Victoria Tran: From 0 to 100 in 7 Weeks.

“Coding begins with a blank canvas. Instead of choosing your colors you choose your languages. You envision the end goal and think about your approach to get there. From then on, the rest is up to you.” ~Victoria Tran

Growing up, Victoria Tran wanted to be an actress, singer, or musician. Now, she hopes to pursue a career in computer science and start her own company. You might think this is a huge shift in direction. However, the ability to change directions and be creative is a big part of coding. Victoria explains, “Coding begins with a blank canvas. Halfway through, your vision might even change and go a completely different route. [Code] doesn’t have to be only one thing, it’s anything you want it to be!” Read more about Victoria in our Q&A below. 

Q&A with Victoria Tran:

What made you join the Girls Who Code movement?

I wanted to learn more about computer science because I knew nothing about it. My curiosity of the unknown pushed me to take a risk and allowed me to discover this amazing new world of code.

Were you always interested in computers?

No, I never thought I would be interested in computers until my sophomore year of high school when my friend mentioned the and it caught my interest. I would would wonder why my other boy cousins were so into them and finally I thought to myself why don’t I just find out for myself!

What was the hardest part of learning to code?

I was one of the few in my class who had never coded before so it was really intimidating starting out. When I would get stuck on parts for a really long time, I had to stay optimistic and know that there is a way to solve the problem. There was an answer and it was waiting for me to find it so I couldn’t give up. I think it’s a part of human nature to compare ourselves to others, but it’s important trust yourself and know that if this is your passion, there will be obstacles you have to overcome. 

How has coding made you more confident?

It showed me that I am capable of anything if I set my mind to it. It doesn’t matter how much I know or where I am coming from. If I have the persistence and motivation to do something, I can do it. If I want something to happen, then I have to go out there and make it happen myself.

How does code tie to your passions?

I play the bassoon in band. Similar to how playing the bassoon requires practice, creativity, and interpretation, coding involves the same elements. 

Is coding creative?

CODING == CREATIVE! There is a common stigma that computer science is just sitting in front of a computer screen all day and typing stuff. I think coding itself is a type of art form. Coding begins with a blank canvas. Instead of choosing your colors, you choose your languages. You envision the end goal and think about your approach to get there. From then on, the rest is up to you. Halfway through, your vision might even change and go a completely different route. That’s the great thing about coding. It doesn’t have to be only one thing, it’s anything you want it to be! 

What advice would you give to a girl to inspire her to code? 

Sometimes, taking a risk can be scary, but you just have to dive right into the water. A lot of people regret not doing or trying things rather than actually doing things. 

Want to learn how to code like Victoria?