Importance of Reading and How I Became a Software Engineer

My mom was really talented. She was the first girl in her class but couldn't keep going to school because my grandfather wouldn't let her. Her passion for knowledge remained unchanged. Back then, I'd see her reading every evening.

When I was a kid, she'd tell me fairy tales about princes and princesses getting lost or grabbed by monsters and how they could never come back home until saved by someone. Then she'd talk about how she could find her way in new places by reading banners/signs in places. It amazed me, and it got me into reading.

She'd always tell me to read as much as possible, even though we struggled to make ends meet and she was not sure whether they could afford my schooling. She made me promise that I'd read even torn papers found on the road if they seemed interesting. And I actually kept that promise, which was kind of weird habit, right?

I read 3 or 4 newspapers every day when I was a kid, and that opened up a whole new world for me. I learned about computers from an old book I bought at a shop that sells old stuff. I taught myself computer before I even had a computer.

I became popular in my village. If anyone needed help with a computer, I was the go-to person. I got access to computers at the local telephone shop, in schools, colleges, and even at UNO and DC office. I kind of became a huge star by that time (humble bragging). I helped them with computer stuff, and they let me use their computers in their free time.

That's how I learned programming—by reading books and practicing on those computers. Unfortunately, that's also why I don't have my first, second, or any early projects I worked on. I wish I could save them somewhere.

I finished my first freelance job on oDesk (now Upwork) back in 2012. At that time, I used my cousin's computer. I began working as a full-time web designer in 2014, and surprisingly, I still didn't have a computer of my own. It wasn't until 2016 when my mom used all her savings to buy my first computer.

Most of our relatives, except for my aunts who always supported and cared for me, were never comfortable acknowledging our connection due to social status concerns. However, things have changed significantly. Now, all of them are very proud of my achievements. They shamelessly keep saying, "I knew it, I always knew you had a bright future ahead of you.

When I moved to Dhaka for work, a relative once asked me, 'Have you ever seen ten thousand taka together? Don't mind, maybe your father hasn't seen them either.' That day, I realized I needed money— a lot of it. I landed my first six figure job at the age of 24 even without a university degree. It was only possible because I was fortunate enough to learn programming related skills. This wouldn't have been possible if my mom hadn't encouraged me to read.

Looking back, if I had to thank someone for making me who I am today, it'd be my mom, no doubt. She's the best. To all the young folks out there, my advice is simple: never stop reading, no matter what. Reading is the best help you could ever do to yourself.