The Leap of Faith
Begins The self-taught journey
I had plans to dedicate 100% of my time studying and learning HTML, CSS, JS and React as my framework of choice for web development.
Kien Dang
Hello 
My name is Kien (pronounced /'key in/). I am a Software Developer at Coveo and I have a Bachelor of Science in Honours Biochemistry from the University of Waterloo.
I’m a self motivated learner who likes to program and one of my favourite things to do is try to automate tasks I encounter every day and improve the quality of life through science and technology.
My blog is a platform to share my experiences, interests, introspection and current progress with programming. In addition, I hope to become a better writer by blogging.
I am a data driven individual and always looking to improve my skills and be the best version of myself. Feel free to browse around!
My Career Change Journey
I documented my entire journey in changing my career path to becoming a developer on my blog and tracked my progress using the Pomodoro Technique.
After a very tough journey in facing many obstacles, I'm excited to work professionally as a software developer!
TL;DR - It took me 1 year and 430 hours of reskilling to change my career path - I list all the courses and details here. Feel free to scroll down for my timeline and journey.
University of Waterloo
🧪My Biochemistry Story
Graduated a 5 year co-op program with a Bachelors of Science in Honours Biochemistry (B.Sc.)
The Woodbridge Group
Costing Technologist
After graduating, I worked at a chemical company specializing in polyurethane for the automotive industry for over 2 years.
I automated a portion of my work using VBA which sparked my interest in programming.
Thus, I decided to resign to pursue my passion and start my programming journey.
The Fall
Antibiotics galore
A month later, I encountered a health issue that required several hospitalizations. I was unable to focus due to my long recovery.
Through this difficult period, I created this blog and decided to embrace the opportunity to document my journey, finding solace in the activity.
I started to change my perspective and draw inspiration from my negative experience and wrote about my prescribed medications.
The Recovery
2 surgeries,
9 antibiotics,
4 opioids later
Nearing the end of 2019, I had slowly worked my way back on my feet, using the momentum I built from creating this blog and writing about my journey.
I stuck with my process right into 2020 after almost being 100% recovered.
Employment Found!
Full time at Coveo 
Honestly, 2019 hasn't been a kind year, but neither is 2020. After a year of studying, I accomplished my goal in becoming a developer.
1031 Pomodoro's - 430 hours of work
The pandemic proved to be very difficult in my finding employment but after several interviews, I'm excited to start this new chapter in my journey!
Completed my last and third surgery in June, hoping to close that chapter forever.
TBD
Everything is a skill, and thus everything can be learned, improved on, and mastered, given enough time and effort. — Serena Chen