Coding
From $137 a Week to Application Developer: My Journey Into Programming
Six years ago, I was working in a factory, earning $137 a week after child support. Life was tough, and every day felt like a dead end. I couldn’t afford a laptop, let alone dream of a better future. But desperation has a way of sparking creativity, and my story is proof that determination and resourcefulness can turn even the bleakest situations around.
The Flight That Changed Everything
Back then, I was roofing to make ends meet. I had just started learning Spanish to communicate better with my coworkers, but I could barely string sentences together. One day, on a flight to Florida, I met a programmer. He didn’t know it, but that conversation would change my life.
Even with my broken Spanish, we managed to communicate. He told me about his work—how he built software, solved problems, and continually learned new skills. I was fascinated. The idea of creating something from scratch, of having a skill that was always in demand, felt like a lifeline.
Before we parted ways, he shared a valuable tip: a platform called Udemy. He explained how they often had sales where courses were just $9.99, and he would pick up anything that interested him or taught him a new skill.
Starting With a Cheap Android Phone
I went home, determined to start learning, but there was one big problem: I couldn’t afford a laptop. All I had was a cheap Android phone. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I downloaded the Udemy app, waited for a sale, and bought my first programming course for $9.99.
Learning to code on a phone wasn’t easy. Typing lines of code on a small screen was frustrating, and troubleshooting errors without the luxury of multiple windows was a challenge. But I made it work. Every break at the factory, every quiet moment at home, I was learning—HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and PHP.
These languages, often called the "Vanillas," became my foundation. They are the bedrock of web development, and mastering them gave me the confidence to tackle more complex technologies.
Building on the Basics
As I learned more, I recognized the increasing importance of mobile devices. With nearly 59% of global website traffic coming from smartphones, I knew I needed to expand my skills. That’s when I embraced Java. Its "Write Once, Run Everywhere" philosophy allowed me to create applications that worked seamlessly across platforms.
Over time, I didn’t just stop at programming. I earned certifications in Cloud Computing, Big Data, AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Data Science, and Security. These credentials opened doors to opportunities I once thought were out of reach.
Breaking Into Big Tech
Fast forward to today: I’m an Application Developer and Programming Specialist with experience at a leading Big Tech company. I’ve honed my skills in data analytics, using tools like Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and SAP Analytics Cloud to turn complex data into actionable insights. I’ve also developed and published five mobile apps available on Google Play.
Diverse Skills for a Dynamic World
My journey didn’t stop with programming. I ventured into digital marketing, running successful campaigns on Amazon PPC, Facebook, Google, Snapchat, TikTok, and Twitter. This diverse skill set allows me to navigate the multifaceted challenges of today’s technology-driven world.
Lessons From the Journey
- Start Where You Are: You don’t need perfect circumstances to begin. A cheap Android phone was enough for me to take my first step.
- Invest in Yourself: That $9.99 course was one of the best investments I’ve ever made. Learning never stops.
- Leverage Opportunities: Certifications, courses, and hands-on projects opened doors to Big Tech and beyond.
- Stay Persistent: From the factory floor to Big Tech, persistence was the key to transforming my life.
Where I’m Heading
Today, I’m not just a developer; I’m a dreamer, a builder, and a lifelong learner. My journey is far from over, and I’m willing to relocate anywhere to pursue opportunities that align with my vision.
If there’s one takeaway from my story, it’s this: No matter where you start, your determination and willingness to learn can take you further than you ever imagined.
Let’s build the future, one line of code at a time.
Jhon Arzu-Gil
Application Developer Programming Specialistsa little over 5 years of Big Tech Corporate Experience Experience In (companies like IBM, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc.) our highly valuable now I’m working, going to college full time, and trying to start a business, all at the same time