Build Strength From Struggle | My Story 

Hey guys. These videos are tough to make and release because they are so personal but I feel like it can really help some people to use me as an example of someone who was an absolute fuckup and was able to change things around. It is hard as hell, but don't give up and let your hardships consume you, no matter how bad your circumstances are. I also want to thank every single subscriber, viewer, etc because without you, I would not be where I am today.

I think this is the most important video that you've ever made!

You made me cry brother! not out of sympathy but out of similarity. I grew up poor in the ghetto, my father was In prison most of his life (died last year from drinking), my brother was a gang member, my house use to get shoot at all the time, everyone in my family were in the same mindset, I of course followed as a juvenile and because of a bad crowd i did 5 years in prison at the age of 17. I came out and had a son created a family and now I'm the first in my family to pursue education. I'm going to college & also doing a full stack course which I graduate in June. I'm still broke and struggling but! I can see the light! I believe in myself and I'm doing this for my sons future. Thank you for your story really lifted me up.

To that judge who laughed, Brad is the reason why I got a 1:1 in my degree and now doing better than ever.

"The computer industry will have to wait for Mr. Traversy." I can't even begin to wrap my mind around this. I think the whole industry knows who you are now. Amazing story Brad, thanks for sharing.

I appreciate your story. After years of learning I finally landing a salaried position. To me this is a dream. Like you, I have a hell of a past. Been in the feds 3 times, the state once, and grew up in a Juvenile Prison System in Texas (TYC). Now, after learning to code, we live in the suburbs, credit turned out good (somehow) and actually work with "normal" people. Thank you for your story and your inspiration. I'm 38 and never thought I'd live what looked like a "normal" life.

I am struggling with my mom's death and I feel that I lost interest in everything including developing software, thanks for this video, it is very motivating for me.

"I think we live in a world where everyone wants to be some kind of victim" truer words have never been said 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Thanks for sharing this Brad, I know a lot of people will relate and benefit from your story. Even though you and I had very different backgrounds, you were still one of the people that made me believe I could do something big with my life.

I remember when you first talked about this stuff back when I was just getting started with programming. That helped me a bunch and it let me know that there were people like me who were able to accomplish big things from learning how to code. It's good to know we're not alone! Thanks for sharing your story Brad! Also recently found out about UnderDog Devs, seems like they're doing really good things for people who are trying to improve their lives by learning to code!

I've been studying web development for the past two years. Right now, I'm in the deepest rut I've ever been in, seriously struggling with mental health issues. I really needed to hear this. Thank you, Brad. You have a heart of gold.

Year 2017: I started to learn programming from one of your videos and a few days ago I landed my first full-time Dev job. There were times where I felt this was not the right gig for me, or felt like I was not smart enough. I was almost about to give up on that dream when you had released another video similar to this talking about your struggles and how you overcame them. That had really motivated me to not give up and I am really thankful for what you do Brad because without stumbling on to your videos and advice, I would not be where I am today.

Thanks for sharing this, Brad. I hope your story can inspire other people to pursue their dreams, whether in tech or other things.

I'm also in recovery. I went from age 20-35. 5 years and 5 months clean from all opioids and benzos, hoping to make it 5 years and 6 months soon and learning how to code to transition from IT support to web development. I'm still at the start of my journey but your videos have helped me so much. Thank you for sharing your story, trust me I know how hard it is to open up about this stuff.

Thank you that you are here with us Brad.

42 and wanted to learn how to code. I found your videos and have learned so much. Being from Mass, I think we speak the same language and that has made it easier to absorb the material! Keep up the awesome work, and thank you!

Very inspirational story! Seems like programming saved your life

in Quran GOD says he never gives some one more duty+problem than what he capable thank you for sharing your honest experience ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I'm watching Sir Brad from 2015. It's been 9 years. I make an decision which I regret now by switching my career. I was praying and thinking God, what should I do. Out of the blue on my new account. You, Sir Brad appeared. This video flashbacks my memories of 2015 till 2017 that how I learned front end development from your videos. I will make an decision again. I will build my strength through struggle and prayers and support from noble man like you. Thank you Sir. Thank you.

