My Android Developer Journey

Getting the Udacity Nanodegree Scholarship was a big thing for me as it gave me the opportunity to become a world class developer I had always wanted to be, who provide solutions to problems in my community. Although it hasn't been an easy journey but the experience is awesome and rewarding.

After i got the scholarship I had to continue to work on more projects and get better to gain mastery, watching online tutorials and free courses. Youtube has been a good friend.

Currently, I am on the Google Associate Android Developer (AAD) course track on Pluralsight and I was also given the opportunity to serve as a Learning Community Ambassador (LCA), a volunteer mentor role in the “Andela Learning Community”.

A major challenge I faced even after getting the Nanodegree Scholarship was lack of constant power supply which was not readily available in my location. So, during the day I would either go with my elder brother to his working place at the University of Benin ICTU Center, my Church’s Media department or go to a Church member’s working place where there was constant power supply and at night, I’d continue to code IF, power was available.

At the University of Benin ICTU Centre I had the opportunity of meeting guys like Mr Chijioke Mogwu, the University’s Webmaster and Joseph Origho, a Google Developer Group Benin facilitator who inspired me to code and work on projects. This was a big boost to my participation and I’m grateful for that. I felt blessed because not many would have such opportunities at that time.

Earlier this year, I got a new PC from my uncle who wanted to offer his assistance. This was a major boost for me as it afforded an opportunity to be able to code with ease since my old PC wasn't the best for Android Studio. I could now easily run an Android Emulator without wasting time, its long lasting battery is great, helping me to work longer hours even if there is no electricity available.

I was able to create a Single Screen Business card app for a Church member by the name, Mr Atekha, who owns a local Computer service centre. He was impressed and later asked me to join his team to work on his current project, a mobile version of an Online Market Platform, where I am currently working with other developers to create mobile apps for clients. For me this is not just an opportunity to work or develop my skills and prepare for future projects, but to also help my community provide solutions to challenges.

A big thank you to Mr Atekha, founder Haras Design Tech , Mr Chijioke Mogwu and Joseph Origho for their help and support so far.

And I’m grateful to Andela and Google for this great opportunity!