Roller Derby Jammer Who Found a Passion for Coding

I used to be a jammer for one of the world's top 20 Roller Derby teams until I retired a couple of years ago. Less than a decade before joining the Swedish National team, I considered myself everything but an athlete and would never have guessed in my wildest fantasies that I would become one of Europe's most fierce jammers. When I started Roller Derby, my passion for the fun of skating took over completely, and the love for sports just "came with the package" pretty much. 

I like to compare this to my transition into becoming a web developer. I never considered myself a "tech kind-of-person" growing up. My major field was in aesthetics and humanistic studies, and my professional career has for the last 20 years been within non-profits and leading work in areas like diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The last few years, especially with the evolution of AI, have piqued my interest even further, leading me to explore how technology intersects with my passion for social change and creativity. Suddenly, I find myself being a complete nerd, spending every opportunity by the screen coding my heart away. I'm so completely hooked, and it's almost like an addiction. 

"The last few years, especially with the evolution of AI, have piqued my interest even further, leading me to explore how technology intersects with my passion for social change and creativity."

For me, curiosity and passion have always led the way, and I think this is why I have such a hard time fitting into a specific category and living up to the expectations of what a "real nerd" is supposed to say or look like. I've also been drawn to communities where traditional stereotypical images of who could be an athlete or what a techie typically looks like are spotlighted and questioned. This is true for both the Roller Derby Community and the Women in Tech scene. They offer a more welcoming and safer space for folks like myself who want to explore and discover new passions, even if they might stretch beyond the tight norms society has instilled in us since we were kids. Without these communities, I'm 100% sure I would have missed out on so much in life, and for this, I am extremely humble and grateful.

Getting curious about coding

My curiosity for coding sparked from a desire to understand the mechanisms behind digital media and its role in shaping societal interactions. Witnessing the rapid advancements in technology, particularly in AI, made me realize the importance of being part of this innovative wave. This realization drove me to pivot my career towards technology, where I could blend my creative inclinations with technical skills as a front-end developer.

Choosing the bootcamp format and Technigo

My journey into coding began somewhat unexpectedly. After feeling out of place in a traditional full-stack developer program, which was heavy on theory and light on practical application, I stumbled upon a workshop hosted by Technigo. It was a revelation—the hands-on approach, the immediate dive into coding after a brief introduction to JavaScript, resonated with me in a way my previous learning experiences did not. Within a month I dropped out my current program and secured a spot at the next start of Technigo’s bootcamp. The decision was transformative, aligning with my learning style and keeping my motivation sky-high.

Learning experience and career transition insights

The learning journey was intense, to say the least. But as challenging as it was, it proved to be equally rewarding. There were definitely moments of doubt, especially during late-night sessions trying to keep pace with the curriculum and spending weekends when I'd rather be with my family. I had many moments when I was trying to save my keyboard from my tears of frustration. However, the sense of community and the drive to overcome challenges kept me going. Even though the learning environment was technically much more efficient for me, it was by no means a walk in the park—rather, it was the opposite of the longer program that I had dropped out of. BUT I never lost motivation. My stubbornness to understand and make things work grew with the intensity and the level amping up. Not even once did the alternative of giving up—which had been painfully present each time I felt overwhelmed—enter my mind. This spirit, I believe, must be because the coding passion is so real in me. If it hadn't been, I definitely would not have pushed myself this far and still felt bursts of joy each time I get to open my computer and my code editor. Also, obviously, the value of resilience and the power of a supportive community in making you believe in yourself and preventing you from feeling alone were crucial in maintaining my motivation and keeping me from ever doubting my ability to become a front-end developer, and it still does.

Favorite and challenging aspects of coding

What captivates me most about coding is the blend of logic and creativity it demands. Seeing my code come to life as a tangible, interactive product is immensely satisfying. However, the challenge lies in the constant learning curve—staying abreast of new technologies and techniques can be daunting but equally exhilarating.

"However, the challenge lies in the constant learning curve—staying abreast of new technologies and techniques can be daunting but equally exhilarating."

Securing the first internship

Landing my first internship at Daya through femtech was a testament to the power of networking and showcasing one's passions. By engaging with communities that shared my interests in women's health and gender equality, I naturally attracted opportunities that aligned with my values and skills. It wasn’t about directly seeking an internship, but rather about building genuine connections and expressing my eagerness to contribute. And while genuinely reaching out to companies aligning with my values and interests asking them how I could contribute to them, I  was given some opportunities to express what I needed. To be given this opportunity as a junior developer meant a lot and in these special times even getting an unpaid internship is a really hard challenge.

Advice for career changers

For those contemplating a career change, especially into tech, my advice is to embrace your unique background and interests. They can become your greatest asset. Lean into your passions, be open to learning, and don’t underestimate the value of community. The journey might be challenging, but it's also filled with opportunities to grow and make meaningful contributions. 

Listening to your heart can be incredibly challenging when society's myriad voices clutter your mind with notions of what you should and shouldn't pursue. One method to rediscover your true desires is to reflect on what you enjoyed as a child. If memory fails, try adopting a child's perspective. Children, up to a certain age, possess minds unburdened by societal expectations and restrictions—lessons unfortunately learned later in life, such as how possessing a certain body type or appearance might dictate your interests. As a child, you naturally followed your heart, driven by passion and curiosity, in choosing your pursuits and discoveries. Rediscovering this inner voice is difficult but immensely rewarding. When you do, you'll find there are no bounds to what you can achieve. Realizing this freedom is a form of emancipation, a liberation from the constraints imposed by societal norms.

And seek out your community. Look for people with whom you share common interests and can relate. When you reach out, you'll be amazed by the warmth and empowerment that comes from connecting with others who have similar experiences. This isn't just empowering—it's also an opportunity to expand your network.