I was struggling financially 5 years ago when I started coding through your courses, now my life has completed changed and you're a big part of that. Thanks a lot Brad, you've inspired me to never be a victim of the circumstances and always turn the bad things into fuel to achieve my dreams! Cheers from Brazil!

I’ve been working as a developer throughout my 21 years of heroin addiction. Started at 17 and quit at 38 (I’m 42 now). Started programming at 13 and got my first paid job at 17. And your channel is one of my favorite man. Keep up the good work!

Brad!!❤❤❤. The computer industry waited indeed, and today, it is championed by Traversy on all fronts. Thank you for not only being human, but for being a human being❤😫❤❤

Bro, I'm blown away. I've been there totally. Spent years in prison, addicted to hard drugs.. Unlike you, I was stuck in the cycle up till recently, about 5 years ago. I've been clean close to 5 years now, after being stuck on drugs for over 20 years. I opened a reno company about 2 years ago, and it's really the first time in my life I've lived responsibly, let alone own and operate a company. It's been really overwhelming at times. I'm sure you understand. Anyway, don't wanna make this crazy long.. Thanks brotha.. I appreciate you. Btw, yes, I own and operate a reno company but have a super large interest/passion in programming. Very new to it all, but I'm loving the journey.. Thank you.

I grew up like this. Friends and family are still there. I’m just trying to be the light they look too. Hoping they ask one day how I got here.

Brad, whenever you release a personal video like this, you kinda restore my faith in humanity a bit. Thank you.

You are great Brad. I really feel these videos and I value humans like you tremendously. Thanks for doing what you are doing and I wish you and your family all the best.

From A COUNTRY DOES NOT EXIST -- SOMALILAND. Neighbors of with violences worlords, dictatorships but enjoying with democracy and stability. I learned tons of stafs from your channel, and got for free. You are generous person. This is thanks from young man who is struggling to develop a career to improve his life. Thank you for your motivations Brad.

I know this video is a year old now, but it really spoke to me. I grew up in a low-income family, and struggled through most of my childhood and early 20s to find my path. I appreciate your vulnerability, and I hope others will find strength and motivation from your story.

You are my hero and you are an awesome human being with good heart💖.

I have been going through lot of anxiety and imposter syndrome lately , this video really helps , thanks for being authentic. I am really thankful for you, you are the reason I got a job I have now , even though you are at the other part of the world, you help a lot of people in so many ways ♥️

Being a 22 year old 4th year college IT student, who also work as a front end dev on a small company, watching your video makes me deep in thought. To realize that the guy i've been watching countless hours-long tutorials actually stood on such a low point, and then gracefully rise up to this current point.. I'm actually speechless, it really does bring tears to my eyes. So far i've been had not even a fraction of your struggles, and I live in a third world country. Even then, I dont think i can ever be as amazing as you. Thank you Mr Brad, you have my utmost respect.

Thanks Brad for sharing this. My dad hasnt had a stable job since covid started and he is depressed sitting at home forever. Hope I will be able to start supporting my family soon.

4:37 - for me personally, someone letting me down like that about my future was always the greatest and strongest motivation to get better and prove them wrong.

Thank you Brad! You’ve been instrumental in my journey of becoming a software engineer. And thanks to all of you who have posted comments with your inspiring stories. 💛

When I was young, I told my father, (a ww2 German veteran) when I grow up, I want to help people. He was quiet for a few sec. Then told me. Son relax, you will have enough of life you to, you will also get your share of struggle. So true. Like many others, I had my upps and downs. And when one is at the lowest point, something kicks in. And you start to fight for whatever the cause. And if you manage to pass that or those periods, many times you get more experience, and the next low point is much easier. Whish you all luck.

Thank you for making this video. I am 40, living back at my mum's, unemployed and learning to code in the UK. You inspire me so much and this was exactly what I needed to hear today. I often feel like I've made some poor choices in my life too but your videos and courses inspire me so much. Sharing your story like this is very brave and will help a lot of people watching. Thank you for everything you do.

