Code Is My Calling

We are so much surrounded by technology that we often confuse it with just screens and software. We use tools, applications, and programs every day without stopping to consider how they really work. To explore this, we invited Priyanshu Sharma, a software engineer, to share his journey shaped by curiosity and consistent effort.

Early beginnings

Mr. Priyanshu didn't wake up one day and decide to be an engineer; he had actually become one long before he understood what engineering was. He followed his curiosity and the desire to learn continuously. This led him to write his first lines of code in the fourth grade and discover "how things work."

Learning with scarce resources

He described the AI era as another revolution. He talked about how easily accessible the internet is today. We can learn anything from any field now, unlike in the past when access was limited to a few hours at a cyber cafe. Despite these challenges, his dedication to learning never wavered. This made us reflect on how, despite scarcity, one can continue to grow and learn by focusing on intent, not abundance.

AI as mentor

In a world run by AI, it can also serve as a mentor. AI may not dictate paths but can support learning at every stage. At the same time, Mr. Priyanshu reminded us that AI should help us think, not replace it. Just as a mentor does not create a path, but helps us see it more clearly. This perspective changed how we see AI, it is not just a technical term but a support system, especially when traditional mentoring is not accessible to everyone.

How to let constraints not define the limit?

Perhaps the most powerful insight was Priyanshu's take on constraints and limits. We often let limitations define our boundaries, but these limits are mostly mental. Our competition is not just with those around us but with the entire world. We shouldn't create boundaries but break them by engaging with people outside our immediate environment. This is where growth begins. When we dismantle the false boundaries of familiar surroundings, step outside, and start engaging with the world, growth starts. This aligns perfectly with Stick's ideology: challenging boundaries and thinking beyond labels.

Validation and grounded growth

Another thought that stayed with us was about learning without needing validation. You don't need recognition from everyone, a small group or belief in your work is sufficient and important to keep you going. Depending too much on external validation can limit growth and experimentation.

This challenged how many of us measure progress, we often wait for results to justify our efforts, forgetting that growth happens long before it becomes visible.

This talk was more than just about coding and technology. It served as a reminder of how a single spark can turn into a passion and a career. It encouraged questioning your surroundings and continuous learning, even when outcomes are uncertain. And Stick provides that space to experiment, learn, and create. However, the conversation didn't end here, nor did the passionate stories. As we move forward, these reflections continue at ShiftCon 2.0, where curiosity, ideas, and intent find a larger platform.