From 2019 to now...

Nevertheless, christa Coded

christa ・ Mar 9 '19

#wecoded

Since I wrote my first and only post in 2019 I've:

• relocated from Michigan to South Carolina
• went from a User Interface Developer to a Frontend Engineer
• survived a pandemic
• got laid off (not because of said pandemic) and took over 2 months to find a new job
• and now I'm crushing it as a Software Engineer

My interests have shifted slightly from being only frontend focused to being interested in full-stack development, mainly because my job presented me with the opportunity. I am now working with React, Node, Express, and different types of databases on the daily.

My biggest technical goals are…

Advancing further in my career. Right now, that means becoming a Senior Engineer. From a technical standpoint, becoming more comfortable with backend development in relation to JavaScript and understanding databases and data structures better.

My biggest technical achievements are…

Really stepping into that full-stack role and embracing challenges. I used to be so scared of taking on things that were challenging, and now I fully embrace them. I truly enjoy that challenge and watching myself grow from the experience of working through something difficult (even if I want to rip out most of my hair throughout the process).

Throughout my career (as a software developer, in tech, etc), I have overcome…

Myself more than anything. Imposter syndrome is real, and it's hard. Knowing that I belong where I am and that I am smart and capable as my peers is a huge hurtle.

Advocating for myself looks like…

Asking for help when I need it, never being ashamed. Knowing what my needs are and finding the avenues to obtain it.

I pledge to support women, non-binary folks, and other minorities in tech by…

Being the voice for the voiceless. In many ways I am that person for my team now - speaking out when there are concerns and advocating for change. I have privilege of being white, and if I can use that to help lift someone else, then that is privilege well served.

I’m excited about…

What my future holds and where my career takes me. I don't necessarily have a "five year plan" - all I know is that I want to continue to grow my skills and build cool stuff. I love what I do and I want to keep doing it.