It started as a simple dream: build an app I’d actually use, something solving a real problem for friends and myself. The classroom taught me syntax and logic, but the moment I tried coding my first real app, I realized the world outside assignments moves at a completely different pace.
From Blank Screen to Prototype
Staring at an empty code editor feels intimidating—the possibilities are endless, and so are the ways to get stuck. My idea was basic: a study tracker for IB students, with reminders and a friendly dashboard. It sounded easy, until I got past “Hello World!”
I spent hours researching frameworks, scrolling through GitHub, and asking questions on forums. For every textbook lesson, there were ten “real world” challenges:
APIs that wouldn’t connect
UI bugs that magically disappeared and reappeared
Features users wanted (that weren’t in my plan)
Designs that looked perfect—in Figma, not in code
But I loved every moment. Iteration felt like puzzle solving, with answers that changed as you shifted pieces. The real victory was getting stuck and figuring out a way forward.
Hard Lessons and Hidden Wins
Outside classroom walls, projects don’t come with rubrics or step-by-step guides. There are no guaranteed marks—just problems to solve.
I learned my most valuable lessons from small mistakes:
Version control saves lives. One accidental overwrite erased two days’ work, teaching me the magic (and necessity) of git.
Feedback loops matter. Showing early versions to friends revealed bugs, confusing features, and even ideas I hadn’t considered.
Documentation isn’t boring. Writing down what I did—step by step—is the only reason I can update my app without breaking everything. Now, documentation sits right alongside my code.
Beyond Syntax: Building for People
Making an app is about empathy. Every dev decision—from color scheme to crash alerts—impacts real users. When classmates suggested features or pointed out bugs, I realized my code wasn’t just about logic, but about listening and adapting.
The best part? Watching a friend use my tool for their study plan, and hearing, “This actually helps.” Technology isn’t just for show—it’s to make life better, even in small ways.
Growth Mindset in Code
Every bug is an invitation to learn. Every feature request is a chance to grow. Building has made me patient, resilient, and constantly curious. I started as a coder, but became a builder—a problem solver who brings ideas into reality.