Introduction
This is how Learning to Code Changed My Life. A few years ago, I couldn’t write a single line of code. The words “JavaScript” and “Python” sounded like something out of a sci-fi movie. I was broke, frustrated, and unsure what direction my life was heading.
Fast forward to now — I’m building projects, helping others learn to code, and even earning from my skills. My name is Jackson Mwadia, and this is the raw, honest story of how learning to code transformed my life — and how it could change yours too.
Life Before Coding: Feeling Stuck and Invisible
I didn’t grow up surrounded by tech. In fact, computers were a luxury I rarely had access to. Like many people trying to figure out life, I had dreams but no clear path. Job opportunities were rare, and I didn’t have the money to chase expensive college degrees or flashy courses.
But I had internet access, a second-hand laptop, and a nagging feeling that I could do more — if only I knew where to start.
Why I Chose to Learning to Code (Even When It Looked Impossible)
At first, coding looked like a secret language meant only for geniuses. I’d open a YouTube tutorial or read a blog, and the words would just fly over my head. But something about it kept pulling me back.
I started with HTML and CSS. My first webpage was awful — just a few lines of text and a background color that burned the eyes. But I built it. I made something that worked, and for the first time in a long time, I felt proud of something I created.
That was the turning point.
Small Wins That Became Big Milestones
From building my first webpage to debugging late-night errors, the wins didn’t come overnight — but they came. To strengthen my skills, I pursued a Diploma in ICT in college, which gave me a strong foundation in tech. Later, I joined Teach2Give, where I studied Quality Assurance (QA) — a game-changing experience that taught me how to catch bugs and think critically about software quality.
Hungry for more, I joined the Power Learn Project to study Software Engineering, and later enrolled at eMobilis to sharpen my Software Development skills. These programs pushed me further, giving me both technical knowledge and real-world experience.
During this journey:
- I built my first full website without copying anyone.
- I joined online coding communities and got real feedback.
- I helped someone fix their HTML — and realized I actually knew what I was doing.
- I landed my first freelance gig and got paid for a skill I taught myself.
Each of these steps — from training to practical wins — brought me closer to self-reliance.
What Coding Gave Me (Beyond Just a Skill)
Learning to code gave me more than a career path. It gave me:
- Confidence — I learned how to teach myself anything, even stuff that seemed impossible.
- Freedom — I could work from anywhere, build side projects, and even dream of starting my own tech brand.
- Community — I met others like me, all building and failing and growing together.
And most importantly, I stopped feeling like life was just happening to me. I started taking control.
If You’re Just Starting — Read This
Here’s the truth: You won’t “get it” on day one. Or week one. Maybe not even month one. And that’s fine.
You’ll make mistakes. You’ll break things. You’ll feel like giving up.
But if you keep showing up — one tutorial, one bug, one small project at a time — you’ll get there. And the feeling of building something from scratch? It’s unmatched.
Start with the basics (HTML, CSS), pick one language (like Python or JavaScript), and just build. Don’t worry about being perfect — just focus on getting 1% better every day.
Final Thoughts — From Jackson Mwadia
Coding didn’t just teach me how to build websites or apps — it taught me how to believe in myself.
I went from someone afraid to even open a code editor to someone who now builds, teaches, and writes about code with confidence.
If you’re thinking of learning to code, stop thinking. Just start. Your future self will thank you.
— Jackson Mwadia
Let’s connect! If this story inspired you or if you’re on your own coding journey, I’d love to hear from you.
👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn
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