- The Digital Pulse
- Posts
- A Journey of Persistence and Growth
A Journey of Persistence and Growth
When I first moved to New York, everything was brand new to me: the environment, the school operations, the weather, the culture. Basketball became my beacon, my way of getting recognized wherever I went. They knew me as the kid from Haiti who excelled in basketball.
When I first moved to New York, everything was new. The surroundings, schools, the weather, and the culture were all new.
Basketball became my beacon, my way of getting recognized wherever I went. They knew me as a kid from Haiti who excelled in basketball.
Skipping tryouts in high school, I still managed to join the varsity team.
My basketball skills and my passion for tech defined me in the eyes of many.
My love for technology grew during my early days of playing video games.
My online journey began with MySpace and Hi5; Facebook wasn't even a thing then. I also used Hotmail Messenger. But, I kept using my Yahoo France email because of my Haitian roots.
If you're new to tech or any field, you're likely battling imposter syndrome. I know this feeling all too well from my early days in tech.
My passion for technology started in my youth in Haiti. Friends and I would visit cyber cafes to access the internet.
That's where my journey with computers began. I started with solitary games and clunky desktops that took up half of my desk. Today, smart LCD screens have replaced the giant monitors we used to have.
My move to the United States presented two clear paths. I could pursue a pro basketball career or delve into computer science. My lower back injury is one of the reasons why I stopped playing Basketball.
Two years after migrating, I graduated high school. I then dove into college and majored in Computer Science.
I recall my first programming class. The idea of writing a program to interact with users left me shocked. It felt like a glimpse into my future.
Despite my doubts, I immersed myself in learning. I balanced school with a job at Geek Squad as a Counter Intelligence Agent.
The role exposed me to the complexities of the tech world and prepared me for what lay ahead.
The closure of the Geek Squad store where I worked pushed me into new parts of the IT industry.
I was a Desktop Support Analyst. I gained hardware installation skills and shadowed experienced professionals. I was eager to explore many paths in tech.
It was then that I stumbled upon Epic, the Electronic Medical Record system. It reshaped my career. Through networking and mentorship, I navigated the complexities of the healthcare IT landscape.
Many developers follow a traditional path of education and internships. But, my journey was unconventional. Geek Squad served as my training ground, propelling me into the healthcare IT realm.
Networking proved instrumental in my growth. I embraced self-learning through YouTube tutorials and relentless Googling. Every search expanded my horizons. It showed the power of community and teamwork in tech.
With each Epic project, my skills grew. They led me to work in Canada.
Building EMRs drew me in. A year later, I switched to an Analyst role. This marked a key moment in my career.
The moral of the story? Regardless of your background or circumstances, vocalize your aspirations and persevere through rejection.
I'm no exception; I've faced many setbacks and challenges. But I've made my path in tech by being tough and always learning.
Don't fear mistakes; embrace them as opportunities for growth. With each misstep, you inch closer to success.
Feeling inspired? Take the first step towards your dreams today. Whether it's learning something new, exploring a career path, or simply embracing a new challenge, remember that every journey begins with a single step. Seize the opportunity, embrace the unknown, and unlock your full potential. Your future awaits – go out there and make it happen!