Stories from the Hackery

Lesley Boyd graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 28.

I've always found great reward in helping people. Throughout my career I have held positions that supported different user groups whether it be sales teams through marketing education, operations teams through analytics and insight reporting, or individual end users through training. The roles I've held in the past were always on the edge of IT. I found myself working alongside development teams and offering up insights from the business, but wanted to know more about the technology driving innovation. This led me to deciding it was time to make a change and add more tools to my toolbox. That's how I found myself at Nashville Software School. During my time at NSS I have developed code using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Python, and Django. These skills will further my passion of helping people, but this time it'll be through code.

Rachel Daniel graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 28.

I love solving puzzles. There is a joy in the balance of creativity and logic that has been an undercurrent in all of my academic and professional endeavors. Having graduated with a BFA in Theater and a minor in Accounting, I knew I wanted to find a career that was as challenging as it was rewarding. In 2010, I joined Community Health Systems (CHS). There, as a Systems Operations Analyst, I had the opportunity to work closely with developers in gathering data about the system use for the department. After being promoted to Systems Operations Manager, my increased involvement in the development process sparked a passion for code-- particularly for being a part of the creation and improvement of technology with an emphasis on the end user. I am excited about this new journey as a software developer that brings with it the opportunity to problem-solve and learn something new each day.

Zac Jones graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 28.

I started tinkering with Python when I needed a better way to control smart bulbs in my house, and that drove me to discover a passion for programming that would inspire me to leave the familiarity of my finance career and pursue software development full time. I love the freedom of creating clean and responsive front-end applications, as well as the challenging puzzles that back-end programming serves up.

Ousama Elayan graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 28.

As a future owner of a Corgi Ranch, I hope to use programming to sustain and fuel my dreams. For somebody that's always struggled to find a career that not only challenges me but that I simultaneously enjoy, coding thankfully fills that wedge perfectly. It's the perfect mix of frustration, fulfillment, and fun.

Nolan Little graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 28.

My path to web development has not been a straightforward one. While computers have been a part of my life from a young age I had never tried my hand at programming. The start of the path was studying for a minor in Audio Engineering. During this time I completed an independent study using Pure Data, a graphic programming interface to create a fully software driven effects pedal. At the time, I had no idea I was learning general programming concepts. That interest has finally come full circle. I'm so excited that learning web development has given me the opportunity to exercise the logical side of myself as well as employ my creative spirit to solve problems, and to impact and help others.

Elyse Dawson graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 28.

I'm no stranger to playing many roles, both onstage and off. After years as an actor and office administrator, I turned to my love of tech for a new part. I enjoy building software that improves the quality of life for a diverse range of users and am especially interested in XR development, both practical and game related. With my background as an actor, storyteller and casual graphic designer, I believe that UX, UI, and accessibility are pivotal to an application's success.

Alex Orga graduated with Part-time Web Development Cohort Evening 7.

The ability to identify a problem, evaluate solutions, and implement a plan are qualities which have been essential to my responsibilities in every job role I have held. I am always seeking constant education in and out of the workplace to better myself so that I may be of greater value today than I was yesterday. The driving force for pursuing software development is a direct action guided by my enjoyment and aptitude in problem solving and continuous growth. Throughout my studies and application of React.js and C#/.NET I have grown fond of the entire development process and the capacity to forge with a new medium.

Jessica Rodgers graduated with Part-time Web Development Cohort Evening 7.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been very curious about how things come to be. I’m always interested in the smallest details. That same curiosity is how I found my way into the world of web development. After finding my MySpace page and remembering how fun coding the themes were, I thought I would give coding a serious chance! I began my journey by teaching myself, but realized that I could get much more out of the experience in a classroom setting. After a little research, I found my way to Nashville Software School. Nashville Software School has taught me how to think like a developer and how to write clean, readable code. It has also taught me to believe in myself in this field. I once had a horrible case of imposter syndrome, but thanks to the awesome community this school provides, I’ve been able to apply myself and build some pretty awesome projects! I am so excited to continue my journey as a web developer and can’t wait to teach other little girls that they too can code pretty awesome projects!

Andy Million graduated with Part-time Web Development Cohort Evening 7.

I am a family man who loves the outdoors, traveling and adventures. Born and raised in Michigan, I moved to Tennessee in 2010 and fell in love with this part of the country. In my previous professional life, I was a cartographer and spatial data purveyor doing all kinds of neat stuff. Software development is my passion and the renewed focus in my life.

Brian Wright graduated with Part-time Web Development Cohort Evening 7.

I have been interested in technology for as long as I can remember. I corrupted countless family computers. The first time I held a smartphone I felt as if I had the entire world in my hands. My interest has only grown as I’ve gotten older. I graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in Business Administration. I have been lucky enough to obtain a unique perspective in Nashville’s healthcare industry. I spent four years at a diagnostic start-up and then another three at a large health system. At each stop, I heavily relied on technology to improve processes but I wanted to take it a step further. I wanted to create in the technology space. Enter Nashville Software School. The past year has been so challenging yet extremely rewarding. The front-end and back-end were equally unique and interesting. I’m excited to put to use some of the technologies learned over the program. I have a tremendous amount of respect for my fellow classmates. They are awesome people and talented developers. Hire them.