Before college, I thought I had my future figured out. I was supposed to take up architecture—after all, I’ve always been an artist. I loved drawing and painting, and architecture felt like a creative path I could commit to. But life had other plans. Because of unforeseen circumstances, I had to go with my second choice: information technology.
I wasn’t entirely clueless—I had watched “Day in the Life” vlogs of software engineers and thought, “I” But once I actually started programming, reality hit. It was hard. I discovered I wasn’t just struggling with the syntax or tools; I was facing challenges with logic itself. I wasn’t naturally good at problem-solving or algorithmic thinking, which, as I soon realized, is crucial in becoming a programmer. And it didn’t help that it was the middle of the pandemic. I didn’t have friends or a support system in this new world I was trying to figure out. I felt alone, lost, and unsure if I belonged in tech at all.
Fast forward to my third year. A friend approached me about applying for an org position—something called the Google Developer Student Clubs (GDSC)—at our university. He mentioned a UI/UX role and said it might be a great fit for me because everyone knew I was creative. I painted. I did graphic design. But still, I hesitated. UI/UX? I’ve never even heard of that.
I doubted myself a lot. I didn’t think I was good enough. I worried I’d mess it up or that I wasn’t qualified. But curiosity got the best of me. I started researching, and the more I learned about UI/UX design, the more it clicked. It wasn’t just about coding—it was about empathy, creativity, and storytelling through design. I didn’t need to force myself to be someone I wasn’t. Instead, I could be me—an artist—just in a different medium.
So, I took the leap. I accepted the UI/UX Lead role at GDSC National University in Bulacan. With only beginner-level knowledge and a lot of self-doubt, I stepped into the position, and I’m so thankful I did. That single “yes” opened the door to so many opportunities that brought me to where I am today.
In our organization, under the Office of the CTO, I worked alongside fellow leads in mobile, software, and web development. Together, we built not just projects but lasting friendships. Through our org, we launched workshops, taught students about our fields, and built projects to deepen our skills. I even led an Intro to Figma workshop, something I never imagined doing before. We joined hackathons and attended major tech events where we connected with people who genuinely inspired me.
In my fourth year, I also became the Creatives Officer for our university’s AWS Cloud Club chapter. It was another exciting opportunity—not just to design but to learn more about cloud technologies and how they’re shaping the future. Through the club, we immerse ourselves in real-world tech concepts, collaborate on projects, and explore how cloud solutions are used in actual industries. It made tech feel more tangible, and it pushed me to grow both creatively and technically.
Now, here at Lexcode, I’m lucky to be part of an amazing team of developers and designers. They’ve helped me grow even more, not just in skills but also in confidence. I’ve learned so much from their support, feedback, and trust. Our bond as a team is something I’m really thankful for. It’s encouraging to work in a space where creativity is valued, collaboration is natural, and growth is constant.
Looking back, it’s kind of wild how everything turned out. I entered the tech world thinking I had to code to belong. But in the end, it was my creativity that helped me find my place. And now, I know that I don’t have to be a master programmer to make a meaningful impact in tech. I just have to be myself.
I still doubt myself sometimes. But I’ve learned to keep pushing and step outside of my comfort zone, even when it’s scary, because that’s where real growth happens. And honestly? I’m just so grateful—for every opportunity, challenge, and person who believed in me. Without all of that, I wouldn’t be here.
I Couldn’t Code, So I Designed My Way In: How I Found My Place in Tech Through Creativity
