My Unconventional Journey From Computer Science To Storytelling

The heart wants what it wants

I trace my fingers across the handwritten feedback my Year 3 teacher had just given me.

“What a beautiful story! You are a gifted writer.”

A huge smile lights up my face.

Finally, someone thinks I’m good at something.

So, little eight-year-old me goes home, practically floating with excitement. I beg my dad to buy me notebooks, telling him I need them for all the imaginary tales I want to write.

And just like that, my love for writing sparks, thanks to a simple acknowledgment of my creativity.

During our childhood years, our dreams are painted in the vivid colors of imagination, and that moment of validation was an important one.

It was as if the universe had whispered into my young ears, affirming that my words, my thoughts, held value and significance.

Little did I know that these nine words of encouragement would become the cornerstone of a lifelong journey into the world of storytelling.

Picture this: me, filling those notebooks with tales of fantastical adventures, whimsical characters, and magical worlds.

Writing became not just a hobby but a sanctuary where I could escape into the boundless possibilities of my own mind.

I dreamt big.

A successful writer, that’s what I wanted to be.

People always asked, “What do you want to be when you’re older?” and my answer was a constant, “A writer.”

But life throws curveballs, right? My journey with writing hit a few bumps.

There was a time I stopped writing altogether.

Books? I put them aside too.

You’d think I’d choose a degree in English or Journalism, but no. I went for the complete opposite:

Computer Science.

"Why?" everyone asked, with puzzled looks and raised eyebrows.

I'd just say, "Studying Computer Science will get me a better-paid job in the future."

Looking back, I realise I was kind of brainwashed by my teachers and parents.

Uni life in Computer Science? A struggle.

I had no interest, passion, or desire for it. Coding was a nightmare, while my classmates breezed through it.

But surprise, surprise—I somehow passed the degree and graduated with a not-so-bad grade.

Job hunting time came, and I checked out roles related to my degree: data analyst, software developer, UX designer, etc.

None sounded appealing.

I couldn't picture being stuck in a job I despised for the rest of my life.

So, I took a shot at writing-related jobs, only to get rejected time after time due to my lack of experience.

Then, I had an epiphany.

For the past few years, I had strayed far from what I truly loved.

That nine-worded handwritten note from my teacher echoed in my head, a reminder of the passion I'd buried deep within me.

I was desperate to rekindle that flame.

With determination, I took a plunge, deciding to follow my heart despite societal norms.

The rejection emails? Turns out, they were stepping stones to where I truly belonged.

Restarting my writing career came with challenges, but I did it.

I completed a postgrad degree in Journalism, interned, and built a portfolio that reflected my commitment to storytelling.

Now I’m in the industry that I love, where I can unleash my creativity.

My uni struggle? It wasn't in vain. It toughened me up, gave me the grit to chase my writing dreams.

Now, as I look back, I stand tall. I'm not just the girl with a Computer Science degree; I'm the one fueled by passion and words.

To those at crossroads, listen to your heart. Dreams aren't confined to others' expectations; they're your guide to a fulfilling life.

My journey shouts one thing: It's never too late to rediscover your passion.

That childhood flame? It might flicker, but with perserverance, it'll blaze brighter than ever, lighting your path to a future where your dreams are reality.