From Depression to Inspiration: How Tiago Capelo Monteiro Went From 2,000 Hours of Gaming Into International Success
At 21, the rising AI innovator and educator proves that online learning can change lives and inspire thousands worldwide.
LISBON, PORTUGAL, April 24, 2025 -- Tiago Capelo Monteiro, a 21-year-old student at the prestigious NOVA School of Science and Technology, is proving that personal reinvention is possible. Today, he is inspiring thousands worldwide.
Once suffering from isolation and depression, Tiago spent over 2,000 hours playing video games to escape reality. Yet, those hours helped him learn English, a skill that would become a foundation for his future achievements. With online education platforms like Khan Academy, freeCodeCamp, and Coursera, Tiago completely transformed his life.
Today, Tiago has delivered a lecture on artificial intelligence to medical professionals and another on venture capital to fellow students. His articles on AI and applied mathematics have accumulated over 200,000 views on freeCodeCamp. In 2024, he was selected for the prestigious Silicon Valley Fellowship Program, where less than 5% are accepted.
"I share my story online because I know many people of my generation feel lost," says Tiago. "I went from complete failure to international success. I believe that anyone in a difficult place can change, just as I did! As long as they are realistic, have a strategy, and are willing to adapt."
Some of Tiago's notable achievements include:
- Acceptance into the Silicon Valley Fellowship Program (less than 5% acceptance rate)
- Teaching artificial intelligence to medical professionals in Portugal
- Publishing over 20 freeCodeCamp articles on AI and applied mathematics, earning Top Open Source Contributor recognition three years in a row (2022, 2023, 2024)
- Serving as Vice Chair of his university's IEEE branch and creating digital content for IEEE Portugal Section
- Leading and contributing to global organizations such as IEEE and BEST
Tiago's transformation story, "From Failure to International Success: How Online Learning Platforms Saved My Life," published by freeCodeCamp, has inspired thousands of readers around the globe.
Read the full story here:
https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-online-learning-platforms-saved-my-life/
Media Contact:
Tiago Capelo Monteiro
Email: tiago.c.monteiro.fresh570@passinbox.com
Phone: N/A
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-monteiro-/
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Once suffering from isolation and depression, Tiago spent over 2,000 hours playing video games to escape reality. Yet, those hours helped him learn English, a skill that would become a foundation for his future achievements. With online education platforms like Khan Academy, freeCodeCamp, and Coursera, Tiago completely transformed his life.
Today, Tiago has delivered a lecture on artificial intelligence to medical professionals and another on venture capital to fellow students. His articles on AI and applied mathematics have accumulated over 200,000 views on freeCodeCamp. In 2024, he was selected for the prestigious Silicon Valley Fellowship Program, where less than 5% are accepted.
"I share my story online because I know many people of my generation feel lost," says Tiago. "I went from complete failure to international success. I believe that anyone in a difficult place can change, just as I did! As long as they are realistic, have a strategy, and are willing to adapt."
Some of Tiago's notable achievements include:
- Acceptance into the Silicon Valley Fellowship Program (less than 5% acceptance rate)
- Teaching artificial intelligence to medical professionals in Portugal
- Publishing over 20 freeCodeCamp articles on AI and applied mathematics, earning Top Open Source Contributor recognition three years in a row (2022, 2023, 2024)
- Serving as Vice Chair of his university's IEEE branch and creating digital content for IEEE Portugal Section
- Leading and contributing to global organizations such as IEEE and BEST
Tiago's transformation story, "From Failure to International Success: How Online Learning Platforms Saved My Life," published by freeCodeCamp, has inspired thousands of readers around the globe.
Read the full story here:
https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-online-learning-platforms-saved-my-life/
Media Contact:
Tiago Capelo Monteiro
Email: tiago.c.monteiro.fresh570@passinbox.com
Phone: N/A
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-monteiro-/
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