Jenil Jani

My Journey into Technology: From Early Curiosity to Aspiring Mobile App Developer

My technology journey began not in a classroom, but through a deep curiosity I developed as a child. From as early as 5th grade, I found myself captivated by how computers functioned. By the time I reached 8th grade, I had already learned how to repair and troubleshoot desktop systems on my own. What began as a fascination soon became a passion. During 9th grade, I became the go-to tech helper in my neighborhood, assisting others with system issues, configurations, and troubleshooting. At the same time, I immersed myself in the world of Linux, exploring different distributions by reinstalling a new one on my PC nearly every month. This hands-on experimentation taught me more about operating systems and computer architecture than any textbook ever could.

After completing 10th grade at St. Xavier’s High School in Hansol, Ahmedabad, I had to make an important academic decision. My father, a chemistry professor, encouraged me to pursue the conventional 11th–12th science stream. I asked him a simple yet pivotal question: “If I want to become a software engineer, do I need to study chemistry?” That conversation marked a turning point. Rather than insisting on the traditional path, he supported my choice to follow my passion. I went on to secure admission at Government Polytechnic, Ahmedabad, one of the most prestigious diploma engineering colleges in Gujarat, for a three-year Diploma in Computer Engineering.

During my diploma, I was exposed to a rich variety of technical domains. In my first semester, I began learning C++ and foundational programming principles. By my third semester, I was developing mobile applications, and by the fifth, I was building full-scale web applications. One project that especially shaped my skills was a web platform called Virtual Study Group. While many of my peers built standard PHP-based websites, I chose a more modern and scalable path, taking full responsibility for the backend using Node.js and MongoDB. This allowed us to implement a robust NoSQL architecture, which gave the project flexibility and performance advantages over traditional solutions.

Beyond coursework, I continued to explore practical opportunities. I developed websites for Bachelor’s students in Ahmedabad, helped them with project-based coursework, and constantly pushed myself to learn and apply new tools and frameworks. My interest in mobile technology grew stronger during this time, as I recognized the incredible potential of apps to solve real-world problems and create impactful user experiences.

In 2022, I was honoured to receive offers of admission from both Cleveland State University in Ohio and the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. I chose the University of Lethbridge for its emphasis on hands-on learning, diverse community, and well-rounded computer science program. Since joining UofL, I have continued to expand my skills, both in and outside the classroom. One of the most exciting new paths I’ve explored is iOS development using Swift, which has further confirmed my desire to pursue mobile app development as a long-term career.

In the summer of 2023, during my academic break from UofL, I completed a remote internship with Sparks To Ideas, a software development company based in Ahmedabad. Over seven weeks, I worked as a Python Developer Intern, collaborating with UI/UX teams, contributing to system architecture, testing new features, and assisting in debugging and maintenance efforts. Although the internship was conducted fully online, it offered a true industry experience, filled with collaboration, responsibility, and professional growth. I gained valuable insight into remote teamwork and the full development lifecycle, reinforcing my ability to adapt and perform in diverse environments.

Today, as I continue my academic and professional development, I remain driven by the same curiosity that first brought me into tech. I am deeply passionate about mobile app development and intend to pursue it as my primary career focus. Whether building native iOS apps, crafting full-stack systems, or designing user-centric platforms, I aspire to become a successful mobile app developer and software engineer. Technology is more than a skill for me—it’s a calling, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.