Rebecca Rodriguez

Balancing full-time care for my daughter with learning to code has presented significant challenges, particularly with limited and often fragmented time. Further complicating this, the majority of my learning journey has been navigated solely through my phone. While coding complex logic or debugging on a small screen has been undeniably frustrating, I've learned to break down problems into smaller, more manageable steps that I can tackle in short bursts, even if it means switching between multiple apps to research and code. To better navigate and understand code structure on the small screen, I've also utilized temporary borders and distinct background colors to visually isolate sections, allowing me to quickly locate specific elements using the search function. This resourceful approach, born out of necessity, hasn't deterred my determination to learn and progress.

While still early in my coding journey, I believe the most challenging problems I've tackled so far are those from Harvard's CS50 course on edX. Although I'm currently about a third of the way through, the last problem set pushed me significantly, requiring several days of persistent effort, numerous questions asked, and considerable rewriting of code. With each problem, there's been a point where I've doubted my ability to solve it or fully grasp the underlying concepts. However, I've learned the value of perseverance; by consistently pushing forward, I've managed to find a solution each time.

My approach to problem-solving typically involves breaking down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts that I feel I can initially handle. I experiment frequently, research concepts I'm unsure of, and if I hit a roadblock, I'll often switch to another part of the problem and cycle back to the tricky areas later with fresh eyes. Frequent testing and running the code after each change is crucial for understanding the impact of my modifications and identifying errors early on.

My journey into technology and software development has been more of an exploration, driven by curiosity and a growing interest in the possibilities I discovered along the way. It wasn't a strictly planned or multifaceted approach initially, but rather a series of discoveries and a gradual deepening of my focus. To date, my learning includes:

• Finished Google’s IT support specialist certificate (sparked initial curiosity).
• Two of five certificates in the University of Michigan's "Python for Everybody" Specialization on Coursera (initially started after reading an interesting article).
• Started Harvard's CS50x Introduction to Computer Science on edX (discovered this opportunity through Verizon's free year).
• Solving small coding problems daily to reinforce and refresh information (became a more intentional practice as I saw the connections between concepts).

In one year, I hope to be significantly more proficient in my coding skills and actively working on more complex personal projects that address real-world problems. While securing a full-time developer role within a year might be ambitious, my primary goal is to have a strong portfolio that demonstrates my abilities and my passion for creating solutions.

I'm particularly interested in exploring how technology can automate redundant tasks, drawing inspiration from my HR background where I saw firsthand the potential to reduce errors and improve efficiency. I'm also drawn to the idea of developing immersive educational programs and inclusive study tools that can help underserved groups overcome limitations like time constraints or disabilities.

In the next year, I aim to delve deeper into Python, JavaScript, database fundamentals and build at least one substantial project in one of these areas. I also plan to continue engaging with the coding community and seeking opportunities for mentorship and collaboration to accelerate my learning.

While I'm still exploring the vast landscape of software development, I'm currently drawn to a few key areas that resonate with my past experiences and my desire to create impactful solutions.

My background in Human Resources has given me a firsthand understanding of the inefficiencies that can arise from manual, repetitive tasks. Therefore, I'm particularly interested in exploring automation through software development, with the goal of building tools that can streamline workflows, reduce errors, and free up human capital for more strategic initiatives.

Furthermore, my passion for learning and my desire to help others succeed has sparked an interest in educational technology. I'm excited by the potential of creating immersive and engaging learning experiences, as well as developing inclusive study programs and tools that can address the diverse needs of learners, including those facing limitations related to time or accessibility.

While these are the areas that currently excite me the most, I'm also open to exploring other domains as I continue to learn and gain more experience within the field. My priority is to develop a strong foundation in core development principles and then specialize in an area where I can make a meaningful contribution.

I am particularly drawn to Vets Who Code because of its strong emphasis on the veteran community and the opportunity for mentorship. My experience within the military community has highlighted the powerful camaraderie and effective collaboration that veterans are capable of, and I deeply value the opportunity to be part of that supportive environment within Vets Who Code This inherent capacity for teamwork, forged through shared experiences, is something I believe will be incredibly valuable within the Vets Who Code environment and in the tech industry.

The prospect of receiving guidance from experienced professionals who understand the unique strengths and challenges veterans face is also incredibly valuable to me, and I believe this mentorship will be crucial in accelerating my learning and providing practical career advice.