#GrowWithGoogle

 #GrowWithGoogle

At the tail end of 2017, I began to have a dream. This dream encompassed on phase, the phase was this, what would I do if I wasn't afraid? This comment initially stopped me in my tracks. Not truly knowing what I would do, I began to ponder the question deeper. This pondering became an exploration, not only within myself but the patterns and themes that are consistent in my life. Out of this thought experiment, I learned two things:

1. I love learning - I don't know if it is a fair enough statement to say that I am addicted to learning, but it is true. But, even deeper than learning I desire wisdom.
2. I love creating something out of nothing. I love creating, from my garden to my children [😉] I love to create and make something where there once was nothing.

After deep consideration, I could only land on one solution, programming, specifically, development. Now you're probably asking yourself, what does this have to do with Google?

I am glad you asked, now let me tell you.

Once a year Google offers roughly 15,000 individuals to go through their curated curriculum.  There is a choice whether to create Web sites or create Mobile Android Applications. This rigirous course is meant to take someone with no or minimal computer programming experience and get them to a place where they are making their own online portfolio.

As almost by happenstance, I applied for this scholarship a week prior to the deadline (see: https://www.udacity.com/grow-with-google). The process was easy and painless, but the probing questions they ask you are meant to search your heart and test your resolve. You really have to ask yourself, is this really for me?

I asked myself, this question repeatedly through the process. Is this really for me? Inside, I had a resounding yes, but I knew it would take time, perseverance, grit and determination. All of which I knew I can leverage but I weighed the cost, as being a father, husband and an employee requires a lot of intentionality.

After you apply, then you play the waiting game. Fast forward January 10, D-Day. This day would tell me if I was accepted into the program or not if my dream to create would be realized or if I needed to take another route to my final destination, like a GPS, during a course correction.

After much anticipation, waiting, and consistently refreshing my email every five minutes, I received the word, below is an excerpt from the email I received:

Congratulations! Hi Christopher, We are excited to offer you a Grow with Google Challenge Scholarship to the Android Basics track. We received applications from many talented and motivated candidates, and yours truly stood out.

When I read the email I was floored. Out of 100,000 people I was selected as one to take part in this amazing opportunity. Shock, awe, and wonder flooded my mind and body all at once. It was a scary wonderful feeling. I felt as this moment was a kiss from heaven a confirmation of sorts that I was on the right path. I knew, that that was going to be hard, and even at times but frustrating, but anything worth doing is worth failing at and learning from and then finally succeeding.

I am in the early stages of my journey and I would love to take everyone along with me. I plan on documenting the ups and downs, as well as the things I learn about myself and technology along the way.

Let's #GrowWithGoogle together!