I had the opportunity to share my journey into tech with the students of Pathways to Graduation—an experience that felt especially meaningful because not too long ago, I was in a similar place, trying to figure out my next steps and wondering what was possible for someone like me. I grew up in Queens, New York, in a community full of hustle, resilience, and big dreams. But even with all that energy and drive around me, the path into tech wasn’t clear. I didn’t grow up coding or have connections in the industry. What I did have was curiosity, a strong work ethic, and the determination to figure things out—one step at a time.

During the session, I opened up about the real ups and downs of breaking into the tech industry—what worked, what didn’t, and what I wished I had known earlier. I also shared practical tips and free resources the students could use to start building their own foundation in tech, regardless of their background. Whether it was learning to code, creating a portfolio, or finding mentors, I emphasized that there are more ways into this field than ever before. My message was simple: tech isn’t just for a select few—it’s for anyone willing to bet on themselves. If a kid from Queens could make it, so could they.