Teneika Askew narrates her unexpected transition from aspiring to be a registered nurse to finding her path in the tech industry, a journey sparked by a serendipitous conversation with a college instructor that led her to explore technology as a means to solve real-world problems. Initially grappling with imposter syndrome in a male-dominated computer science environment, she found her footing in Management Information Systems, which reignited her passion for building solutions and propelled her to secure internships and scholarships. Teneika's career evolved as she became a Business Systems Analyst, where her innovative data models impressed clients and colleagues alike, prompting her to continually expand her skill set in SQL, SAP, and data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI. Throughout her career, she learned valuable lessons about the importance of hands-on application over theory, focusing on mastering key skills rather than spreading too thin, and the necessity of communication skills and maintaining a project portfolio. Reflecting on her non-linear journey, Teneika emphasizes the importance of mentorship, being open to opportunities, and intentional learning to achieve career success.