I've started a few different versions of my portfolio website in the past, each at very different points in my life.
My first portfolio website, which might still be available somewhere on my GitHub Pages (walkb.github.io), was my first ever attempt at using JavaScript to return HTML (instead of just using HTML and CSS). The thought process was that I wanted to be able to simply write a new .txt file and put it in my projects folder in order to have it show up on my website.
About a year ago, I learned what React was and started trying to experiment with it before taking the Web Systems course at the University of Michigan. After that course, I understood how to use React, and put that knowledge towards learning Next.js.
This also aligned with an opportunity to develop a website for YENIKA Editorial, a fashion magazine on campus, where I wanted to develop a way for our editors to be able to publish written content on our very own website.
So, I decided to use Next.js as the front-end, and Sanity.io as a headless content management system to create what you're reading now.
As a result of developing this website, I know now that I need to learn more about UI/UX development if I want to continue with web and even mobile app development, something I am very excited to do in the near future.