From Curious Beginner to Confident Developer: My Journey in Tech
Source: Dev.to
Starting Out
When I first dipped my toes into the world of tech, I had no idea where it would lead. I just knew I was curious—and that curiosity turned into a passion that’s shaped my life in ways I never imagined.
Learning the Basics
I started with free resources online, dabbling in HTML and CSS. It was frustrating at times, but every small win kept me going. I remember the thrill of building my first webpage—it was simple, but it felt like magic.
Discovering JavaScript and React
As I explored more, I discovered JavaScript and eventually React. That’s when things really clicked. I loved how dynamic and interactive web apps could be. I began building projects, contributing to open source, and connecting with other developers.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome hit hard. I often felt like I didn’t belong, especially when comparing myself to others. But I learned to focus on progress, not perfection. Every bug I fixed and every feature I shipped was proof that I was growing.
First Real‑World Project
One of the biggest milestones in my journey was building my first real‑world project—a task manager app. It wasn’t perfect, but it taught me a lot about problem‑solving, debugging, and the importance of clean code. More importantly, it gave me the confidence to say: I can actually build things that work.
Key Practices
- Community: Engaging with devs on Twitter, dev.to, and Discord gave me support and inspiration.
- Consistency: Even 30 minutes a day added up.
- Sharing: Writing about what I learned helped me retain knowledge and connect with others.
Where I Am Today
Today, I’m working on meaningful projects, mentoring beginners, and still learning every day. Tech is a journey, not a destination—and I’m grateful for every step.
Advice for Beginners
If you’re just starting out, know this: you belong here. Keep learning, keep building, and don’t be afraid to share your story. It might just inspire someone else.