I began coding because...
Before getting into web development I was a journalist. I worked with a lot of data. I wanted to present this data in new and interesting ways. But I didn't have the skills. I realised that if I learnt to code I could come up with just about any idea, and build it. But the more I learnt, the more I realised I didn't know. I decided if I wanted to be good at coding, I would need to truly immerse myself in it. So I changed careers, became a software engineer, and haven't looked back!
I'm currently hacking on...
During the day I'm lucky enough to code for TweetDeck. My team is incredibly talented and I love learning from my colleagues! In my spare time I'm working on a little side project which uses React on the front end, Node on the back end, and the Google Speech API.
I'm excited about...
So many things! I can't wait to head to Berlin in May for JSConf EU 2017. I'm currently mentoring for the Code First Girls Python track, which I'm loving, especially as I don't know Python! I've recently been listening to podcasts like JavaScript Jabber and Coding Blocks, and I'm excited to discover more, so please send any tips my way! I really want to start blogging. I have a list of topics on my pin board, which I can't wait to start writing about. I've recently been learning about RxJS. I'm exited to work more with observables and for the concepts to start sinking in. I'm also excited about learning JavaScript fundamentals - there's still so much I don't know! More broadly, I'm excited to have been a developer for longer because, I hope, that with time and experience my confidence and technical ability will grow.
My advice for other women who code is...
Don't be afraid to ask for help, admit what you don't know and talk about your struggles. Being open and vulnerable is a great thing. The tech community is filled with incredibly talented, warm and supportive people. We all have challenges - no matter how many years we've been coding for - so let's tackle them together.
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