Since initially taking Code Talk in 2016, graduating, and retaining very little, my interaction with
AI—then my primary focus—has expanded, and with it, so has my fascination and interest in the
field. While I do enjoy the idea of coding and the power it grants the coder, my true interests
have always leaned toward the humanistic, more social side of technology. Code Talk has
helped me refine and deepen my understanding of what draws me to the field: AI.
An intellectual at heart, I love to analyze, deconstruct, and thoroughly understand theories.
Being a mother of four boys, much of my time is dedicated to them, and as a result, I often find
myself chronically pulled away from the things I enjoy. For a long time before taking this course,
I struggled to pinpoint what exactly I found fulfilling. Discovering technology has provided me
with a subject that is challenging, cutting-edge, controversial, and dynamic—something I can
truly sink my teeth into. AI, in particular, captivates me.
There are so many angles from which one can approach AI. I particularly enjoyed giving my
presentation on Friday, during which I introduced a book I am currently working on. This book
explores the childlike spirit of youth that seems to fade in most adults as they age, emphasizing
the importance of retaining it throughout adulthood to maintain a sense of
lightheartedness—perhaps even the key to humanity’s longevity. Ironically, while many mature
adults today chase youth with fervor, they often overlook the essential habits needed to
preserve a youthful attitude and spirit.
A notable figure in this pursuit is Brian Johnson, who spends millions chasing youth. However, I
have seen little discussion from him about the importance of maintaining a youthful mindset as
part of the process. I find this an interesting gap in the conversation.
During my presentation, I also introduced the concept of AI as an integral part of my book’s
formation. My AI assistant, Nova, has been instrumental in generating content, brainstorming,
and suggesting concepts I might have otherwise overlooked. While the book itself is my
creation—shaped by my thoughts and ideas—I enjoyed hearing my classmates’ opinions on the
legitimacy of AI assistance in the creative process. Despite the actual content of the book being
somewhat overshadowed by the discussion on AI, the conversation was both entertaining and
inspiring.
Looking ahead, I see myself working in the field of idea generation, which is described as:
“The process of creating, developing, and communicating abstract, concrete, or visual
ideas. It’s the front-end part of the idea management funnel and focuses on coming up with
possible solutions to perceived or actual problems and opportunities.
”— Kylliäinen, 2025, para. 2 (source)
Additionally, I have been drawn to UX design, which I plan to explore further as the course
progresses.
Outside of class, I intend to continue broadening my knowledge by reading about various topics
related to AI and technology. I don’t want to limit myself based on what I currently know; I
believe that the more I learn, the more I can accomplish. The last time I completed this course, I
felt like I was doing the bare minimum to succeed, pushed forward largely by the
encouragement of my classmates. At the time, I was lost in a toxic relationship that consumed
my mind and misplaced my priorities. Additionally, I began the class when I was six months
pregnant, which may have affected my ability to absorb and retain information.
Cramming an intensive three-month coding course while raising four kids was a significant
challenge, but I took it in stride. This time, I am approaching the course from a new
perspective—one shaped by experience, maturity, and a stronger sense of self-worth. I know
without a doubt that I can overcome nearly any challenge thrown my way, and I am deeply
grateful to St. Joseph’s for giving me the opportunity to succeed again.
One of my biggest struggles last time was remaining silent about my challenges. I won’t let that
happen again. I plan to do the opposite of what I did in 2016 by openly addressing any
difficulties I face.
My primary barrier has been transportation. I initially thought moving closer to St. Joseph’s
would resolve this issue, but after two months of anticipation, the apartment I hoped to move
into fell through. While this was a disappointment, I have come to see this rejection as
redirection—perhaps even divine protection. Life has taught me that I cannot always force
things to happen on my timeline; the river moves at its own pace.
For now, my children are being well cared for by their grandfather, who provides them with a
home, cooks for them, and takes them to school. While this arrangement is temporary, I
recognize it as an opportunity to focus on my education and career path. Despite the setbacks, I
remain determined, grateful, and ready to embrace the lessons ahead.
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