Chapter 1: My Initial Aspirations

From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a programmer, despite my initial reluctance to grasp programming languages. Surprisingly, I performed well on my computer science exam, where I solved problems using an algorithmic language. This success led me to enroll in a less prestigious university for a technical degree.

During my first year, I learned VBA and Visual Basic, creating basic programs for mathematical calculations. The programming course, taught by the strict deputy dean, was unconventional yet effective, and it helped me grasp foundational programming concepts. I learned essential elements such as conditional statements, loops, and more, which are common across various programming languages.

However, by the end of my third semester, I lost interest in my studies as programming classes came to a close. Although I considered dropping out, I ultimately decided to complete my degree. Without formal programming lessons, I stopped coding, occasionally attempting to learn more about Visual Basic from books, but my motivation waned.

As I approached graduation, I began contemplating my future in programming while working at an insurance company as a senior document management specialist. I realized this job wasn't fulfilling and decided it was time to choose a programming language to pursue seriously. After researching the job market, I recognized that Visual Basic was outdated, so I decided to learn Java, a language that was both popular and challenging. Plus, I had a friend who was well-versed in it.

I started my journey with Java using the book "Java Tutorial with Examples and Programs." Despite diligently summarizing what I read and rewriting code snippets, I found that I retained very little beyond what I had already learned from other languages. Unsure of my next steps, I turned to video tutorials that clarified concepts like OOP, polymorphism, inheritance, and objects, which were new to me. A friend helped me with some of the more complex topics, but my understanding remained limited.

One day, while exploring online resources, I stumbled upon a platform that initially seemed dubious. However, after progressing through a few levels, I became engaged and quickly advanced to level 10. This experience bridged the gap between the book knowledge I had and practical application. Unfortunately, I hesitated to purchase a subscription, which I later regretted when the price increased.

Upon reaching level 20, I crafted my resume and began applying for jobs. Despite facing a few disappointing interviews, I remained resilient and continued my studies. I read "Java Philosophy," watched various lectures on YouTube, and started learning CSS and HTML through video lessons.

By the time I reached level 30, I enrolled in client-server application development courses at the "Specialist" training center. The curriculum covered multi-threading, JavaFX, Servlets, JSF, and JSP.

The following day, I received a call from a local IT firm inviting me for an interview. The HR representative asked about my familiarity with different technologies and my preference between front-end and back-end development. For me, it didn't matter; my goal was simply to work as a programmer. I was then asked to complete a test task for a JavaScript developer position, which I accepted.

At that point, my JavaScript knowledge was basic, but I managed to send my code by the sixth evening. A couple of days later, I received a call confirming that I had passed the test and was invited for a follow-up interview with the team leader. The interview lasted about 10 to 15 minutes, after which I was offered a position as a software engineer. Following a three-month probation period and successfully passing a JavaScript test, I now work at one of the largest companies in the city, located in a spacious seven-story business center that features recreational areas and a gym.

Chapter 2: Resources and Learning Path

The first video, "My Experience with JavaScript as a Java Developer," provides insights into how transitioning from Java to JavaScript can shape a developer's journey.

The second video, "Java CRASH COURSE for JavaScript Programmers," offers a comprehensive overview tailored for those familiar with Java and looking to grasp JavaScript fundamentals.