If you had told me a year ago that I’d be building websites, writing code, and juggling multiple tech programs all at once, I’d have laughed it off. Back then, coding felt like something distant something only “tech people” did.
But that changed the moment I wrote my first line of HTML and saw it appear on a browser. It was a small thing, but it lit a spark that hasn’t gone out since.
How It All Started
My tech journey truly began earlier this year with The Odin Project. I still remember the frustration of missing closing tags and wondering why one tiny error could break an entire page. But with every fix, my understanding deepened.
I built my first project a simple recipe page and even though it wasn’t perfect, it felt like an accomplishment. It was mine.
Then came freeCodeCamp, and that’s where everything began to connect. The lessons were clear and practical. I earned certifications in HTML and CSS, learned about accessibility, semantic elements, and created small projects like a café menu and a personal business card.
At that point, I stopped copying code and started writing from my own understanding that was a major turning point.
Growth Through Community and Consistency
Another big milestone was getting accepted into the PLP Africa Software Engineering Scholarship. It was my first time learning in a structured community of developers from across Africa. The program challenged me to master web technologies, Python, and database design but also to start thinking like a builder, not just a learner.
Around the same time, I joined Programmify and the HNG Internship, which exposed me to the real-world side of software development teamwork, build weeks, and fast-paced problem-solving. It was no longer just theory; I was learning how products are actually made.
What I’ve Been Building
This is the part I love the most — building.
I’ve created several projects, including a fashion landing page called Ajibade Tosin, and my first-ever hackathon portfolio website built with pure HTML and CSS.
I also challenged myself to clone real-world products like Gemspay Solutions using React just to understand professional development structures.
Recently, through the Programmify Builder Internship, I’ve been exploring how to create solutions and products that can scale globally while solving local problems. That’s when I began thinking more like a product developer than just a coder.
The Challenges and The Lessons
It hasn’t been a smooth journey. There were days when my JavaScript code broke repeatedly and I wanted to quit. But every bug taught me something new patience, persistence, and problem-solving.
Balancing multiple programs PLP, HNG, and Programmify was overwhelming at times. But I’ve learned how to plan better, take things one step at a time, and stay consistent even when it’s hard. That discipline has been my biggest win.
What’s Next
Right now, I’m still learning every single day.
In the short term, I want to master JavaScript and React and continue building impactful projects. My long-term goal is to become a full-stack software engineer capable of creating technology that solves real African problems.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned so far, it’s this: tech isn’t just about coding. It’s about curiosity, community, and the courage to keep going even when you don’t have all the answers.
Final Thought
I’m still learning.
Still failing sometimes.
Still improving.
But every small win every “Hello World” moment adds up to something bigger.
And that’s what keeps me building.
Author: Ajibade Tosin
Builder Intern at Programmify | PLP Africa Scholar | Aspiring Software Engineer
🔗 GitHub: github.com/bishopkbb
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