I grew up in a house full of music, art and science. With a childhood split between Silicon Valley and Seattle’s Eastside, I was no stranger to technology, but I had never considered studying computers beyond the fun electives I took in high school.

By the end of high school, I decided to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps and pursue a life in theater. I had fallen in love with all the different creative outlets it provided: performing, directing, makeup and so much more. However, I was in for a rude awakening. I realized that attending my dream school, NYU, was likely going to cost more than $60,000 a year, well beyond what I could afford given that I was going to pay for my own schooling. That’s why I will be forever grateful I had such a fantastic school in my back yard, the University of Washington.

I had heard that the UW’s computer science program was one of the best in the world, so as a freshman I decided to take their intro course. I was expecting something dry and difficult, but I was amazed by the beautiful simplicity of programming. Everything came down to true or false, 1 or 0, and it was up to me to use these tools as creatively as possible. I then realized that I could satisfy my creative side, pursue a career in the region’s vibrant tech sector, and, even more important to me, continue paying the bills and helping my family. As it turned out, taking that class was one of the best decisions of my life.

I’ve found computer science to be a perfect blend of art and science, and there is a huge demand for new people willing to pursue their passions. The door is wide open to anyone willing to try new things; it doesn’t matter what your background is.

Right now, I have the privilege of volunteering as a computer science teacher through the Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program, helping cautious and curious high school students experience coding for the first time. I adore this incredibly rewarding challenge. Computer science gave me a better future than I had ever dreamed, and I want to make sure as many kids as possible have access to the life-changing opportunities that come with this industry. Code.org reports that Washington state currently has more than 20,000 open computing jobs. Nine out of 10 parents want their students to learn computer science, but only one in four schools teach it.

I firmly believe anyone can learn to code, and now is the perfect time to try. During Computer Science Education Week, which kicked off earlier this week, you have an opportunity to help reach kids from all backgrounds with an easy introductory lesson in computer science.

Code.org is distributing coding games and curricula to public schools so each student can participate in, and be inspired by, an “Hour of Code.” Microsoft YouthSpark is a leading supporter of this global movement, because we believe every young person should have the opportunity to learn computer science, and have the power to create with technology. If you’re a student, try the new Minecraft or Star Wars–themed tutorials. If you’re a parent, spend an hour doing it with your kids. If you’re a teacher, set aside some time to take your students through an Hour of Code. It could be a first step to an incredibly promising future.

I happened into a class that opened up wonderful opportunities for me and allowed me to make big contributions to my family and the greater community. Let’s make sure that more kids have that opportunity, too. Learn more at Code.org.

Kasey Champion is a software engineer at Microsoft Corp. She is also a volunteer computer science teacher through the Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program.