenager, I lost my way, succumbing to drugs, theft, and a tumultuous cycle of group homes and correctional facilities. Among my small circle of best friends back then, only one remains alive today, the rest lost to various circumstances

At 16, due to constant transfers, the state lost all records of my academic credits, forcing me to drop out of high school. However, I refused to let this setback define my future. Determined, I obtained my GED at 18 and even earned a Deans Scholarship to our local community college, a testament to my intelligence. Yet, despite this opportunity, I lacked the wisdom to seize it.

Several years later, fate intervened in the form of my wife, whose stability and kindness brought much-needed solace to my tumultuous life. However, this newfound comfort also bred complacency within me. For more than a decade, I languished and failed to harness my potential, assuming that success and fulfillment would naturally fall into my lap. Predictably, they didn't.

At the age of 33, I began experiencing relentless head pain, accompanied by unbearable tinnitus and an array of neurological symptoms. My struggle to find competent doctors was an arduous one, but eventually, I received a diagnosis: IIH, an uncommon condition known as pseudotumor cerebri syndrome. Essentially, I had an excess of brain fluid pressure, necessitating multiple surgeries, including the insertion of a shunt to drain the fluid into my abdomen. During one of these surgeries, I suffered a brain bleed that nearly claimed my life.

As I gradually recovered, the stark realization of wasted years overwhelmed me, and I knew I had to take action. I applied to numerous entry-level jobs, but my lack of work history proved to be a significant hurdle. It was during this desperate search that I stumbled upon a life-changing Reddit post by Leon Noel. His mention of a free 36-week MERN bootcamp resonated with me, and I instinctively recognized it as my path forward. The booming tech industry seemed like the ideal niche for my skills and aspirations.

Undeterred by the challenges, I threw myself into the bootcamp, even persevering through brain surgery in the midst of it all. Along the way, I forged meaningful connections through networking and even received a job offer, which I declined, knowing it wasn't the right fit for me at that moment. Yet, despite these initial successes, I now find myself facing a similar predicament as before—confronted by reemerging barriers and struggling to find my place in the world. It often feels like an insurmountable task.

I understand that this account may appear self-pitying, but I want to leave you with a sense of persistence and perspective. Remember, many individuals strive to attain what you already possess. We all encounter obstacles and find ourselves in ruts, and comparing our struggles to others is ultimately unfair. Nevertheless, this comparison can sometimes offer a necessary perspective, helping us appreciate the achievements we have already attained.