My story

A few years ago I turned my life around and started over at age 26. I had just moved back in with my parents after a break-up when I realized how unfulfilling my current career path was. I wanted to become a developer and I quit my job without a new job or even a solid plan to get there. Uh-oh...

I started reading about and trying out HTML and CSS online, going from one free resource to the next. There is so much information available, but not all is correct, up to date or even complete, I was lost and just went with everything I found. Fast forward a few weeks, a dash of luck and I got an interview with my first tech company. They took a huge chance on this honest and unexperienced girl and decided to hire me and teach me coding on the job. I felt like the stars aligned just for me and I was so excited to start.

Since then I’ve never been more frustrated with work problems and errors and such, but I also have never been happier when I do figure it out and a new feature is build for a website. It is such a thrill to create something out of thin air and help so many people with it.

Since that start I've completed a coding bootcamp, learned a few more coding languages on the job, worked on different sized projects in different teams and switched jobs. We then moved to New Zealand in pursuit of more adventure and I've worked for a few companies here with a whole new work and life culture than I was used to.

Now that I’m here, with all this experience I still remember I had such a hard and confusing time in the beginning of this journey. I didn't know anyone who emigrated, I didn't know anyone in New Zealand. So I decided to become that person. Write about our experience, to help someone in the same situation we were in. If there is one person I am helping today with this website, it is a good day.

When I’m not creating or experimenting as a developer, you can find me outside on hikes or on the couch with some B&J ice cream with a good movie or book or dreaming up adventures in New Zealand. I also enjoy watercolor painting and creating art from time to time and I don’t make enough time for this. Hopefully one day I will master time-management and have enough time for all my (creative) interests and endeavours.