Inspiring the Next Generation of Software Engineers

Today, I had the chance to present live in front of 50 middle school students at the local school.
These teens are at a stage where every bit of advice helps as they start considering their career paths. So, I volunteered to share what it’s like to be a software engineer and my insights from my nearly 30-year journey in tech.

I’m truly grateful to have reached over 300,000 students through my online courses. Yet, talking to 50 young minds in person was a completely unique experience.
The level of interest, the spark in their eyes as I revived stories from my software engineering journey—the highs, the challenges, and the rewarding aspects of a career in software—was what made this experience so fantastic.

Don’t get me wrong, 5-star reviews for my courses still make my day! But that spontaneous applause at the end of today’s session? That kind of in-person connection leaves a lasting impression.

I’ve realized how much I love in-person teaching and the energy it brings. I decided to take on more opportunities in the future to connect, inspire, and share in real time.

#teaching #volunteering #softwaredevelopment #nextgeneration