Awa Darabi
Software Engineer
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Scroll through my story
Software Engineer
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Timeline
While continuing to ship code as a developer, stepped up as the decision-maker behind a full-scale redesign of the software architecture and database. shaping the technical direction and proving that building and leading aren't mutually exclusive.
The year started with building the perfect espresso setup, and ended with the last piece of my ultimate gaming station, PS5, PS VR2, a steering wheel, and a Nintendo for gaming on the go. From the 7-year-old who played Prince of Persia to this, dream complete.
Left Iran and immigrated to Germany. Started a new role as Full Stack Developer at Datacapo IT Sport Services, building and maintaining the registration system for sport events with Laravel & Vue.js.
Graduated with a Bachelor's in Software Engineering. Left Aca Company after 8 years to pursue the next chapter abroad.
It started with LOST and never stopped. American series and sitcoms became a constant companion, and Friends? Watched it more than 7 times and still counting.
Changed title to Backend Developer and shifted focus to Yii2 projects. redesigning the in-house CMS from scratch, managing 10Softw0+ server deployments, and building more than 20 Modules.
Started a second bachelor's degree in Software Engineering at Islamic Azad University, turning years of self-taught development into formal knowledge.
We had 30 minutes of free time every day at the office, and we spent it playing board games. That daily ritual turned into a real passion. I fell in love with board games.
Graduated with a Bachelor's in Physics from K. N. Toosi University of Technology.
Started working as a web developer while still studying Physics at university. Built websites, automated server configs, and learned the craft on real production systems.
Took a web development course and discovered a passion for building things on the web. This changed everything.
Had nothing to do one summer while university was closed. My father suggested I learn German. A casual decision that would quietly reshape my entire future.
Chose to study Physics at K. N. Toosi University of Technology, a bold decision that years later turned out not to be the right fit. But every wrong turn teaches you where you truly belong.
At 15, discovered Yahoo! Games and got hooked on online Blackjack and Backgammon. A whole new world of playing against real people.
At 14, bought a guitar with my own saved money and started learning to play. When I want something, I make it happen myself.
At 13, picked up oil painting, the same year I started programming. Creative expression came in many forms.
At just 13, fell in love with computers and programming. Wanted to learn Visual Basic, but was too young to join the regular classes. Luckily, family stepped in and supported private courses. Nothing was going to stop that curiosity.
The teenage years were powered by The Sims, Need for Speed, Hercules, and Aladdin. Hours lost in virtual worlds that fueled imagination and a love for how things are built.
World Cup in France. Iran was back after years of absence. The Iran vs. Australia match turned an entire nation into believers. I became a football fan that summer, and I will never forget that moment. No one will.
At just 7 years old, played Prince of Persia for the first time. The screen lit up, and so did a lifelong love for gaming.
Born on a very cold and snowy day in Tehran. A small beginning to a story full of decisions and unexpected turns.