My Website is here. The first step was exploring the theme customization options built into WordPress. I experimented with the “Customize” panel and learned how different elements of the site—like headers, menus, and widgets—can be changed without touching any code. This gave me a basic structure to work with and helped me understand how the theme organizes content.
After that, I edited my About page to introduce myself and share my academic background and goals. It was a good exercise in thinking about how I want to present myself publicly, and it gave me a chance to get comfortable with the WordPress block editor.
The most fun part was using DevTools to add custom CSS. By inspecting elements directly in the browser, I identified specific classes and tested new styles live. Then I copied the CSS into the “Additional CSS” section of my theme. For example, I applied a style specifically to my About page to make the headline stand out with a bold font and a blue border underneath. This small change made the page look more polished and personal.
What Might I Do with This Platform?
Having my own site opens up a lot of possibilities. I could use it as a personal portfolio, showcasing academic projects, writing, and other work in one place. It could also serve as a blog for sharing reflections on courses, research experiences, or internships. Over time, it can grow into a professional online presence that I control, rather than relying on third-party platforms.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Hosting My Own Site
One of the biggest benefits of hosting my own site is control. I can decide exactly how the site looks, what content is displayed, and how it’s organized. I’m not limited by the features or algorithms of social media platforms. It also gives me space to experiment with web design and build technical skills that might be useful later on.
On the other hand, there are drawbacks. Maintaining my own site requires more time and effort—whether that’s updating content, fixing layout issues, or learning new tools. Unlike social media, there’s no built-in audience, so it takes extra work to share the site and bring people to it. But overall, the independence and flexibility make it a worthwhile trade-off.
