Maryam Alaa, one of the She Codes Too and DataCamp scholarship recipients from Al-Muthanna, reflects on her transformative journey from teaching English to building a future in tech. In this story written by her, Maryam shares the moment she realised she wanted something more, how she found her passion for data analysis, and what she gained through the program.

Before I found my way into tech, I was an English teacher. I spent two years helping students grow in confidence and language skills, and while it was fulfilling in many ways, I felt something was missing.

Every day, a quiet voice in me kept asking, “Is this what you really want to do for the rest of your life?”

I knew I needed something more—something that challenged me, something I could grow with. I wanted to solve problems, learn things I didn’t even know existed, and feel excited about the future again. That’s when I discovered data analysis and artificial intelligence, and for the first time, I felt like I was stepping into a world that truly belonged to me.

When I found the DataCamp scholarship through She Codes Too, I knew it was the opportunity I was looking for. My goal was to learn SQL and build a strong foundation in data analysis. I completed the Associate Data Analyst in SQL career track, where I took courses like Introduction to SQL, Intermediate SQL, and Analyzing Business Data in SQL. I practiced what I learned through small projects analysing soccer match data and writing SQL queries to answer real-world questions.

Coming from a non-technical background, learning SQL was challenging at first. But step by step, with consistent practice, things became clearer. I balanced learning with my daily responsibilities by studying in short, focused sessions and staying motivated by reminding myself why I started this journey.

She Codes Too was more than just a scholarship provider; it was a source of constant encouragement. The community discussions and shared resources helped me feel connected, even when learning on my own. What makes She Codes Too special is the way they create a safe, inspiring space where women support each other’s growth.

This scholarship gave me the confidence to believe in my ability to work in tech. I’m proud of earning my Data Analyst Associate certificate and building practical SQL skills. I also gained brief internship experience, where I applied what I had learned in real-world tasks.

Programs like She Codes Too can open life-changing opportunities for women in Iraq and beyond. If someone is thinking about joining, I’d tell them: take the step—you’ll find support, learning, and a new version of yourself.

One moment I’ll always remember is when I wrote my first complex SQL query and it worked perfectly. That small success made me feel like I was finally on the right path.