Developer? Really? Why?

This post would be my first entry article into the 4 Articles in 4 weeks, Hashnode writing contest. I was pretty excited composing this entry, mostly because I want to improve my writing skills and get into the consistent flow of writing. Secondly , the possibility of winning the cash prize, which is just the right amount of motivation needed. Who wouldn’t want some extra cash! Cha-ching! 💰(Also trying to get a better laptop.)

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Let’s get into what made me want to become a developer.

For those wondering, who a developer is. A developer (Software Developer, Computer Programmer, or Software Engineer) is basically someone that builds and creates software and applications, with the use of various programming languages.

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For most of my life, I had the opinion that being a software engineer/ developer was super complex, and you had to be somewhat of a mathematics guru for you to even dabble into it; but I was wrong. Thankfully, I’ve been enlightened to come to an understanding that coding is more logical than mathematical, and although, mathematics is thrown in there a little, it doesn’t swallow up the logic behind writing code.

Along my life’s journey, I read somewhere about the ability to “choose” your career path. Now prior to that, I had the belief that your career path had to be anchored by a childhood dream or passion, and hence was not supposed to change. That encounter later went on to affect my mindset and, brought me to a realization that, it’s okay to change and pick a career path based on how it serves you, and not only based on a long lived dream/vision. For some, that change, could be as a result of financial reasons or just plain curiosity. Ever since that day, I’ve challenged myself to make conscious decisions, that would serve me better, and positively influence the life I envision for my self.

I have now chosen to be a Frontend Developer/Software Engineer.

At the root of my decision, is the issue of gaining financial independence, challenging my brain’s capabilities, and ultimately becoming a part of the solution providers in today’s world.

As a number one motivation, my financial independence stems from a desire of wanting more out of life. I have fantasized of coming up with an idea and being able to follow through, without the temptation of second guessing myself, due to inadequate funding. To me financial independence means, traveling on my own terms, being actively productive in the Tech space, especially here, in Nigeria, and leaving a legacy of financial freedom for my family. Hence, the reward of becoming a developer, would allow me that, and more.

As an academically high achiever, challenging my brain’s capabilities, is familiar terrain. Whether it is being on the ‘A’ Honor Roll board in Middle School, to gaining admission into University(based on merit), and graduating with a Second Class Upper(which would have been a First Class, but if you know, you know); software engineering was definitely the challenge I needed to take on.

The world of information technology has slowly evolved into a fast moving bullet train, where only solution providers can keep pace, and like Tobi Amusan, I will strive to be the standard. With that being said, Nigeria is still some epochs behind in the information technology evolution. This can be seen in various sectors, where the implementation of Technology, into that particular industry is at an all time low. My contribution to our dilemma will initially focus on the Health Care sector. My idea seeks to address the loopholes in our healthcare system, by easing the avoidable strains we experience, from casual to emergency hospital visits. I perceive that the integration of health care and technology would make for an exciting journey. In creating a change, there’s no better way to do it, than to learn the nit and grit of getting it done.

All this lead me to enroll into Altschool Africa (a boot camp) under the track of a Frontend Developer. I have learned a lot in the past 5 months, and I get so excited every time I succeed in building a functional application. Learning, has allowed me to be aware and have a little insight into the logic behind any website I come across. I am now able to identify certain codes used to execute resulting functions, creating multiple epiphanies.

I have grown to love the Tech Community, along with the excitement I get from building projects. Though the road has had its ups and downs, I eagerly await what lies ahead.