The author, Hayden Powers, recounts their journey from feeling like an outsider in a computer science class to discovering a passion for coding and eventually becoming a developer. They share how their experiences with art and mathematics helped them find the connections between seemingly disparate subjects, leading them to pursue a career in computer science. The author also highlights their growth as a person, including overcoming feelings of inadequacy and finding empowerment through education and mentorship. They now work as a Developer Voices intern at Twilio, aiming to share their knowledge and connect with others who may feel like they don't belong.