The author shares their journey of learning foreign languages and programming, highlighting the importance of immersive and practical experiences over traditional rote memorization or tutorial-based learning. Initially struggling with language acquisition, the author's breakthrough came through immersive travel experiences, where they engaged with native speakers and practiced reading local materials. This approach led to rapid improvement and fluency. Similarly, when learning to program, the author found success by moving beyond tutorials and engaging in hands-on project work, which allowed them to develop practical skills and confidence despite lacking a formal computer science degree. Emphasizing the value of real-world application and feedback, the author encourages aspiring developers to immerse themselves in projects, ship their work, and learn through experience, ultimately finding success and self-identification as a developer. The narrative underscores the transformative power of deliberate practice and real-world problem-solving in mastering new skills.