# Why Web Development? (First Blog Post!)

Hello!

My name is Brandon and this is my first blog post on Hashnode! It's so exciting to finally begin a blog dedicated entirely to what I'm learning about the world of web development and other programming technologies! 

# A Bit About Myself
I'm an aspiring web developer currently based in Pittsburgh, PA. 

![180426-editorial.pittsburgh.jpg](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1580497693817/M2AT7SXku.jpeg)

Later this year, I will be relocating to Portland, ME to continue to pursue a career in web development. 


![portland_maine_skyline.jpg](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1580497750714/kBBfZQ1I2.jpeg)

I've been self-teaching for about a year and am about to start a coding bootcamp with Flatiron School in March. During the course of the bootcamp, I'll write posts to document my experience and share advice and tips related to those experiences. 


# Why Did I Want to Become a Web Developer?
Like most people who graduate from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career. I went to community college a few times and audited a few courses on MOOC sites like edX. However, I always had trouble balancing the demands of life with the course load. While I enjoyed what I was learning, I was too burnt out to absorb the information. 

I knew I wanted to do something in technology but I didn't know exactly where I would fit. Last year, however, I discovered the amazing world of web development through freecodecamp.org. If it wasn't for their amazing curriculum, community and resources, I probably would have just dropped it altogether. 

Coding is hard and can be very discouraging at times. But as I pushed through the curriculum on freeCodeCamp, I began to realize that it was possible for me to learn this. 

Everyday code struggles can also be incredibly rewarding; I love the feeling I get when I've finally solved a problem. I also like being creative, and coding is an extension of my creativity. The *design --> develop --> deploy* workflow allows me to tackle problems in creative ways. 

# Why Am I Going to a Coding Bootcamp?
Despite a year of progress in self-teaching, I realized that I didn't have the self-discipline to hold myself to deadlines and deliver on what I learned in the form of projects. 

I'm also going to a bootcamp for the structure. I found that I was wasting too much time *reading* about programming technologies and concepts but not enough on actually *applying* what I learned. Learning with others, I've found, can be far more enjoyable than going it alone.

Another reason is because I wanted to become more active in the developer community; my city doesn't really offer that many meetups that relate to my specific tech stack.  I want to build and maintain a network of incredible people who will inspire me to take my skills to the next level.

# What Specifically Will I Be Blogging About?
My Dev Diary will be a place where I will document and share my experiences at Flatiron School along with tips/ tutorials about various trends and concepts in web development. 

# Where Else Can I Be Found?
Currently, I have a portfolio projects in the works but in the meantime, you connect with my on  [GitHub](https://github.com/Dusch4593),  [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-dusch-7818b966/) or  [Twitter](https://twitter.com/BrandonDusch). 

Until next time!