Stories from the Hackery

Julia Romano graduated with Part-time Data Analytics Cohort 1.

As a natural storyteller, I have always sensed how truth (as data) underlies good stories. Now that I am a data analyst, I have learned how to tease a cogent story out of a complex dataset, then present that story in a relatable, easy-to-digest way.

David Powell graduated with Part-time Data Analytics Cohort 1.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work in a field that would help people. Initially I thought the plan was to become a Financial Planner, but after some time in the financial field I decided to take a leap of faith and swap career paths into Data Analytics. To me, data analysts are not just there to explain data to business professionals, they are also there to help make decisions to better the company which, in turn, helps employees potentially earn more and be more successful in their careers.

Cordero Duncan graduated with Part-time Data Analytics Cohort 1.

I received an Engineering Technology degree from Middle Tennessee State University. For the past four years I have been on the Patient Accounting development team at Parallon, solving problems related to the lifecycle of patients' accounts. I have also played a part in enhancing/supporting the Patient Accounting application and providing data to the client from our relational database. Along the way, I became curious about obtaining insights from the data. This curiosity led me to Nashville Software School, where I am learning to effectively communicate my findings from analyzing data using Excel, Python, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI.

Scott Silver graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 33.

I am a learner, a teacher, and an advocate with passion for problem solving and teamwork. For the last 6 years in Nashville, I have been a middle school math teacher. Before then, I utilized my anthropology and archaeology background as a public health advocate, program coordinator, and researcher. Now, I am immersing myself in opportunities to learn and grow as a software developer and meet new people in the Nashville tech community. I also love maps and data!

Shane Miller graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 33.

Software development may be a recent occurrence for me, but has always been a longtime interest. I am a creator and a problem solver. Two skills that come in handy in this industry, and which really became a big draw for me to get into this field. My original background was graphic design, but after freelancing, I found out I'd rather be the one creating the interface than designing it, and I couldn't be happier with my choice!

Adam Knowles graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 33.

Just a nurse breaking into the software development world. As the story commonly goes, I got into programming while working in a totally separate career, nursing. I loved the problem solving aspect of the career, but the solutions were often out of my control. My two best friends, both software developers, encouraged me to try out software development. Shortly after I left my job as a nurse, I started to buckle down and teach myself Java, and fell in love. I am excited to see where my new career path takes me!

Alex Rumsey graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 33.

I was given the opportunity to work with a start-up company to design their SaaS sales process from the ground up and implemented my work to show that it would be profitable. It was at this job, and after meeting hundreds of amazing developers, that I decided to pause my professional career and jump fully into the development world and begin my time at Nashville Software School. This decision was largely sparked by my desire to continue to push myself to learn new things, grow professionally, and to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and meet new challenges head on.

Joy Ittycheriah graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 33.

I have always worked well individually and in team-based environments. Having several family members in the software development profession has encouraged me to pursue software development as a career. I enjoy creating user-friendly computer applications that solve real-world problems! I am excited to embark on this new journey in software development!

Drew Palazola graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 33.

Growing up, I was in the midst of the internet revolution. I remember the excitement of the vast new digital landscape that seemed to be the product of pure imagination and an unfathomable skill set that bordered on magic. When my former company decided to implement a new WMS system I was once again in the middle of a world of incredibly useful, interesting, and mysterious technology. It was from that experience that I really started to ask myself if this was something that I could dive myself into and find a sense of fulfillment. I am ready to continue this journey of learning, challenges, and creating things that help people with their lives and businesses.

Samuel Birky graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 33.

Before becoming a software programmer, I was working in sales for a luxury tour operator. I often strategized best system practices for my department. I began to see a parallel between making a better user experience in my workplace and the work that developers were doing on a day-to-day basis. From there, the idea of being a part of the industry consumed me, and after some time I had no choice but to embark on this new journey. Software programming enables me to look at problems from a different perspective every day. I enjoy the planning process and seeing a solution to a challenge come to life.