Prompt: Why did you decide to learn software development?

The truth is, I've been here before. I was a senior in High School in AP Computer Science. It was my favorite class by far, simply because I got to play on a computer for a majority of the class. At the end of the year, the top two students in the computer science class get a senior award. I never thought I'd hear my name get called for such an honor – and I didn't. That was the last time I thought about becoming a programmer. I went off to college to study Philosophy. Then Political Science. Then American Studies. Then both. Then just Political Science. And then I graduated with a mediocre GPA, no real world experience and without a lick of identity. Having no idea what a 22-year-old fresh off of a rather alcohol-laden, five-year joy ride should be doing with his life, I looked for regular jobs that regular people had. Office jobs, whatever that meant. I applied to a bunch, never heard back, found one place that wanted an office manager type and got a job in about six months. I took a lot of breaks. I start on this job answering emails. Then making spreadsheets. Then instead of making a spreadsheet one day I made a Java program to calculate something. And my boss saw it. At the time he was doing basic web design for very small businesses. Mom and Pop shops. Since we have started working together, the company has grown – more thanks to him than me – from dealing with the local HVAC guy to handling accounts with Fortune 100 companies and VC-filled startups. I've latched on as a project manager where I've learned by osmosis and making a lot of mistakes thus far. I've turned the corner from unsure about direction to picking a path. When I thought about the future, the idea of spending my weekends learning about different ways to manage point and tasks instilled a fear in me. I wanted to tangibly solve problems and create things. I wanted to stare at something for a minute too long and then have that moment where your mind pops. It takes me back to that classroom in North Haven. The last time I felt that feeling. So here I am. There's no one else to blame for not getting the award this time.