Hello! My name is Lydia Ingabire.

Today, I am honored to share my journey of conquering my fear of becoming a software developer as a woman.

In high school, I studied management and ICT, where programming (languages such as C, C++) was a principal course. But truth be told, I never dreamt of being a programmer growing up. I was young and immature, seeking easy paths. Despite this, I admired programming as a brilliant career, albeit thinking it was reserved for geniuses.

After high school, I commenced university studies in accounting, yet counting money failed to ignite my passion. Unsure of my future direction and burdened by financial constraints that led to dropping out, I found myself working in hotels to make ends meet by 2016.

In late 2018, programming re-entered my life when Andela launched its program in Rwanda. An email invitation to join the Andela Learning Community (ALC) sparked my interest. For the first time, I knew what I wanted to pursue. As I filled out the form to join ALC, I reminisced writing "HELLO WORLD" as my first line of code, feeling like the most ingenious programmer alive.

In 2019, I took a leap of faith, quitting my job to delve deep into the world of programming. Reflecting on my journey, Andela played a pivotal role. It equipped me with foundational skills, from crafting simple webpages with HTML & CSS to creating APIs, utilizing Github & Git for version control, fostering collaboration, honing problem-solving skills, and nurturing teamwork. I cherish the friendships made and the mentorship received during this transformative journey.

The path was fraught with highs and lows. I encountered numerous failures and steep learning curves on my quest to become a developer. At times, I contemplated giving up, but my unwavering conviction in programming kept me going, even through tear-filled moments.

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, presenting yet another obstacle, I refused to be deterred. Amid lockdowns, I seized the opportunity to further my education, joining Microverse, an online school that trains developers. Despite the challenges, the journey was vibrant, connecting me with peers from over 50 countries. Microverse reignited my confidence, introducing me to new programming languages like Ruby & Rails, alongside invaluable technical and soft skills.

After six months of intensive learning, I secured my first job as a Technical Support Engineer, followed by subsequent opportunities as a software developer. The overwhelming mix of emotions—crying, laughing, and gratitude—ushered in a sense of fulfillment, akin to seeing the light at the end of a long tunnel. While many opportunities continue to come my way, I remain aware of the journey's ongoing nature.

To those embarking on similar journeys, facing setbacks and uncertainties, I urge you not to give up. Remember why you started, and persevere through challenges. Despite grappling with imposter syndrome, I press on, fueled by my passion for programming and the desire to continue learning.

Thank you for reading my story.