From Food Technology to Frontend Development: My Unconventional Journey to Finding My Passion
From a young age, I was always captivated by the worlds of math and art. I enjoyed solving complex problems and expressing myself creatively, but I also had a strong interest in science. Naturally, when it came time to choose a career path, I leaned toward science, eventually studying Food Technology at a Polish university, where I specialized as a Dietitian.
My career began in a field that combined two of my passions: food and science. However, life has a way of leading you down unexpected paths. After moving abroad, I faced the challenge of not speaking English fluently. This language barrier forced me to pivot my career. My first job was at a school, where I picked up basic English. Later, I found myself working in a care home kitchen—a job that allowed me to combine my love for cooking with my dietitian skills. I even managed to contribute to some dietitian projects there, which was fulfilling. But when the care home closed, I had to make yet another change.
Next, I entered the world of dentistry and qualified as a dental nurse. This experience taught me a lot, and although I never regretted the decision, I knew deep down it wasn’t where I belonged. My "aha" moment came when the dentist I worked with asked me to help with some design and promotional projects, including editing his website and customizing the dental software we used. I realized that I loved this blend of creativity and analytical thinking. It reignited a spark in me.
Encouraged by this newfound interest, I decided to go back to school. I applied to a university to study design, choosing IT as an additional subject. I debated between marketing and IT, but ultimately chose IT, knowing that this knowledge could one day give me the flexibility to work and travel simultaneously.
The first year was incredibly tough. There were moments when I questioned my decision, wondering if I was too old to start over and if I would ever grasp the intricacies of computers. But I’ve always been determined to finish what I start, so I pushed through. Studying design was a joy—I felt like a fish in water, completely at ease and excited about my direction. But then IT classes resumed, and the challenges returned. Balancing full-time work with studying such a difficult subject was overwhelming, but as I persevered, I began to understand it better. I started to see the potential, and I realized I was getting somewhere.
I made the bold decision to quit dentistry and focus entirely on my new path. I enrolled in a coding bootcamp, which turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. The program was fast-paced and intense, covering a vast amount of material in just four months. We worked on several interesting projects, and I met some amazing people who shared my passion.
After the bootcamp, I landed a placement as an SEO Intern and volunteered with another company to help develop an app. When I started the SEO internship, my knowledge was very basic, but I was fortunate to work with incredible mentors who guided me through challenging and fascinating projects. I learned so much and discovered how SEO allows me to use a articleerse set of skills to provide valuable services. Working on the app development project was another enriching experience. I learned React Native, explored Figma’s potential, and even got a glimpse into backend development thanks to my supportive colleagues who were willing to explain their work.
Today, I am beyond happy with my decision to pursue frontend development. I love what I do, and every day presents a new learning opportunity. I’ve come to realize that I will never reach a point where I know everything about programming—its potential is endless and constantly evolving. And that’s what excites me the most.
I can finally say that I’ve found a career that truly feels like home. My journey has been anything but straightforward, but every twist and turn has brought me to where I am now. And for that, I am incredibly grateful.
