Unlike most people at coding talent shows, coding was not a dream for me. Although I have a degree in computer technology, it was just a means to an end. After spending most of my post-graduate life at jobs I hated and writing exams for certifications that are without meaning or purpose to the Nigerian ecosystem, I had to sit back and reflect.
One day, one night, one moment of a sudden realization, what better way to make an impact in a demographic cohort that has one of the highest populations of young people below the age of 35 in the world.
As cliche as it may sound, I wanted to be a solution provider. Be able to have control outside my circle of influence. Be able to look at problems critically, be intellectually rigorous with my ideas, and identify nuances that will lead to innovation in Africa.
Hence, my journey to becoming a Software Developer began. Coding is a skill I was determined to have, as part of a skill set that would aid in my worthy pursuit of making a change in my country and continent.
The Plan
I was a cub looking to hunt a full grown male buffalo. I needed a plan, strategize on the most efficient and effective way for me to achieve my goal.
First things first, information is crucial. I read a lot of articles and watched some career videos on YouTube. One message that was coherent was the power of networking in the world of Technology. I installed the meetup app which is one of the most important apps any young Nigerian should have.
Then I went on a joining spree. Joined every meetup I saw that has anything to do with programming. I needed to learn fast and simultaneously boost my network. I joined forLoop, GDG Lagos, Lagos ReactJS meetup (even though I was wondering what they were reacting to at that time), Learn to code, Python Nigeria, WordPress Lagos, .Net Nigeria etc. I ended up joining some awkward meetups that I had no idea what they were doing or trying to accomplish. Well, anything to network with people. Living in a bubble made me overcompensate.
Next, choosing a programming language that is in touch with the current technological trend and also relevant to the Nigerian Tech ecosystem. I made the decision to start with JavaScript after spending days researching current technological trends around the world. I found out that JavaScript which my computer science professor once told me wasn’t a real programming language and had limitations when trying to solve the more complex problems was already been used as a back-end programming language with the creation of Node JS. I was hooked, despite the fact that I never really liked JavaScript in the first place. I hated the fact that it wasn’t strongly typed and found it very difficult to read when I was still in school.
But, my mind was made up.
I must slay this Goliath.
However, I had a huge personal flaw that could be an impediment to my learning process. I have a relatively low attention span (I get disinterested quickly after a short period of time). This meant I had to try to study enough at periods when I am more likely to assimilate, combine my learning methodology with coding exercises, physical exercises each time I am about to lose focus and get involved in community learning.
It was in one of these learning platforms for communities that I got to know more about the Nigeria tech ecosystem. I found the opportunity to begin a new journey.
A New Journey with a coding Bootcamp
After I saw the Ad for the TechAdvance scholarship, it was an opportunity I didn’t want to pass off. I applied and was lucky to be one of the 10 recipients. Both companies seem very exciting. I was eager to know more. Be a part of a team. See what drives them and how we could have a symbiotic relationship.
After the first week, the one thing I was impressed with was the people. The CEO of Nesa by Maker was cool. He was easy to talk to, listened, tried to understand us and took actions base on our feedback. The other staffs were equally as warm and welcoming as he was. We had some team building exercises which have worked perfectly for a bunch of people who barely knew each other a week ago. We are now getting to learn and work as a team.
I was also very impressed with their curriculum. It was filled with the latest in the world of web development. It had topics such as Algorithm and Data Structures, React JS, Node JS, Understanding Build tools, Continuous Integration, etc. It looks like the road to reaching my destination is going to be, although an interesting experience, yet bumpy and tough.
Finally, I am ready for it. I am resilient and never shaking.
This world of web development is my foot-stone, and for every situation that looks ominous, I am confident I will rise above.
