My name is Alfarooq Almenghawi, and my journey into tech was inspired by someone close to me: my dad. He completed the Northcoders bootcamp, and watching him navigate the challenges of learning to code was eye-opening. Seeing his determination and eventual success gave me the confidence to believe that, with focus and perseverance, I too could carve out a place in the tech industry.

When I joined Northcoders, I initially worked in the Manchester office for a day. While I’d envisioned a bustling, interactive environment, I quickly realised that the bootcamp experience had shifted to a largely virtual setup. Lectures and seminars were held online rather than in-person, which was different from what I’d imagined. Given the added costs of daily commuting, I decided that working remotely was the best long-term option for me.

Switching to remote learning brought both challenges and unexpected opportunities. While it limited the chance for in-person social interaction, Northcoders made an effort to foster a sense of community online. Tools like Slack and Zoom became my main points of connection with classmates, and they played a significant role in helping me feel part of a team. Through pair programming, I’ve been able to collaborate with others in a way that’s both engaging and rewarding.

Pair programming, in particular, has been a standout experience for me. Even in a virtual setting, it’s been an incredible way to learn and grow. At first, I doubted my abilities—especially during sessions where I struggled with challenging concepts like callbacks. But I quickly learned that struggling is part of the process, and it’s okay to lean on your partner for support. Every challenge we overcame together strengthened my technical skills and my confidence.

Remote learning hasn’t been without its moments of isolation, but I’ve stayed motivated by focusing on my ultimate goal: breaking into the tech industry. This dream has been my driving force, keeping me energised and committed even during tough times.

Looking ahead, I’m already planning how I’ll celebrate this achievement. Graduation from Northcoders will be a milestone worth marking, and I hope to travel to Dubai or Istanbul to commemorate the occasion. As an aviation enthusiast, exploring the airports in these cities feels like the perfect way to reflect on how far I’ve come and set the tone for the exciting journey ahead in tech.

Joining the Northcoders bootcamp has been an adventure filled with personal growth, challenges, and triumphs. While the journey wasn’t always what I expected, it’s taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of community—even in a virtual world. I’m excited for what the future holds as I step into my new career in tech.