I learned javascript and web development as a hobby during medical school so that I could make applications for myself and other medical students. It was fun, and I made some useful projects. I even earned some cash freelancing! Later, I got into security/crypto development, also for fun.

Unfortunately, as a physician I now have very little time for development. I still think of projects on a weekly basis though, and I drop by SO every few months.

If anything I've written on this site has helped you, I'm glad. I know that I was immensely fortunate to have this resource when I was learning to program.