Learning to function with functions
Published: 2022-04-11 07:36:51

Where should I start? I never really thought I’d be writing about how and why I decided to become a software engineer. Truth is, I don’t even know why. About 2 years ago I went through rough patch in life, like one of those or die moments. I was working dead end jobs and I wanted more. I thought to myself, this can’t be it. I was at a point in my life where I was not happy about where I was. I began to look for a new career, something rewarding and challenging, but most of all something I can be proud of. At the same time, I wouldn’t say I was comfortable but didn’t know where to start I felt stuck. After exploring a few options, I decided to pursue a career in tech. the demand was high, and I’ve always wanted to work with computers.  I saw words like “Developer” “Code” “Software Engineer” and I thought to myself oh yeah, back in the myspace days I used to “code” it was fun, I can totally do that. I was intrigued and after putting some thought into it, I decided I was going to go for it. 

At work I would dream about being on a computer designing web pages, working from home, being happy with my new career. I didn’t know where to begin. I knew I wanted to become and engineer I just didn’t know how to get there. I came across a few options; Teach myself how to code, attend a coding bootcamp, or go to college and pursue a career in computer science. I didn’t know where to start. HTML/CSS? JavaScript? C++, C+, C#? Python? The list went on and on. I know I am a fast learner, but I just didn’t know where to start. I decided to become a full-time student and pursue an associate degree in Computer science. At the same time, I had a full-time job at amazon, but I was ready for a change, and I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me. 

In January 2021. I had been at amazon for a year now and I had just missed the deadline for the ATA. Which is like a bootcamp. I decided to go for it but because I wasn’t technically with the company so I wasn’t able to attend I decided I would try again the next time around. Amazon career choice was also an option and when I heard they were going to partner up with Flat Iron school I was excited I couldn’t believe it. What were the odds that Amazon would be upskilling employees to become engineers? I went for it. And then BOOM! Just like that…Denied. I wasn’t with amazon for a year technically. I missed the deadline by 3 days, and the next cohort. Maybe next year. I was still in college so had that going for me, but it wasn’t happening fast enough. I wanted to be an engineer and I thought I was wasting my time. 

A few months later I was at a new position within amazon as a transportation associate. I was still going to college hadn’t taken not 1 class when it came to programming. I did however begin to use a few apps here in there to get myself ready for what was coming. In September of 2021 I found out amazon was going to offer courses again with Flat Iron. I hoped on the opportunity to get as much information as possible to get in there. I was going to get into flat iron this year I just had a feeling. 

Fast forward to January 2022. I am a full-time student with graduation coming next summer, I  have a full-time job, and am attending flat iron and pursuing my career as a software engineer. I have come so far and overcame so much.  I am finally where I want to be and the future looking bright. I am 6 weeks in, and life is totally kicking my butt, but Its exactly what I want. This exactly what I been wanting for the past 2 years. The opportunity to have my dream career, and something I can be proud of is right there, over the past 2 years I have manifested this exact moment.