When going gets tough, the tough get going. Such is the story of Ibrahim El-bastawisi, a Front-End Web Developer Nanodegree graduate and a Multiple Sclerosis patient.
Ibrahim wanted to pursue Computer Science engineering but he could not because of his deteriorating health as an MS patient. His physical disability couldn’t stop him from learning and thus he enrolled for Udacity’s Front-End Nanodegree program. Today, Ibrahim is proudly working with a software company as a web developer.
About myself
My name is Ibrahim Mohamed El-bastawisi. I am 23 years old and I live with my family in Mansoura, Egypt. I aspired to study computer engineering but couldn’t continue because of Multiple Sclerosis which led to my physical disability. But, I didn’t want my disability to come in the way of my learning and hence enrolled for Udacity’s Front-End Nanodegree program two years back.
Journey with Udacity
It started with the Grow with Google 2017/2018 developer challenge scholarship. I had always wanted to learn how websites are built. In fact, I used to dream about making one for myself to share my passion with the world, so I picked web development path and eventually got awarded a scholarship to the Front-End Web Developer Nanodegree Program.
I was diagnosed with MS in July 2014. My condition rapidly deteriorated a year after the diagnosis. I was left in a wheelchair by the time I enrolled for the Nanodegree program.
The developer challenge was a good opportunity to fulfil my passion for learning and to shift my attention away from the effects of MS on my career and life.
The Front-End Web Developer Nanodegree was the silver lining of my MS cloud!
Where there’s a will, there’s a way
As cliche’ as it might sound but it is true. After graduating from the Nanodegree program, I had a good portfolio with some real-world applications, that encouraged me to seek a job.
My brother helped me get in touch with the software company he works for. And to my surprise, I soon got hired and started working remotely with their web development team.
What I learnt?
If you decide not to stop learning then no disability can stop you from doing so.
We’re so proud of your grit and determination. We wish you all the very best for your future.
