No tech background? No problem: Elise Marie & Yukiko’s journey to learning code
The Selection Sprint, an admissions test, isn’t just about learning to code—it’s about taking bold steps into something completely new and discovering if it’s the right path for you, often while juggling life, career changes, or even parenting. For Elise Marie and Yukiko, the Sprint became a gateway to new skills, unexpected friendships, and self-confidence.
Elise Marie – A mother’s leap into coding
Elise Marie, a 34-year-old mother of two, didn’t originally set out to become a coder. With a background in finance and business, she worked in IT companies but never really understood how the products were built.
“I wanted to find out how stuff is made, like under the hood,” she explained.
While on maternity leave, Elise discovered //kood. She didn’t pass the online game on her first try, but her determination pushed her to try again—and she made it.
For Elise, one of the best surprises was the sense of community. “It felt like the days when I was traveling—you meet people you don’t know, you live together, and you learn together.”
Her message to other women wanting to try out coding, especially mothers: “If I can do it—a tired mom with a mushy brain—anyone can.”
Yukiko: From nutrition to tech
Yukiko, 27, has a degree in nutritional science from a university in Japan and is a registered dietitian, but her work took her into sales support and an IT consulting firm where she managed a matching platform for business owners, oversaw contractors, and organized networking events for entrepreneurs. Curious about coding and eager to grow her skills, she came to Estonia on a working holiday—and that’s where she found //kood. Currently, she’s working as an online casino dealer in Estonia.
“I had always been curious about coding and wanted to try it. I wanted to acquire a new skill and take on the challenge.”
What surprised Yukiko most was finding two other Japanese participants in the Sprint. “We’ve built a relationship where we can push and motivate each other.”
Her biggest lesson? Don’t let pride get in the way. “There will be times when you just can’t get past something. That’s when it’s important to let go of your pride and ask your peers for help.”
When things got overwhelming, she reset by stepping outside. “Spending time in nature really helped me regain focus.”
Her encouragement to beginners: “You won’t know unless you try. I had no idea what I was looking at when I first saw code. But once I started to understand it, I felt so happy. I want others to experience that too.”
Key takeaways from Elise & Yukiko
- You don’t need to have a technical background to start.
- Failing the first try doesn’t mean you won’t succeed.
- Community and peer support are crucial.
- It’s okay to ask for help.
- Enjoy the process—you might surprise yourself.
Join the next Selection Sprint starting on July 28th!