Who am I? That is the question that often arises at different junctures of our lives. It emerges when we contemplate switching careers, when we strive to find our true calling, or when we realize the mold we were given doesn't quite fit. Perhaps we find ourselves molding our identity based on influences in our social circles, media, or even the geographical soil we grow in.

As for me, I am a self-proclaimed "weirdo" who struggles to remain content in a single lane for too long. I have embarked on numerous paths—culinary arts, software engineering, sales, business— only to find myself growing restless and yearning for fresh, exhilarating experiences. I used to see this as a shortcoming. Now, I see it as my ecosystem.

Think of my career path less like a ladder and more like a wild vine—twisting, turning, and occasionally tangling before finding the light. Those detours through sales, kitchens, and boardrooms weren't mistakes; they were the nutrients I needed to eventually root myself in technology. It was a messy process, but it brought me exactly where I needed to be.

The Host

I'm a software engineer with a past life in sales and kitchens. Through Growing Me, I explore the intersection of navigating the tech industry, thriving with ADHD/AuDHD, and being a woman in STEM. But this isn't just about career ladders; it's about personal evolution. I write for non-linear thinkers and career-pivoters who want to grow professionally and personally without sacrificing their authenticity. Whether you're in tech or somewhere entirely different, I'm here to help you truly be yourself in your career and find belonging wherever you land.

(Full disclosure: My four cats serve as impromptu code reviewers and blog editors. They are surprisingly harsh critics.)

Why "Growing Me"?

Because growth is rarely a straight line; it's a garden. Like a seed, we all start somewhere small. Sometimes the soil is poor, sometimes the weather is harsh, and sometimes you realize you were planted in the wrong pot entirely.

With the right nurturing, patience, and determination, we can blossom into something extraordinary. I learned to sell myself before I learned to code, and I've realized that your worth isn't defined by a degree, but by your willingness to cultivate your own potential. This platform is my garden — and I'm inviting you to grow alongside me.

One piece of advice I offer to anyone willing to listen: Never give up on what you want in life. Often, the only thing standing in your way is the belief that you don't belong there. You do. Now, let's get to work.