By a lifelong learner and self-taught tech enthusiast
From a very young age, the confines of traditional schooling felt restrictive to me. I remember flipping through my textbooks with an insatiable curiosity, often finishing them long before my teachers had the chance to cover the material in class. This rapid pace of learning led many to believe I was exceptionally intelligent. However, I have always grappled with a significant challenge: my writing skills. Despite my quick understanding of complex concepts, articulating my thoughts on paper has been a constant struggle, creating a barrier in my academic and professional journey.
It’s been 17 years – a significant portion of my life – since I last sat in a traditional classroom setting. The path I chose was unconventional: I never went to college. Yet, this didn’t hinder my passion and drive in the world of technology. I dove headfirst into the realm of software development, quickly climbing the ranks to become the youngest engineer and team leader in my team. This achievement, though significant, came with its own set of challenges and learnings.
Now, after nearly two decades, I find myself stepping back into the academic world, attending classes once more. This decision fills me with a mix of emotions – excitement intertwined with a profound sense of nervousness. There’s a peculiar duality in my experience: on one hand, I feel equipped with knowledge and life experiences that give me confidence, yet on the other, I am acutely aware of how much I have yet to learn.
The reasons behind my return to education are not entirely clear to me. Part of it might be the allure of learning something new, the opportunity to meet and connect with people from diverse backgrounds, or a deeper, more personal reason – a desire to understand and contribute to the field of mental health. The mental well-being of individuals is a topic close to my heart, as it affects us all in various ways.
As I stand at the crossroads of this new educational journey, I am engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions. Why exactly am I here? Is it to quench a thirst for knowledge, to form new relationships, or to find a deeper understanding of the human psyche? The answer still eludes me. But what I do know is that I am seeking adventure, new friendships, and a broader perspective on both the younger and older generations.
Despite the rollercoaster of emotions – the excitement, the apprehension – I am ready to embark on this journey. It’s a leap into the unknown, a challenge I am eager to embrace.
So here I am, a software engineer with a rich tapestry of self-taught expertise, stepping back into the world of formal education. I am nervous, yes, but also filled with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.
Wish me luck on this new adventure.
