How I Started Coding and Why It Means So Much to Me

Introduction

When I started coding back in 2018, I had no idea how much it would mean to me or how personal it would feel. Growing up in Jamaica, Queens, my family didn’t have a lot. We lived in an attic for the first 13 years of my life, but my dad always made sure we had what we needed. He ran a small business, working crazy hours to provide for us. Even though we didn’t get to spend a ton of time together on weekdays, he always showed up when it mattered most.

Why I Started Coding

When I first started learning to code, it wasn’t just about building cool apps or trying out new tech. It was about giving back to my parents, especially my dad. His business has been running for over 30 years, and I wanted to do something to make his life a little easier. So, I started creating custom software including scripts which automated tedious data entry tasks to help him with his work. Not only did it make things run smoother for him, but it also brought us closer in a way I didn’t expect. Watching him use something I built felt amazing.

A Shift in Mindset

That feeling of making a difference reinforced a mindset shift I later embraced. Recently, I had a conversation with someone I look up to, and they said something that really hit me: “I get to” instead of “I have to.” It’s such a simple shift, but it changes everything. Now, when I’m facing a tough challenge at work or struggling with a bug, I try to remind myself how lucky I am to do what I do. It’s not always easy, but it makes even the frustrating moments feel worth it.

What I’m Learning Now

One of the best parts of my career so far was working with a mentor who pushed me to be better. They’d review my code, point out where I could improve, and challenge me to think differently. Since they've left the company, I’ve felt a little stuck, like I’m not growing as much. I’m trying to find a new mentor, but in the meantime, tools like AI have been helpful for exploring new concepts.

I’ve also realized how important it is to step away sometimes. I used to keep working on a problem until I was totally burnt out. Now, I’m learning to take breaks, clear my head, and come back fresh. It’s such a simple thing, but it’s made a huge difference in how I work.

Conclusion

Looking back, this journey has been about more than just coding. It’s about where I came from, the people who supported me, and the lessons I’ve picked up along the way. I’m still figuring things out, but I’m grateful for how far I’ve come. And I can’t wait to see where this path takes me next, hopefully using these skills to build more helpful tools and maybe mentor others as I've been mentored.