Meet a Student

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I recently graduated from high school. I've had four years of classical music training with piano, but 11 years of practice. Music led me to be good at math, and I believe math led me to be good at art. I have also been in classical ballet training since I was 13 and now run a private ballet school for girls age 6+.

What motivated you to sign up for LaunchCode's course?

I'd actually had experience with programming since I was 10 years old, but I wasn't aware of it. I coded my first game in BASIC on a DSi program called Petit Computer. When I was 14 I made a game on a kid's website using some LUA scripting that grew to be quite popular. I tried to pursue more coding projects but I really wasn't ready for them. Flash forward a few years to when I hear about Summer of Code, and that's when I decided it was time to get some formal education and try again.

How did the reality of class differ from your expectations?

I first came into the class expecting two things: 1. It would be semi-casual, with no real homework. 2. It would only be for the summer. Both of those expectations were wrong. The class was very structured and there was homework to do outside of class as well as prep-work. It ended up going from summer-winter. However, if it had been only for the summer, I would never have learned what I did, and I wouldn't be where I am right now.

I'm going to learn as many (languages) as I can, and utilize them in whatever I do.

What are your post-class goals or plans?

Currently I am in LaunchCode's Apprenticeship Program, looking for a job in technology. I'd love to start training as a Junior Developer of software, websites, apps or databases. I've been working on a final project, but it's not going to stop there — I want to build a few more websites while studying other languages and concepts (using online learning tools). I'm going to learn as many as I can, and utilize them in whatever I do to to the best of my abilities.

What have you learned about yourself by taking this course?

I never realized how motivated I could be to type words that could make a virtual turtle draw a circle. I realized coding provided me a new medium to be creative with, and that helped me understand I had a passion for technology.

Do you have any advice for someone considering signing up for LaunchCode's next class cohort?

Don't wait too long, just go for it. If it doesn't work out then it doesn't work out. You can at least give it a shot. LaunchCode will help you every step of the way.

It's motivated me to try new things and take on challenges.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Before LaunchCode, I really didn't know much about the need that there is in the tech world for capable programmers — and how that need grows as technology progresses. I'm thankful I now know this because it's motivated me to try new things and take on challenges. I discovered I really loved coding and I don't think I would have known if I hadn't been in this class. So thank you!