When you decide to come out of your mundane life or totally flip it into another to do something you never thought would do. You have my core RESPECT.

You are such an inspiration and a reminder of something I heard years ago. "Discipline, will sooner or later, overtake intelligence." Thank you for what you do!

You have definitely inspired me!! It's not about how you start, it's about how you finish

Chris Hawke, Stef Mischook, and Brad are my three biggest influences for sticking with programming. They are just solid, regular guys who find programming interesting and fun. All of their tutorials are great too.

I listened to your story and Im amazed by how some people can hit rock bottom and still find personal succes. Stories like this makes happy and feel more hopeful in life

Power to you Brad You helped me alot during initial stage of my carrier in IT 🙂💛

When I'm going through some tough shit always come here for motivation before I face what I need to do.

Dear Brad, now I respect You even more.

Your tutorials helped me a lot on my coding journey. I found a great job as a web developer recently and my life has become better than I'd have ever imagined. Thank you so much!

Bro I finished your React course 2 months ago and thanks to you I commercialized my first react app this month. You're one of my mentors and I truly respect you whatever your past is. Lots of love from Switzerland!

That judge instinct was wrong on that day. Not only he became a good programmer but also help many many people to get into programming. Can't thank you enough Brad

I'm right there with you man. I was never an addict, but I was a guy who sluffed off and partied all of the time and didn't have much until about a decade ago. I spend from the ages 18 - 31 waiting tables and working other shitty jobs and sleeping on people's couches not giving a shit about much and owning nothing but my clothes, a couple of guitars, my shitbox car that I had to climb in the trunk to get in because the doors wouldn't open, and a laptop. After meeting my wife, I turned my life around and now living the best life with an awesome career and not wanting for anything. I love your videos like this dude, I can relate fully.

As someone in recovery myself, its such a relief hearing your story. I've never met another programmer in recovery

I've been riding with you for a YEARS at this point, and when I found you, you made me a friend out of me. I've never found another person who would be willing to cuss in a training video! You could have edited it out but you didn't. All these years later something so simple and HONEST made me believe I could too. You being honest then made me better so thanks Brad.

I am from India, Brad. I found your channel in 2019 and have been learning since then. Never quit making videos.

He is a modern day Buddha. Great person. Many things to learn from him apart from Coding. God bless you man.

Literally crying as I read this. I’ve had some really though weeks trying to figure out what direction to take my career and my business. And I honestly felt like giving up and just saying fuck it to everything. But I’m grateful for this video because I laid my head down tonight being so sick of everything and low key wishing to be done with life. Not sure exactly what my next step is but I gotta keep going. Thanks for being such a great inspiration to the dev community

Brad you're my champion, Literally 90% of my front end skills is from you, Thanks champ

Thank you for this video. I can share my story too: I lived a life with a wife, newly build house, cars, kids etc.. Got divorced, in a period I was without job - because I had agreed with the wife that I wanted to learn programming (change of career), and we agreed we could afford it. However she was “eating out”… With no work, no home, no kids or everything, I kept at it every day, from morning to evening - learning myself to do programming, with the goal to get a job, new home and my kids back! I succeeded, even it was a terrible struggle and situation. But motivation was high. Eye on the ball 100% Either we are victims or winners. Today I work as a developer, has my own home and rules, and best of it all - the kids are back.

This is the best video you have on this channel, not because of the content in it, but rather because of the effect it will have on people, you are positive living example of overcoming adversity, unfortunately your story is quite common here in Boston and what is sad about it is that most people do not recover like you did. I am from Dorchester by the way.

I started freelancing last month and made some money for the first time in my life. All thanks to you and all the other youtubers. I still remember following your tutorial and making the to do app in react when I started web dev.

Man, this resonates so hard with me. Almost exactly my situation, except it's taken me a little longer in life to get into tech. I've been in construction and making just enough money to keep my head above water. My story has just begun, and I hope to be telling a similar success story to yours when I'm finished.

