Are you ready to join me on an exhilarating adventure into the realms of A.I. and Data Science? I can’t wait to share my very first blog post, marking the start of an exciting chapter in my life.

Unlikely as it may seem, my fascination with programming sparked from a MMORPG called Maplestory, created by Nexon. The game demanded countless hours of dedication, with its challenging progression and a marketplace full of expensive, non-permanent items. This unique environment gave rise to Maplestory Private Servers, independent copies of the game that sprouted from the leaked source code. These servers became a haven for aspiring programmers, granting them control over various game aspects, from leveling speed to in-game economy and cosmetics. My childhood revolved around these virtual worlds, where I formed enduring friendships and honed the fundamentals of programming.

It was through a dear friend named Ben that I delved deeper into the world of programming. He introduced me to the wonders of SQL databases, unveiling the power to modify in-game items and reshape player roles. The sheer excitement of this newfound skill set marked my true initiation into the world of programming, planting the seeds of curiosity that would blossom throughout my journey into adulthood.

But, being a teenager in the early to late 2010s posed a challenge in finding resources to learn programming. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I finally had the opportunity to take a programming class. Yet, this experience proved less than stellar. The language was unfamiliar, the class demanding, and my mindset at the time hindered my learning. Overwhelmed by shyness and insecurity, the meticulous nature of programming seemed insurmountable. So, I diverted my focus toward psychology during my early college years.

After pursuing an associate’s degree in psychology, the allure of computer science beckoned me back. Enrolling in a different college to pursue a BS in CS seemed like the logical choice, but I found myself demotivated by the outdated course content and an unfamiliar online learning platform. This setback led to a four-year hiatus, during which I questioned my future path.

A transformative turning point arrived when I faced the setback of losing my first good job. This impediment prompted me to reevaluate my career trajectory, and the field of data science captivated my interest. Seeking to grasp the fundamentals, I embarked on a free Google Analytics course on Coursera, offering valuable insights into the world of Data Analytics. However, as the course transitioned into a paid model, I sought an alternative path.

That’s when I discovered Datacamp, a platform offering a structured curriculum for acquiring data science skills. I pursued many classes on their platform, focusing on data analytics—a concise and accessible pathway that served as a stepping stone toward the broader domain of data science. Although the course pathway of Machine Learning Scientist had yet to exist on DataCamp during that period, it is now a thriving avenue available for those passionate about the subject. Check it out here.

Full disclosure: the DataCamp link above is an affiliate link, which means I earn a commission if you sign up for courses. But I genuinely recommend their platform as a great resource as before I became an affiliate with DataCamp, I was and still am an avid learner of their platform.

I find myself back in the academic realm, enrolling in college courses and pursuing an A.S. degree in Programming and Analysis. This associate’s program provides an added bonus of two programming certifications, further fueling my enthusiasm. As I navigate through my first summer semester, I cherish every moment of this ongoing learning journey, reveling in the knowledge and experiences that await me.

This blog will serve as a digital diary, chronicling my remarkable adventures in programming, data science, and machine learning. Along the way, I will share valuable resources, enlightening projects, and personal reflections encompassing the highs, lows, and every captivating aspect between. Stay tuned, Coder Kittens, as we embark on this thrilling ride together!