From an early age, I loved building with Fischertechnik, which led me to join our robotics class in school, working with LEGO Mindstorms. This early exposure to problem-solving and engineering sparked my interest in technology and how things work.
In 6th grade, I joined a web development class where I learned HTML and CSS. Soon, I designed my first website—although it had a very 90s look with vivid colors! This was my first hands-on experience in designing and structuring web pages.
During a spring break extension of the course, I was introduced to JavaScript. Fascinated by programming, I started learning Java through YouTube tutorials, which allowed me to develop Minecraft server plugins and mods. This was the first time I truly understood the power of programming and how I could create something functional from scratch.
As I continued exploring new technologies, I participated in a math contest where I met Prof. Oldenburg from the University of Augsburg. He offered me a contract to help develop an application for visualizing image manipulation through mathematics. This was my first real-world project, where I applied my programming skills in a professional setting and gained valuable experience.
While still attending regular school during COVID, I trial studied IT at the University of Augsburg. Participating in online lectures helped me deepen my understanding of computers and their internal workings, giving me insights into more advanced concepts that went beyond my self-taught knowledge.
During my holidays, I completed a 2-week internship at XITASO. After finishing my tasks early, I worked on real customer projects, gaining my first experience with React and TypeScript. I was also given the opportunity to attend customer meetings, providing me with insight into professional software development and project management.
To gain more experience and earn my first income, I worked at TLB Engineering during my 11th and 12th grade. I worked on embedded systems, gaining experience with an oscilloscope and debugging protocols like I2C and UART. This was my first exposure to low-level programming and hardware-related debugging, which added a new dimension to my skill set.
After completing my high school diploma in 2023, I began studying at the University of Applied Sciences Augsburg and started working as a dual student at XITASO. Since then, I have worked on multiple projects, attended a fair, and gained hands-on experience in real-world development. This phase of my journey is for me currently the most exciting, as I continue to grow both academically and professionally.