In three days, I start Dev Bootcamp.  This is quite possibly the biggest step I’ve taken in my life, which is saying something, because I’m the kind of gal who steps wildly into all kinds of ridiculous situations.  I am excited and ecstatic and terrified.

Many people have recommended blogging through my experience, since it can help track progress as well as give me an outlet for all of my triumphs and frustrations (and everything in-between) as I make my transition into web development.  So here we are!

I imagine that most of the people who read this will fit into three categories:

1.   Me.  You are me and you want to navel gaze.  That’s okay.

2.   My parents/curious friends.  Let’s face it, you are probably my parents and you want to keep up with me without having to wonder if you’re calling while I’m trying to code/eat/sleep.  Hi, guys!  I’m still alive!

3.  DBC Hopefuls.  You’re curious about the program and are trying to read every blog and experience you can before you apply/start/decide “oh hell no”.  Bienvenue, mes petits!  I hope I am helpful!

For those of you in the last group, here’s a little background on me:

For the last ten years I have studied poetry, and it has been glorious.  I went to a boarding school for the arts, I went to a liberal arts school and got my degree, and I almost went off this year to get my MFA in poetry writing.  I am good at what I do, and I love it.  But poetry is not a financially viable artform, so the poet must get a “real job”, and I searched for years to find something that gave me the same level of fulfillment as I get from my poems.  Last spring I stumbled upon programming, and I haven’t looked back.

Right now, I’m feeling confident.  During the twelve weeks of prep I’ve already accomplished so much–and I haven’t even gotten to the real work yet!  I’ve had a lot of moments of self doubt, but I’ve surprised myself with my ability to work through the challenges in front of me.  And after three years of working retail with a college degree, it’s really, really nice to feel useful and competent and smart.  So hold onto your hats, DBC.  This dame is ready to develop.