How It All Started
Last year, I wrote an article titled “Why Am I Learning This? Understanding the Purpose Behind Your Education.”
At that time, I was a web developer in training — writing code, building interfaces, and learning the logic behind web technologies. I believed I loved it, but deep down, I was following the trend, not my truth.
I didn’t realize it then — but I was learning for the wrong reasons.
The Turning Point
By December last year, I began to feel stuck. I asked myself tough questions:
- “Why am I learning this?”
- “Is this really what I want?”
- “Would I still be happy doing this in 10 years?”
For weeks, I couldn’t find clear answers. I felt lost — like I was learning, but not growing.
Then I noticed something small but powerful — I loved using AI tools like ChatGPT.
It fascinated me how AI could understand, summarize, and even create ideas.
That was my spark.
I told myself, “What if I could build my own AI model or something that uses AI?”
My First Step into AI
The first thing I built was an AI Text Summarizer, after completing a Postman API course.
That moment — watching my project summarize text automatically — gave me so much joy and confidence.
I realized: This is it. This is my lane.
That’s how my journey into Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning began.
Finding My Focus: Computer Vision
When I started exploring AI, I came across several areas:
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Computer Vision
- Robotics
- AI Ethics
Then I discovered Computer Vision — and everything clicked.
The idea of teaching machines to see and understand the world the way humans do fascinated me.
That’s where I decided to focus.
What I Learned
Looking back at my old article made me realize something important:
I wasn’t being honest with myself about why I was learning web development.
But I’m glad I discovered the truth early enough to change direction.
🧩 The Takeaway
If you’re learning or working on something just because it’s popular, take a step back and reflect:
Are you genuinely passionate about it?
Does it align with your goals?
Would you still be excited about it years from now?
If not — it’s okay to start over.
Change can be uncomfortable, but being honest with yourself is the first step toward a fulfilling career.
It’s never too late to realign, refocus, and rediscover what truly makes you happy.
Final Thoughts
Finding your path takes time — but every wrong turn teaches you something.
I’m grateful for my web development journey because it led me to discover my love for AI and Computer Vision.
So if you’re at that crossroads, unsure of what’s next — take a deep breath, be honest with yourself, and keep exploring.
You might just find the path you were meant to take all along.
Written by Solih Akorede Lawal
AI/ML Developer | Computer Vision Enthusiast | Lifelong Learner
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