Skill #1: Guitar Playing

I recall a summer during my 9th-grade year when I camped with friends. We gathered around a campfire, singing songs and playing guitar. Some of the older boys, including my brother, strummed their guitars, prompting a friend to ask me, "Why don't you learn to play?"

That simple question sparked my desire to take up the guitar. Upon returning home, I discovered an old guitar my father had left untouched on the balcony for years. It was a relic from the 1970s, worn and in poor condition. Nevertheless, I set it up using a mobile app and began my journey.

The initial experience was challenging. The guitar produced poor sound quality and was painful to play. I realized that my fingers needed time to adjust, especially when I visited a guitar shop and found it much easier to press the strings on newer instruments.

Despite the difficulties, I committed to learning. I turned to YouTube for beginner tutorials and practiced diligently, often enduring painful fingers for 2–3 hours each day. The first month was particularly tough, with the realization that it would take 6 to 12 months to play the songs I loved.

Fortunately, after a month of perseverance, I began to master chords and play various songs. I also learned to synchronize my voice with the guitar, an added challenge that took a few months to achieve. By summer's end, I could confidently perform several songs.

Later, my brother gifted me his old guitar, which, although still challenging, offered better sound quality. Over time, my fingers developed calluses, making it easier to play. I even ventured to upload videos of my performances on YouTube, showcasing my progress.

As the years went by, my passion for guitar continued to grow. In college, my friends and I often gathered in the park to play and sing together, creating unforgettable memories.

Skill #2: Software Development

With a strong interest in mathematics, I began exploring coding during school. My older brother, studying software engineering, played a significant role in guiding me toward this path. I participated in mathematics, physics, and programming competitions, which fueled my enthusiasm for learning.

Initially, I worked with basic programming languages like Pascal and C++, but soon gravitated towards Java, which I found much more engaging. Despite the challenges of learning programming terminology, especially in English, I created small projects and aimed to dive into Android development.

Two years before entering university, I had a foundational grasp of Java, yet I still felt unprepared for the complexities of the field. In my first year at university, I tackled various programming subjects, including Android development, which initially intimidated me.

During summer breaks, I dedicated my time to learning programming, even without reliable internet access. I developed a simple debt-tracking application that taught me valuable lessons about app creation.

After several months of searching for a job, I landed an opportunity as a Software Engineer. My excitement was palpable when I was offered a project to develop a website. My experience working on mobile applications paved the way for this opportunity, allowing me to grow further in the field.

I continued working with talented developers, gaining hands-on experience with various projects. Each role taught me the importance of collaboration and learning from peers. I recognized the necessity of ongoing education in software engineering, dedicating time to read articles and watch tutorials regularly.

Skill #3: Mastery of English

In 7th grade, I grasped the significance of mastering the English language for future opportunities, especially in IT. My formal education began in the second grade but was limited to just a couple of hours per week, which was insufficient for fluency.

As I progressed, I enrolled in additional English classes and utilized online tools like the Lingvist app to expand my vocabulary. I dedicated half an hour daily, increasing my commitment during school breaks.

University further enriched my English skills, particularly through immersive speaking courses that greatly improved my conversational abilities. My job with a predominantly English-speaking team allowed me to apply what I learned daily, engaging in conversations and written communication.

Over time, I became comfortable conversing in English, even if reading lengthy documents remained a challenge. The combination of formal education, self-study, and real-world practice shaped my proficiency.

Summary

Writing this article has been a fulfilling experience, allowing me to reflect on the various skills I've cultivated over the years—guitar playing, coding, and language acquisition.

I had to understand the importance of time and effort early on. Today, I can play the guitar, communicate in English, and develop software—skills that required dedication and resilience.

Consider what skills you aspire to develop in the future. Reflect on your interests and hobbies, and envision where you want to be in five, ten, or twenty years. Remember that patience, passion, and persistence are key to achieving your goals. Significant results take time, but with consistent effort, you can reach your aspirations. Good luck!