From Zero to Developer: A Student's Journey

From Doubt to Confidence: Mary's Coding Journey

When Mary Wanjiku first walked into our GirlCode coding bootcamp six months ago, she had never written a single line of code. Today, she's working as a junior developer at a tech startup in Nairobi. This is her story of transformation, perseverance, and the power of believing in yourself.

The Beginning: Overcoming Fear and Doubt

"I thought coding was only for people who were naturally good at math or had been around computers their whole lives," Mary recalls. "I was working as a receptionist and felt stuck. When I heard about GirlCode's bootcamp, I almost didn't apply because I was convinced I wasn't smart enough."

Mary's initial hesitation is common among many women entering tech. The perception that coding requires innate talent rather than learnable skills often prevents talented individuals from pursuing opportunities in technology.

Week 1-4: Building the Foundation

The first month was challenging. Mary struggled with basic concepts like variables, loops, and functions. "There were days I wanted to quit," she admits. "But the instructors and my fellow students created such a supportive environment. We celebrated small wins together and helped each other through difficult concepts."

Key Lessons Learned:

• Everyone starts somewhere – even experienced developers were beginners once
• Asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness
• Consistency matters more than perfection
• Learning to code is like learning a new language – it takes time and practice

Week 5-8: Finding Her Rhythm

By the second month, something clicked. "I started thinking like a programmer," Mary explains. "Breaking down problems into smaller parts, thinking logically about solutions. It was like my brain had rewired itself."

During this phase, Mary built her first web application – a simple to-do list. "Seeing something I created actually work in a browser was magical. That's when I knew I could really do this."

Week 9-12: Building Real Projects

The final month focused on building portfolio projects. Mary created:

• A personal portfolio website
• A budget tracking application
• A community resource sharing platform (her capstone project)

"The capstone project was inspired by my own community's needs," Mary says. "I wanted to create something that could actually help people, not just demonstrate my coding skills."

The Job Search: Turning Skills into Opportunity

GirlCode didn't just teach Mary to code – they prepared her for the job market. Through mock interviews, resume workshops, and networking events, Mary gained the confidence to pursue developer positions.

"The career support was incredible. They connected me with mentors in the industry and helped me understand what employers were looking for. When I got my first interview, I felt prepared."

Life After Bootcamp: New Career, New Confidence

Today, Mary works as a junior frontend developer at a fintech startup. Her days are filled with writing code, collaborating with team members, and continuously learning new technologies.

"The best part isn't just the better salary or the flexible work environment," Mary reflects. "It's the confidence I've gained. I know that I can learn anything I set my mind to. That's a feeling I want every woman to experience."

Advice for Future Students

Mary's advice for women considering a career in tech:

• Start before you feel ready: "You'll never feel 100% prepared, and that's okay."
• Build a support network: "Find other women in tech who can encourage and guide you."
• Embrace the learning process: "It's okay to feel confused. Confusion is part of learning."
• Focus on problem-solving: "Coding is really about solving problems. If you can think logically, you can code."

The Ripple Effect

Mary's transformation has inspired others in her community. She now volunteers with GirlCode, helping teach basic computer skills to women in her neighborhood. "I want to be the representation I needed when I was starting out," she says.

Mary's story is one of many success stories from our programs. At GirlCode Movement, we believe that with the right support, any woman can build a career in technology. Ready to start your own coding journey? Learn more about our programs and how to apply.