Introduction:
In 2023, I made a significant life change — I changed my major from Mass Communications to Information Technology. If you’ve ever made a big change like this, you know it’s not easy. By 2025, I found myself buried in JavaScript errors, confused by React concepts, and fighting my own motivation every step of the way. This isn’t some how-to guide; it’s a real, messy story about how I went from not even understanding variables to slowly making peace with JavaScript and stepping into React.
The Rocky Start: JavaScript is a Maze:
Let’s be real: JavaScript felt like a betrayal in code form. I had a little C++ under my belt and had tinkered with WordPress, but JavaScript? It was wild. Functions did things I didn’t expect. Errors made no sense. I’d forget a curly brace, and boom, everything broke.
What really stung? Watching everyone else progress faster. I spent almost a year struggling to grasp the basics—things like scope, closures, and callbacks—while others were already diving into full-stack. I seriously questioned if I was cut out for this tech stuff.
What Changed the Game?
Eventually, I found my way. Here’s what helped:
- 🎥Switching to Visual Learning: I started watching YouTube channels like Code Help and WS Cube Tech Chai. Hearing someone explain concepts with real-life examples clicked for me way more than reading dry tutorials.
- 🛠️Small Wins with Projects: I stopped trying to master every concept before doing something. I started with simple projects—a calculator, a to-do app, and a little quiz App. Each one helped me understand a new concept, and each win gave me a little more confidence.
- 📒Accepting That Forgetting is Normal: I used to panic when I couldn’t remember something. Now, I get it—forgetting is part of learning. I started keeping a notebook and cheat sheets. They saved me so many times.
Discovering React: The Turning Point
When I first heard about React, it sounded like way too much to handle. Components, JSX, props, state… I honestly didn’t know where to start. But I gave it a shot with a beginner course, and surprisingly, React felt more organized than plain JavaScript.
I haven’t built anything in React yet, but I’m actively learning. I’m watching beginner-friendly tutorials, going through the documentation, and prepping myself to build small projects soon. Just understanding the theory has already made me see how much more modular and efficient front-end development can be.
Frontend Focus (for Now): Choosing What Feels Right
At one point, I was torn between learning frontend development and diving into DSA (Data Structures & Algorithms). But I quickly realized I was stretching myself too thin. So, I decided to focus on front end for now and put DSA on hold until I’ve got a stronger foundation.
Here’s how I keep going:
- I follow a clear learning path using resources I trust.
- I focus on building projects that matter or showcase my skills.
- I stop comparing my pace with others. I track my own progress.
Where I Am Now in 2025
I’m still learning. I’m still forgetting things. Still debugging. But I’m building momentum. I’ve launched my blog, worked on real websites with WordPress, and, most importantly, I finally feel like I belong in the tech world.
The biggest win? I’m no longer afraid of JavaScript. Heck, I think I even like it now.
Final Words: To the Ones Who Feel Stuck
If you’re in your bed at 2 AM, staring at an eye in code that is not going to execute, I’ve been there. If you think that you’re not fast or smart enough, stop. You’re not alone, and you’re certainly not behind. You’re just human. Learning tech isn’t a race—it’s a journey. Take your time.
React didn’t magically solve all my problems, but it gave me a sense of structure and hope. And honestly, that was enough to keep me going.
Stay curious. Stay confused. That’s where the growth happens.