Introduction:

Hi, I’m Shae, and I’m a web development enthusiast transitioning into the tech world with a focus on front-end development and problem-solving. Recently, I launched my personal portfolio website—a space to showcase my journey, projects, and evolving skill set.

Building a tech career after a break comes with its challenges, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. In this article, I want to share my journey so far, the skills I’m honing, and how I’ve turned troubleshooting into opportunities for growth. Whether you’re navigating a similar path or simply love tech, I hope this inspires you to embrace the process.

Troubleshooting as a Learning Tool:

One of the most empowering experiences in my journey has been troubleshooting technical challenges. From getting my GitHub Pages site live to fixing broken configurations, I’ve learned that every error is an opportunity to build resilience and confidence.

Key takeaway: Embrace every challenge as a stepping stone. The skills you gain while solving problems are often the most valuable.

My Projects:

1. Portfolio Website
- Live Site: My Por tfolio
- GitHub Repo: Portfolio Repository
- Technologies Used: HTML, CSS, GitHub Pages
- Description:
  I designed and deployed a responsive portfolio website to showcase my skills, projects, and professional profiles. This project involved navigating deployment workflows, responsive design, and troubleshooting GitHub Pages issues.
- Key Challenges Overcome:
  - Resolved a 404 error caused by an incorrect file structure.
  - Gained confidence using Git commands such as git add, git commit, and git push.
  - Improved the site's accessibility and responsiveness to ensure compatibility across devices.

2. Dual-Boot System Setup for Learning

Technologies Used: Ubuntu Linux, macOS, Partition Management
Description:
I configured a dual-boot system with macOS and Ubuntu Linux on my MacBook to create a flexible development environment. This project allowed me to explore Linux, learn system administration, and troubleshoot hardware compatibility issues.
Key Challenges Overcome:
- Resolved bootloader conflicts that initially prevented macOS from booting.
- Debugged audio issues on Ubuntu by switching from PipeWire to PulseAudio and adjusting configurations in alsamixer.
- Managed system stability after sleep mode glitches, improving my understanding of kernel-level processes.
Impact:
This experience expanded my knowledge of Linux systems and improved my ability to debug complex hardware-software interactions.

3. GitHub Pages Deployment and Version Control Mastery

Technologies Used: Git, GitHub Pages
Description:
While building and updating my portfolio site, I faced challenges with version control and deployment. I resolved these issues through hands-on experimentation and research.
What I Learned:
- Debugged merge conflicts and learned to reconcile divergent branches.
- Streamlined the process of staging, committing, and pushing updates for live deployment.
- Documented these steps in a PDF guide for others, demonstrating my ability to teach and share knowledge.
Impact:
I became proficient in Git workflows, enabling smoother collaboration and project management in future team environments.

4. Setting Up a Livestream Archive

Technologies Used: Streamlabs OBS, Mixcloud
Description:
Leveraging my experience as a livestreamer, I integrated my Mixcloud profile into my portfolio. This project involved organizing and showcasing audio archives from past livestreams.
What I’ve Done So Far:
- Added Mixcloud links to the portfolio’s audio section.
- Explored embedding Mixcloud audio players directly into the site for a seamless user experience.

What I’ve Learned About Version Control:

Version control wasn’t just a buzzword—it became my lifeline. Whether pushing changes to GitHub or troubleshooting merge conflicts, I’ve discovered how essential Git is to modern development.

Some of my go-to Git commands:

git add .: Stage changes for commit.
git commit -m "Message": Document updates with clear commit messages.
git push origin main: Deploy updates to the main branch.
git pull: Sync my local repository with remote changes.

Learning Git has not only helped me manage my projects but also prepared me to collaborate effectively in future team settings.

My Aspirations:

I’m currently focused on creating tangible, high-quality projects that demonstrate my skills and potential to employers. My ultimate goal is to secure an internship, returnship, or apprenticeship where I can contribute meaningfully and continue to grow.

If you’re on a similar journey, here’s my advice:

Start small but think big.
Use your portfolio to tell a story about your journey, not just your skills.
Engage with communities like Hashnode or Dev.to to learn and share.

Connect with Me:

Portfolio: shaemonet87.github.io/portfolio
GitHub: github.com/ShaeMonet87
Mixcloud: My Audio Archive

Let’s grow together in this ever-evolving tech world!

From Problem-Solver to Creator: My Journey in Web Development and Building a Standout Portfolio