It's unbelievable how someone can change like this and brutally move their lives forward. Brad is a hero to me and an incredibly motivating guy.

here in China, it's really my luckness to come across your channels. Thank u so much sir for your kind and powerful voice that makes me feel much better. I have difficult in learning Front-end by myself from scratch. Every single word you've said fuels my persistence towards this tough journey.

Your story is inspiring. I watched this video when you posted some of this 2 years ago. Ironically it was right before I started my nursing program. I was in a similar boat to you crazy stoner dabs all day. Now I have a 4.0 in my bachlors program. That consistency thing you mentioned is key. And not giving up.

Recently, I was struggling with coding and development and everything... Lost passion for studying...but you just made my day....This video will be kept in my heart...Thx Brad.. I'm going to be famous to meet you in person. Thx Thx

What a incredible story, You have proven to your self that you have backbone that is something to be proud of.

Thank you! God will continue to bless you. I lost my job and now studying to become a freelancer and i have a few months of finances to carry me. After today at late afternoon i was very afraid that im nor going to make it. After listening to you i feel better. Thank you!

I am watching your videos since 2020, and I have found your content helpful. You are our mentor, and we are glad that you are uploading this type of content.

“Grow through what you go through!” Love you Brad!

I can relate, I have been down that same road. I was on heroin for years and homeless living on a creek Bank. But now I write code for a living, progressing everyday. Consistency is the key to almost anything.

What you said about people being victims and seeing their personal issues as a bad thing instead of using it as strength is totally true. Last year in a span of two months I got in debt , my sister went to jail , my dog died and during all this I worked 40h and studying for a Web application developer degree of 3 years. Was it though yes did I keep my eye on the ball YES. Many people who were comforting me in that time all said "Yeah take it easy you can redo your year if needed etc etc" , absolutly no one said "I know its though but its gonna be ok and keep focused..." which is what i really needed in that time but I sais it to myself in the end. Now i am very proud of myself that i passed with good grades last year and now in my final year going strong. Your tutorials helped me more than my teachers btw! For everybody reading this .... You can do it just keep grinding and working even if it is 10 min in a day you did SOMETHING and don't listen to the noise .

I have learned a lot of things from you and now I have a good tech job. This type of video from you always inspired me to keep going and don't give up. Thank you so much, Brad.

Thankyou Brad, You're the reason why I have a job because of your dope tutorials.

Thank you for inspiring. I fell into a coma and acquire extensive brain damage, but I'm totally independent now even my brain is still in the process of healing. I'm doing freelance work now and working to build my own digital agency.

Bro you are amazing, not many people can beat drugs.

I grew up in Lawrence and have been through some serious lows as I’m sure you can imagine but also managed to climb out of it. Thanks for sharing your story

I so relate. I also grew up on food stamps and have turned everything around later in life. You are inspiring and provide some of the best content to Developer's.

I'm watching this while Rocky is on TV. Brad is like the Rocky of programming!

Thank for sharing. My life is a struggle too. Im struggling getting a job. My online print-on-demand is not getting any sales. There is no girlfriend, no job, no sales. It's really lonely, there isn't a person to talk to, especially at night. It seems the world is just closed. I am alone, with God. Drawing and painting are my way of escape. No one really knows the deep of my heart.

Wow it's like the universe had this video pop up right on time for me to see it. Definitely the encouragement I needed to hear given the recent events I've been through. You're an inspiration brother and thank you for all that you do.

Brad you just made my day. I've battling with depression and relationship issues for some months now but your words lightened me up. You've thought me a lots with all your videos and some landed me jobs. I don't know how I'm gonna repay you for the knowledge I've leanrt from you but God will surely reward you. Thanks man you'd the best 👌

You're a lovely man Mr Travesy Thank you 🙏

Thank God for you sharing your story with us. May He bless you even more. In every situation remember: He love you and want you to be His child and spend eternity with Him in best place ever

Perfect video, buddy! You prove it's possible to change your life and turn it in a positive direction. No matter what happened. Hats off!

