Years ago, I decided to take a different route home from work—a minor choice driven by curiosity rather than necessity. That day, my changed path led me to a local library where a community workshop on coding was taking place. On a whim, I decided to join the session, which turned out to be an introduction to programming for beginners. Until that point, I had never considered a career in technology, nor had I any significant interest or experience in coding. However, the instructor’s enthusiasm and the interactive nature of the workshop piqued my interest.
Encouraged by this experience, I started teaching myself various programming languages, using books from that same library and free online resources. This newfound interest gradually turned into a passion. Within a year, I decided to enroll in a part-time coding bootcamp while continuing my job. The small decision to take a different route home eventually led me to a complete career change. I transitioned into a full-fledged role in software development, a field in which I’ve been able to thrive and grow professionally.
This choice not only altered my career path but also introduced me to new communities and networks, both locally and online. It taught me to embrace curiosity and recognize the potential of seemingly insignificant decisions. What began as a mere detour on my way home became a pivotal point in my life, significantly widening my professional horizon and impacting my personal development.
