How I got started with tech (Nursing student to software dev)

If you're a newbie techie or you've been in tech for a while you know the recommended programming language to get started with is usually Python right?

My first programming language happened to be Java. Boy! Anytime I tell a fellow techie, they're like "Wow! That must've been tough". It was... in the beginning but then it became my favorite language.

So it all started in 2022 when I discovered my Fyp and Instagram feeds were filled with software engineers talking about their journey, their salaries, and so on. I was like this isn't just a weird coincidence, right?

Then my second sign was that I found a Twitter post on highest paying salaries in tech, it was a long thread. My eyes happened to find "Software engineering" first, and I scrolled past it.

Then, my friend I met on the online space posted on her WhatsApp status, she was starting her 1-year software engineering journey the following month.

I was excited for her and asked about the enquires. She told me she wasn't sure if registration has ended. I was a bit sad. Then as God had it for me, she looked for the link and found out the deadline was just in the next 2 days.

I registered feeling ecstatic about this new journey. I told my parents and they were like.. the following year I would get enrolled in a tech college. It wasn't something I planned, I was interested in it as a side job. You know the saying, "There's money in tech right?".

There is but the process isn't an easy one. Well, I used to be a nursing student, so I'd say nothing is easy. Every major has its perks.

"You left nursing for full-stack engineering??" My high school bestie shouted on the phone when I told her the news. I was almost in my second year then as life had it, I had to switch majors.

Personally, as I child. I always wanted to create an app, like a cool video game and whatnot. My brother was interested too but I believe the medical line was for me, so he was to pursue tech and me? Medicine or Nursing.

There was even a time I was in senior high. I learned about JavaScript then I had to leave to focus on pursuing a medical degree.

Fast-forward to now, I'm currently in my first year studying software engineering. I know a good amount of programming languages (Java Programmer ☕, C, and Python). I also write (Technical writing and fiction too).

I would say I never regretted that decision because joining tech felt liberating. It was something entirely different. I felt there was a lot to learn which was my favourite thing to do anyway. I enjoyed learning, researching, and studying.

I am glad I met a lot of nice people in the tech space when I got started. A good community helps too, with friends and mentors encouraging you.

Remember, you are your own motivation. Your current situation is enough motivation for you to work hard. Take breaks when needed and you have to actually want it if you want to succeed.

~Elexistech ☕✨