Brad i got a lot of respect for you. Seeing where you come from and seeying what you have accomplished is just incredible. I follow you for many years now and learned alot of you. Most i do in my current job is thanks to you. If i not found you many years ago i probably not reached this far. You always inspire me and your way of teaching speaks to me the most. You are a true hero.

Thank you for sharing your story. I recently found your page trying to troubleshoot an issue (which you helped me solve - thanks) but you sharing your story not only resonates with me personally, but it's a message I try to share with my friends back home. I went from being a street kid, zero guidance, not knowing what do with life to now a data engineer/solutions architect (not formally trained in Computer Science) - all self taught. It's all about consistency, passion, determination, and commitment. You can do anything. Salute to you.

Glad to hear a professional share the same struggles as me. Switched from a firefighter to software engineer and I wish I would have seen this video a long time ago to give me the courage to move sooner.

Thanks Brad ❤️❤️ Keep sharing videos like this You have inspired me a lot 🙏

man i love you brad, you got me a job,and this hearing your background actually makes me want to work even harder cos I know I've got potential - Thank you and know we appreciate you

Got a job at Amazon because of your videos + some hard work… I definitely owe you one

Dude you have no idea! I'm self thought programmer I literally learned everything i know from you You literally changed my life Keep up the good work brad 👏👏, you is the best

Brad, just one thing: You're a great guy period. Thank you for the inspiration.

You're an inspiration, Brad. You've helped a lot of devs in many ways myself included. Thank you so much for what you do for the dev community.

Brad is the type of guy that i'd enjoy hanging out with. 100% reality, 0% bullshit humility and straight up honorable struggle and effort. much respect to you big man and wish you more success and blessings. And regarding the hate and some people getting offended as you mentioned @ 5:51 , I'll just quote JayZ on that: "All the rappers be hatin' off the track that I'm makin'. But all the hustlers, they love it, just to see one of us make it" I just love that part because I hustle everyday and just love to encourage and support people who are doing it as well as celebrate those who make it instead of envying them. especially if they come out humble and real like you did sir.

Brand's RU-vid channel was one of the first which I found more than 3 or 4 years ago. It helped me to learn React and did first steps in tech. I left my home country and finally I'm working for big tech company here in US. Thank you Brad.

I needed this Brad. I actually am going through the same situation now, and have been in cycles, that you managed to get off of long ago. Love your story man.

Much respect to you man! We all have our battles(I also haved had my own problems), but you keep fighting and pushing forward to lift yourself up! That's very brave of you to bring this transparency. Thanks man, you're awesome and thanks for all the content!

Aaa....man that was very nice of you to share your story...Trust me ALOT of people are still there. Thanks man! 🙏

I've heard story of the past for this great scholar. Everyone admire him and respect him. Many come to visit him from all around the world to learn from him. There is one particular event, where he currently teaching in a big hall. His student is full of respectable person, dressed nicely, some with high ranking or position. Then there is an old guy, entering this hall. He is nothing like everyone else, he wear worn-out torn clothes, foul smells and untrimmed beard and messy hair. He is in fact is someone you will avoid your whole life. But this scholar, when seen him, he went to greet this old man and bow to him with full of respect. Then his student ask this scholar, "Why do you bow to such shabby old man?" Then this scholar said, "This old man teach me a little bit about a dog behavior, therefore this man is my teacher and he deserve every respect from me".

Your story is inspiring and gives me hope as being a felon myself. Love your channel man!

Thank you Traversy for this video, I was almost giving up on my career as a software engineer but this video has motivated me a lot and I’ll keep pushing till I get to where I want to be. Thank you for all your amazing videos

Today I didn't learn just Laravel but learn living life in fullness. I always love to watch your videos and I learn a lot from them. The way you teach and explain, and the tune of your voice are so clear and easy to understand. You don't leave anything behind or skip even small detail in the videos. Congratulations on your good job. We are proud of you.

There is something "special" about you, Brad. You had a dream, kept your eye on the ball and succeeded and had the guts to go for it. Most don't do that, and I'm including myself. I've been through some of the same stuff you went through. I'm a decent developer, yet I've made very little money for lack of trying. Fear of failure is my problem. But, I ain't stopping.