I originally started my career path off studying Accounting at Binghamton University. I’ve always had a more analytical mind. I was always the banker in Monopoly, always the one who budgeted their lunch money, and always writing pros and cons lists for every decision. So naturally, accounting seemed like a great choice.
During this time, I battled anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, and just when I realized accounting was not the career path for me, my brother Jonathan, who was only four years older than me, passed away at 26. I left college after that and went back home, back to my family to process, to heal, and to get back on my feet mentally, emotionally, and financially.
Shortly after, I took a position working for the New York City Department of Education as an Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, overseeing 26 elementary and middle schools in North Brooklyn. I settled into this position until my 26th birthday rolled around. I reflected on my brother's life, how short it was cut, and how much life he was not able to live; and I knew I had to take full advantage of my life and my opportunities for all of the things he would never be able to do.
So my analytical mind kicked in and I wrote lists of my life goals including things like how I want to live and where I want to live. Based on the qualifications my lists laid out, along with the skills I had developed so far in my career, I discovered software engineering; The dream career I didn’t even know existed. Software engineering wasn’t an option I was exposed to growing up. After more time familiarizing myself with the tech industry, software engineering, and boot camps & fellowships, it came to mind that I should apply to Pursuit. At this point in my journey, I knew successful alumni who spoke highly of the program, so it became a no brainer for me.
My story continues from there like most Fellows: working full-time during the day, going to class at night and on weekends, coming in every day and on time, sitting front and center in every class. And, although going into quarantine halfway through the program posed some difficulties, my support system never faltered. My support system being, my parents, my best friends, my 6.4 peers, our instructor Corey, our Program Manager Caroline, and our TA’s along with Jukay, Dave, & the Pursuit staff for facilitating these opportunities. Thanks to them I am proudly able to say I completed Pursuit in October, was hired by Pursuit to be a Teaching Assistant for the 7.2 cohort in December & January. And now I am a software developer apprentice at Peloton.
For my 6.0 alumni still on the hunt and my 7.0 fellows coming up soon, I can only recommend striving for your passion, leading with intention, and showing up as your most authentic self. Thank you all for being here to celebrate this with me.
