Hi, my name is Nicolette and I have some advice for you!

Confusion is your friend!

When you start programming your first web app you are doing something that you have never done before. It's a new challenge, a new opportunity, and in the case of software development, something so specific that it's probably never been done before.

Confusion, therefore, is a sign that you are heading in the right direction. It's a signal that you have engaged in the problem solving pursuit that is math and technology and that it's time for you to dig deeper and keep going because clarity awaits.

Suspended disbelief is important.

When you are learning a new technology, whether you are learning to write your first programming language, or just the latest framework, you go through this uncomfortable phase where you know that the code you are looking at is doing this THING but you don't understand HOW exactly it's happening.

This is a normal part of the process of learning a new technology, and in fact, it's a critical part of the process.

You see when you encounter a new programming language part of your learning process includes learning to train your eye. The way to train your eye is to read a good deal of code even when you don't totally understand what it's doing.

Imposter syndrome is normal!

When you start to learn a new skill in hopes of changing careers, you will most likely get the feeling that you are in over your head. That you don't belong. That you just are not old enough or young enough or smart enough. We all feel it and it is ok.

If you ever start to feel like this is something you are not meant to do, ask yourself why. If you just do not enjoy the work, maybe it is not for you. If it is fear that stems from an external force, open your computer and keep on coding because that means that it is important to you.