Learning never stops - from nursing to learning web3 with NEAR: Yeliz İşler's story

Patika launched its first web3 educational program in partnership with NEAR in March 2022. With 2,200+ sign-ups from 64 countries and 113 NEAR Certified Developer project submissions, the program was a success. But more important is personal stories of our students. Here is an interview with Yeliz İşler, who changed her career from after 8 years of nursing and 12 years of medical claim expert experience to a web3 developer.

Can you tell us about yourself and your programming journey?

I was born in Ankara in 1976 and I have a 16-year-old son. After receiving nursing education for 4 years, I started working as a nurse - which took around eight years! Then I moved to the insurance industry and worked as a Medical Claim Expert for 12 years. Now I am back in my house, trying to learn programming :)

How did you take the first step into programming?

I had to move from Ankara to Ordu due to my husband's job. That’s when I quit my job. While trying to get used to both a new city and staying at home, I received an e-mail from Anadolu University in 2017 about the possibility of a second degree without an examination. That year, I applied to the Web Design and Programming Department.

How come you chose a programming-related department after a different career?

Computers and technology have always been fascinating to me. I’m intrigued by software because I want to learn what is behind a running program and how it works. So I have a constant desire to learn.

How did you hear about Patika.dev and NEAR Certified Developer Program? What were your expectations when applying?

I saw it on Twitter and then received an email from Patika.dev. I applied with the expectation of learning web3 technology, smart contracts, and blockchain technology for the first time in my life. These were very popular subjects I wanted to learn and I had a chance to take this journey thanks to Patika.dev.

Can you tell us about your web3 and NEAR journey?

I completed the courses on Patika on schedule. In addition to the course, I received the greatest support from the project narratives and reviews during office hours organized with the Discord community and teaching assistants. The biggest gain for me was to be able to submit my NEAR Certified Developer Project. The project was a fairly complex insurance app on NEAR. 

What advice do you have for others trying to get into web3?

Be part of the learning pathways and see what you can do with community support and collaboration.

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