From Gaming Kid to Web Developer: My Not-So-Typical Journey
Hey there! I'm a web developer based in Davao City, Philippines, and this is the story of how I got here. Spoiler alert: it wasn't exactly a straight line.
It All Started with Gaming (Obviously)
Like many developers, my love affair with technology began early. As a kid, I was that person who was always glued to a computer screen—not just playing games, but genuinely curious about how everything worked. I'd spend hours exploring different software, poking around in settings I probably shouldn't have touched, and just generally being fascinated by the digital world.
That curiosity? It never really left me.
High School: When Art Met Tech
Fast forward to high school, and I discovered something unexpected: I had a knack for design. I dove into media arts for four years, and it opened up a whole new world for me. Suddenly, I wasn't just interested in how technology worked—I was interested in how it could look good while doing it.
Those years were filled with school competitions, especially in graphic design. I'll be honest, winning wasn't always guaranteed, but every competition taught me something new and boosted my confidence. Looking back, these experiences were shaping my understanding of user experience and visual communication, though I didn't know it at the time.
The Long College Road (And Why I'm Grateful for It)
Here's where my story gets a bit unconventional. College took me almost six years to complete. Six years! At the time, it felt like I was behind everyone else, unsure about what I really wanted to do with my life.
But you know what? Those "extra" years turned out to be some of the most valuable of my life.
During that extended time, I finally earned my Information Technology degree, but more importantly, I discovered programming. Really discovered it. It wasn't just another subject I had to pass—it became something I genuinely enjoyed and wanted to get better at.
The highlight of those college years was participating in a Hackathon. Talk about throwing yourself into the deep end! But that experience showed me what I was capable of when I combined my technical skills with my creative background and collaborative spirit.
Where I Am Now
Today, I can look back at my journey and see how every twist and turn contributed to who I am as a developer. Those childhood hours spent exploring technology gave me a natural curiosity about how things work. My media arts background helps me create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. The competitions taught me how to perform under pressure and continuously improve.
Even those "uncertain" college years? They taught me patience, persistence, and the value of taking time to find your true passion.
I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who believed in me along the way—teachers who encouraged my curiosity, family who supported me through the longer-than-expected college journey, and mentors who saw potential even when I wasn't sure I saw it myself.
What This All Means
My path to web development wasn't traditional, but it was mine. I've learned that being a versatile developer isn't just about knowing multiple programming languages or frameworks—it's about bringing different perspectives and experiences to every project.
Whether I'm working on a sleek user interface, solving a complex backend problem, or collaborating with a team during crunch time, I'm drawing from years of curiosity, creativity, and determination to always do my best.
And honestly? I wouldn't change a thing about the journey that got me here.
Ready to work together? I'd love to hear about your next project and see how my unique blend of technical skills and creative thinking can help bring your ideas to life.