"What if we could build Facebook, but for buying and selling?"
This question ignited a spark in me at 17, transforming my life from a directionless student into someone with an unshakable purpose.
When I was in my last year of high school, at around 16 years old, I found myself uncertain about my future. I had decent grades in math, and a career related to it seemed logical. My choice landed on actuarial science—not because I was passionate about it, but because I heard it paid well. It felt like a practical decision, but deep down, it lacked purpose.
That same year, everything changed. I remember, during the summer when I was 17, I stumbled upon something that shifted my perspective entirely. Back then, Facebook didn't have a Marketplace, and people loved selling their products through Facebook groups. As I roamed the internet, I couldn't help but think, Why isn't there an e-commerce platform where consumers can have profiles, followers, and sell to one another—a kind of Facebook for selling?
This idea ignited something in me. I asked my mom to hire a programming teacher, and I began learning to code with the singular goal of building this platform. I spent countless nights learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, often coding until 3 AM despite having school the next day. It was harder than I anticipated—I underestimated the complexity of building user authentication, databases, and payment processing. I even taught a friend how to code in hopes we could tackle it together. Despite the challenges, one thing became clear to me: I couldn't give up.
That summer, I discovered my "Why." It was no longer about following a career for the paycheck; it was about creating solutions, solving problems, and improving lives through innovation. This realization shaped everything I've done since.
I decided I wouldn't just study math—I would also study computer science to master programming and develop the skills needed to bring my vision to life. Every step I took from that moment on was intentional. I worked to nurture myself, to build the ideal profile that could bring this vision into reality. Even the jobs I've taken since then all converge toward this greater purpose.
I'm not drawn to working at top-tier company or climbing the corporate ladder of big companies. While high-paying salaries are enticing, they don't inspire me. I know that even if I was offered a lucrative salary at a company, it would only be a matter of time before I left to pursue to work on meaningful work and ventures that align with my purpose.
Have I achieved this vision yet? Not quite. But I know it will happen—there's no doubt in my mind. It's not a question of if, but of when and how. Each attempt, each idea, and each experience compounds, bringing me closer to that golden spot.
This is who I am.
This is my Why.