Greetings! Today, I’d like to share the story of how I began my journey in coding, leading me to the post-baccalaureate program in Computer Science at OSU.
My first major in university was Risk Management and Insurance. After graduating, I worked as an underwriter for four years. My job primarily involved evaluating and analyzing the risks associated with insuring people, which included reviewing insurance policies, financial reports, hospital records, and more. Even though being an underwriter was pretty stressful, I actually liked the challenge. But back then, coding? That was a whole different world to me – I didn’t know the first thing about it, and I didn’t really get a chance to learn either. It wasn’t until I heard news about AI potentially replacing roles in underwriting that I realized my professional skills might not be sufficient for the future.
Honestly, the idea of being replaced by technology freaked me out, even though it wasn’t going to happen right away. That’s what pushed me to jump into the unknown world of coding. I started with Python, working on cool little projects like Hangman, playing with DNA strings, and solving mazes. It felt like I was gaming, but I was also getting the hang of Python. With each project I completed, I found a sense of achievement I hadn’t felt before. That’s when it hit me, ‘Hey, maybe I should really shake things up and get deeper into coding.’ It kind of sparked a fire in me to learn more and see where this path could lead.
The decision to switch careers wasn’t easy, especially in Asian society where going back to school for a second bachelor’s degree after already graduating is often seen as nonsensical. However, despite the discomfort of stepping out of my comfort zone, coding ignited a belief in me: the belief that I could use my professional skills to create something meaningful, maybe even contribute to the world. This conviction kept me motivated and resilient, especially when faced with challenges in assignments or at work. Coding led me to OSU and provided me with the opportunity to work as a software engineer intern in the tech industry. The closer I get to graduating from OSU, the more convinced I am that I made the right choice. Now, new technologies like ChatGPT no longer scare me with the threat of replacement. I’ve come to understand that as long as I keep learning and trying new things, I will continue to grow.
