Once a student, today an instructor in the programming course

Liburna Mehmeti, at the age of 13, joined her peers in the 'computer course' to learn more about the world of technology. "At Shkolla Digjitale I enrolled six (6) years ago, and to be honest, back then we didn't know what programming was, so we called the course a 'computer course'. At Shkolla Digjitale I understood what programming is and what we can do more concretely with programming."

Six (6) years on the journey of a programmer, what pushed you to continue learning programming without interruption? "At first I hesitated a bit because it was something very new for us as a society, but also for me as an individual. The main reason that encouraged me to continue is that here we were in a very good, calm environment, where besides programming we also discussed various topics, something that developed us as persons and helped us in our adolescence. Also, the cooperation with the instructors of the School helped me feel as comfortable as possible, so even today I remember myself when I started as a child and see how far I have come today."

The ideal age to create attractive and modern applications with the times. Tell us which of your first applications you single out the most? "Among the many projects I have developed during this time, one of my moments that I remember with great pride is the 'Cultural Heritage' application. This application was declared the winner at ICT Awards in the Rising Star category. I am proud of this application because it was developed by a wonderful team of students, with the help of Darsej - the Founder of Shkolla Digjitale. An even prouder moment was when we realized that this project also included children from SOS Village to be part of the programming course."

As one of the most profitable industries, you've surely had job offers in programming or in some project, right? "Because of the experience and all these years at Shkolla Digjitale, where we as students have learned beyond the basics of programming, we have managed to develop together to an advanced level. Of course, each of us has had different job offers or to join a project. I have also accepted such offers, but I chose to join a bigger team, where I feel much freer, and I wanted to pass on the same feeling I had inside Shkolla Digjitale as a student to other students, that is, to share my knowledge with others. Due to the development of the job market in this field, the employment opportunity is quite large."

Your participation in many events has not been missing, as a distinguished and dedicated student "Among the many events and organizations worth mentioning, ICT Awards is a special event in which I participated, then the Girls in ICT conference and undoubtedly Hackathons, events within Shkolla Digjitale after the completion of personal and group projects."

Benefits of learning programming? "Besides learning different programming languages and programming logic, we have also gained other perspectives not only in programming but in everything else because we have thought from a different perspective. I as a person, when I started, I was a closed person, and over time I gained self-confidence because each instructor gave their maximum so that every student is included in the lesson, and there we found the space to show our best side."

After all these successes, what are you currently engaged in? "I am in my second year at university, majoring in Computer Science, and Shkolla Digjitale has given me the opportunity and entrusted me with the job to lecture as a programming instructor. With great enthusiasm, I look forward to sharing my experience with the new students, because from the perspective of a student to an instructor, it is a pleasure for me to pass on my knowledge and energy to the generations of Shkolla Digjitale."

How prepared is Liburna to teach programming? "Besides helping others during classes, I have also been an assistant to instructors at the Summer School for two (2) months, which is organized every year at Shkolla Digjitale. Those two months went by very quickly, and now I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to teach as an instructor for a longer period."

From student to programming instructor... How do you feel? "If I think back to when I started from zero and didn't know what I could do as a programmer, at the age of thirteen (13), Information Technology (IT) professions were considered jobs for boys. This held me back a bit because we girls have the same capacity to learn and achieve something. If I look at my journey from six (6) years ago until now, I can say it has been challenging, but this journey becomes easier when you have people around you with whom you constantly collaborate."

Liburna's advice for all her peers? "For all my peers who want to start programming and those who are afraid to begin, I would relate it to a current example, the pandemic period we are in. Even if you study a different profession in the future, basic knowledge about technology will be something necessary for everyone. But it's even better if you delve into learning programming because the job market in this field is constantly developing."

So, where do you see yourself in your career? "In the near future, I see myself specializing in the field of programming, and along my journey, I hope to collaborate with the staff of Shkolla Digjitale on big projects and always with the wonderful generations that will come every year, and together we will enjoy the successes of those who reach the end of the advanced level, as instructors or as part of the staff." Learning programming has many benefits for children because it teaches them to think logically, learn problem-solving, develop work habits, express creativity, and socialize with the programming community from all over the world. Register now for the most attractive course of the digital age.