My Journey to Building Confidence in Coding

Language and literacy are deeply connected, working together to shape a human’s understanding and growth. My experience in an unfair ICT class taught me that language isn’t about reading or writing, it’s also about learning the language of computers. Programming showed me that real literacy means solving problems and creating new things with code. Unlike spoken languages, programming is a way to communicate with computers, turning ideas into reality through code. My journey into this world, however, was not so easy. It was shaped by struggles, moments of doubt, and ultimately, a fresh passion that changed my perspective on learning.

In 11th grade, I was supposed to be introduced to the new world of technology through my ICT class, but it became a bad experience. I was so excited to meet with my ICT teacher and thought she might be a supportive teacher, but instead, she was biased towards her students who attended her private coaching sessions. I was not one of them. It was not quite possible for me to attend coaching sessions because of the financial crisis. However, I tried my best to be her favorite student as well by studying hard, but she rarely noted my efforts. Whenever I struggled to understand a concept, her feedback was neglectful.

“Why you can’t understand a simple topic, you are not giving your best at all!”, she said to me one day when I asked for resolution on a coding assignment. Those words felt like a slap to me. I started to believe she was right that I wasn’t meant for programming. My confidence crashed, and my anxiety spread to other subjects as well. I felt lost, as I had been excluded from a world I really wanted to understand. For a moment, I allowed that feeling to consume me. I avoided asking questions in any class, afraid of being humiliated. I convinced myself people were simply talented at ICT, and I wasn’t one of them. But then, something changed. My sister noticed my struggles and refused to let me give up.

“Don’t make yourself feel down, no matter what happens I will support you,” she said one night, bringing her books and notes. Together, we searched for online tutorials and beginner-friendly coding exercises. At first the logic of programming felt frustrating and confusing. But the more I practiced, the better I became. Unlike the teacher’s classroom, the online resources didn’t judge me. I could go forward at my own pace. I started small, writing basic code and fixing errors. Each time I got something to work, it felt like unlocking a new level of understanding.

Soon I began to regain my confidence. I realized that literacy isn’t about reading books or writing essays. It’s about learning how to think, solve problems, and adapt to new challenges. I started working on small projects, building basic websites, and exploring different programming languages. What once seemed hopeless now felt like an achievement. I learnt that failure was not a reflection of my abilities, but a necessary step in the learning process.

Thinking back, I am grateful for the challenges I faced. If my ICT teacher had been supportive, I might never have pushed myself beyond the classroom to truly understand programming. This incident taught me a significant lesson: education is not just about what is taught, but also about what we seek to learn on our own. Literacy, whether in language or technology, is about strength that gives us the ability to shape our futures.

Today I see programming as more than just a skill. It is a language that allows me to express my creativity, solve problems, and connect with a world that once felt unrealistic. My journey with programming has shown me that learning is not about being naturally gifted; it is about being strong and able to stand back, no matter what challenges you face. Instead of giving up when things are hard, it’s about pushing through, finding new ways to overcome difficulties, and believing in yourself and your ability to keep going.