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Diana Pham's 3 Minute Proust

(Delightful) Dinohulk

About five years ago, Diana Pham dropped out of college, left home, and started a new life in Seattle with only about $15 in her pocket. For a while, she worked two full-time jobs -- and a constant flow of side gigs -- to save up for a future that was murky and unclear. Two years later, she decided to put up her life savings to join a women-only program at a modern-day trade program known as Code Fellows.

"Learning how to program opened up my career options a significant amount," she says. "Nearing graduation from the bootcamp, many of my peers applied to work as web developers, but I decided I wanted to explore options in technology more before settling on a career path."

“A bootcamp at Code Fellows was exactly what I needed to harness my confidence,” she relates. “After being accepted into the program, the fact that I was able to keep up with everyone in class even though I was working nights and weekends made me feel invincible."

"I realized that the skills I acquired while learning Ruby on Rails could be applied to many other facets of technology, such as creating mobile apps, video games, and robotics." This  revelation -- that “there is no end to what you can do” -- led Pham to start her own company, DinoHulk.

Want to look into what it takes to hack life like Diana is doing?  Come check us out at posed2. Meanwhile, for your delight and your reading pleasure, here is Diana Pham's "3 Minute Proust."

What is your most marked characteristic?

I’m a quick learner.

What is your current state of mind?


What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I go through waves of insecurity.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?


On what occasion do you lie?

When I want to see if other people are paying attention.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

I get hives all the time so that’s pretty annoying.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“I mean, I guess.”

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Leaving home with $14.12.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Break dancing skills.

What is your most treasured possession?

My mind.

What is your favorite occupation?


What is the quality you most like in a man?


What is the quality you most like in a woman?


Who is your favorite writer?

Augusten Burroughs. “I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions.”

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Mister (Fred) Rogers.

What is your favorite journey?

Wandering around the city with a bag of snacks.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?


What is your greatest regret?

Not being able to have cats, due to allergies and lease agreements.


They would be more adaptable.

Where would you like to live?

In a cottage with fiber internet.

What are your favorite names?

Erik, Dorian.

How would you like to die?

In my sleep.

What is your motto?

I'm a self-starter and I drink a lot of water.

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