Sometime back in the 1980s, my family got their first computer—a Texas Instrument that (at the time) was “state-of-the-art.” As we adjusted to the new technology, my father would constantly yell, “Laura!” and I would come running to help him do whatever he needed on his new “toy.” I was always good at figuring out technology, so I was the “expert” in my house. From there, I was hooked. I loved helping my Dad, and I loved computers!

In high school and college, I always enjoyed working on the computer. I started off college majoring in Accounting, but as I started to take some IT classes, I realized I enjoyed programming. In my senior year, I decided I wanted to double major. I stayed one extra semester and summer to complete my double major in Computer Information Systems. I loved all my IT classes—even more than my Accounting classes—but even then, it didn’t dawn on me that I should pursue a career in it.

Fast forward to my early 20s. After torturing myself as a CPA for four years, the IT department at my company had an opening. I knew from watching the programmer doing her job that I could do it, too. I applied for the job. I still remember the skeptical look I got from the IT management., but I convinced them (and my husband) that this was the job for me. I spent the next 8 years designing finance applications that helped my co-workers do their jobs more efficiently. I loved working one-on-one and in small groups building web applications for customers and employees.

Nowadays, I am at a new place in my life. I have raised my child, and I want to go back to helping people. And that is where you come in!