73-Year-Old Learns AI Coding from Son, Gains Confidence in Website Development
My son taught me AI coding at 73. I was scared to hit 'enter' — now I feel free.
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Carol Merlo, a 73-year-old entrepreneurship coach from Dallas, learned to code her own website with the help of her son, Kevin Masterson, an AI mentor. Overcoming her initial fears of coding, she now feels empowered to create and manage her online presence independently.
- 01Carol Merlo transitioned from using platforms like Weebly and Wix to coding her own website with Claude Code.
- 02Kevin Masterson provided hands-on guidance, helping his mother overcome her fear of making mistakes while coding.
- 03Merlo's experience highlights the importance of patience and understanding in learning new technologies, especially for older adults.
- 04She developed a Word document to track coding terms and processes, demonstrating her commitment to learning.
- 05Merlo now pays only $9.99 a month for her new website platform, significantly reducing her previous costs.
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At 73, Carol Merlo, an entrepreneurship coach from Dallas, decided to learn coding to build her own website, moving away from platforms like Weebly and Wix. Her son, Kevin Masterson, an AI mentor from Lewisville, Texas, guided her through the process of 'vibe coding' using Claude Code. Initially hesitant about making mistakes, Merlo found encouragement in Masterson's reassurances that she wouldn't break anything by clicking 'enter.' Their sessions evolved from structured lessons to a more interactive approach, including emails and video conferencing. Merlo created a Word document to help her understand coding terms and concepts. Now, she feels empowered, stating that her only limit is her imagination. She has significantly reduced her website costs to $9.99 a month and is actively refining her site, showcasing her newfound confidence and independence in managing her online presence.
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Merlo's journey illustrates how older adults can embrace technology, fostering digital literacy in the community.
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