Wrapping Up My Codecademy Beginner Python 3 Journey
On July 17, 2025, I made a decision: to stop browsing articles about programming and actually become a programmer. After years in the military leading teams, managing operations, and solving high-pressure problems, I wanted to see if I could bring that same focus to a completely new domain: software development.
On July 30, 2025, after weeks of consistent study, hands-on practice, and mental workouts, I’ve completed the Beginner Python 3 course on Codecademy. It feels less like a conclusion and more like stepping through the door into something I’ve been looking for all along.
Why I Started
As an Officer in the United States Army, I’ve spent years making decisions in complex environments, balancing data, risk, and systems thinking. That mindset maps surprisingly well to programming.
I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving, logic, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from building something out of nothing but thought and syntax. But it wasn’t until I started writing actual code that I realized:
This is the work I want to, and was meant to, do.
This beginner Python path was my structured launchpad. And it worked.
What I Learned
This course gave me more than just syntax—it gave me habits, problem-solving strategies, and a growing comfort with failure. Here are some of the core concepts I tackled:
• Data Types & Structures: I practiced working with strings, lists, dictionaries, tuples, and explored how to move, filter, and combine data efficiently.
• Control Flow: If/else statements, logical operators, and loops became tools I now rely on daily. These formed the backbone of all my early projects.
• Functions: I learned to build reusable code modules with clean inputs and outputs, and now naturally think in terms of breaking logic into discrete, testable pieces.
• Debugging: I no longer fear red error messages. In fact, I look forward to what they teach me. I now approach bugs like puzzles—frustrating, but solvable with patience and logic.
• User Input & Validation: Creating experiences that respond clearly (and kindly) to the user has become a focus in many of my projects. Adding validation and thoughtful prompts helped elevate my scripts from “it works” to “it’s usable.”
• Object-Oriented Programming: Towards the end, I explored classes and objects. It was a big mental leap, but it’s helping me think more modularly and structurally about my code.
The Codecademy platform itself was incredibly effective. It offered a smooth, supportive entry point with just enough friction to grow. I would have loved more opportunities for free-form, critical-thinking challenges, but even so—it laid a powerful foundation.
Would I recommend this course? Absolutely. Especially if you’re new, self-paced, and ready to put in focused effort.
Finding Focus in Backend Development
Throughout this course, I realized how much I enjoy backend architecture. I’m drawn to the quiet logic, the way systems communicate behind the scenes, and the problem solving that powers scalable, secure applications.
After exploring blogs, videos, and backend engineering communities, I stumbled on a site called Boot.dev. It's a gamified backend developer path—and I’m already hooked. In just a day and a half, I’ve hit Level 17 Apprentice and am currently ranked #1 in my league for the month.
It’s fun. It’s engaging. It’s practical. And because the first course is Python-focused, I’ve been able to jump right in with confidence. What makes Boot.dev stand out is the way it connects concepts to real-world backend logic—I'm literally writing the backend functions for a fantasy video game, which makes learning both immersive and memorable.
Career Transition in Progress
By February 2026, I will be transitioning out of the military. My goal is to land a full-time backend developer role, ideally remote or hybrid, on a team that values mentorship, collaboration, and growth. While it’s unlikely I’ll become a fully polished backend engineer overnight, I’m committed to getting as close as I possibly can.
While I may not have years of experience in tech, I bring something else:
• A mindset for continuous learning shaped through military leadership and training
• A proven ability to work under pressure while managing complex systems
• A deep motivation to build software that solves meaningful, real-world problems
This isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about building a new identity. I’m not just learning to code. I’m preparing to shift careers, mindsets, and life paths. I’m fueled by curiosity, discipline, and a stubborn belief that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.
What’s Next
Over the next few months, I’ll be:
• Advancing through Boot.dev’s backend curriculum
• Completing Codecademy’s Backend Engineer Path
• Publishing new portfolio projects
• Reaching out to mentors and peers in the tech industry
• Continuing to document everything I learn, publicly
Final Thoughts
Completing this course doesn’t mean I’m “done.” It means I’ve built a base strong enough to start climbing higher.
Most days I find myself struggling with logic bugs or feel like I’m piecing things together slowly. But those moments no longer feel like setbacks. They feel like part of the process. They motivate me.
If you’re starting your own coding journey or changing careers later in life, I hope this post encourages you – even when the learning curve feels steep. It’s never too late to shift paths. You just have to keep learning, keep iterating, and keep showing up.
Let’s keep building — one loop, one function, one breakthrough at a time.
Thanks for reading. If you’re also transitioning into tech, learning Python, or working toward your first developer role, I’d love to connect and share ideas.
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