Stories from the Hackery

Andrew Ward graduated with Web Development Cohort 57.

I was first introduced to programming by my dad. We would watch tutorials and do small projects together. During high school, I worked at Chick-fil-a and another job as an electrician's assistant. Eventually, I decided to make programming my career. I was eager to get started and was excited to hear that NSS would be an opportunity to get me on that path sooner and without accumulating large debts. Since joining NSS I have learned so much and I am excited to continue my learning among other developers in the workplace.

Sutherland Seals graduated with Web Development Cohort 57.

I heard about NSS about about a year ago from a friend. She had nothing but positive things to say about the NSS program and how it had changed her life the better. I was introduced to programming through the CIS program in college and did some rudimentary coding and really enjoyed it but never got the chance to explore it further. After investigating NSS for myself, I knew this was my opportunity to go after something new that would challenge and push me to continue to grow professionally and personally.

Mason Thieman graduated with Web Development Cohort 57.

Ever since grade school, math, science, and other problem-solving subjects have been my forte. I was first exposed to coding when I began my mechatronics engineering program. I was so enthralled that I, instead, pursued and acquired a bachelor's degree in computer science from Middle Tennessee State University. Two years after graduation and the pandemic, I decided that I wanted more hands-on experience and to expand upon the knowledge gained from university. A friend and recent graduate, then, referred me to NSS and it has been a wonderful experience. I am very excited to make my contributions to world of software development.

Christian Suriano graduated with Web Development Cohort 57.

I wrote my first line of code when I was thirteen, and knew from that moment on that coding was the right path for me, after graduating Highschool I spent the last few years working in Nashville. I discovered Nashville Software School and knew it would suit my learning style perfectly, I decided to take the leap into a new career and sign up, Software Development is the perfect direction for me to go with my problem solving abilities, and love for continued learning.

Brittany Mangum graduated with Web Development Cohort 57.

I am a lifelong and adaptable learner. After working in education for years, I decided to start a new career. I decided to pursue Web development because it combines analytical thinking skills with social skills, and gives me the opportunity to have a career that fits my personal interests and abilities. I know I made the right decision to attend NSS, and I am looking forward to my first job as a software developer. I will graduate from NSS on November 4, 2022.

Stephen Smith graduated with Web Development Cohort 57.

Since childhood I've been an adventerous person, naturally think outside the box. I love finding innovative ways to utilize logistics and technology for efficiency, whether a computer, electrical control system, or the logistics of an assembly line. Whenever I have the opportunity to start a challenge or am asked to help with something, I enjoy finding ways I can contribute, making the problem solving process a growing experience that solves the problem efficiently. I've found leveraging web development resources and find solutions turn every challenge into fun ways of learning. After many years in the electrical industry, I'm ecstatic to have been able to directly apply my passion for learning to software development. I have developed an impeccable attention to detail, effective ways to cultivate team cohesion, a tenacious work ethic, and excellent troubleshooting skills. While pondering the next steps in my career, software development became the obvious direction for my future as it mirrors my love for continuous learning and allows me to continually sharpen my skills to troubleshoot. When I'm not coding I enjoy exercise and experiencing nature. Thankfully, my active lifestyle has been a bonus in maintaining good energy levels, and low stress while in front of the screen. Other than that I just enjoy relaxing, movies, video games and spending time with friends and family.

Ryley Hynes graduated with Web Development Cohort 56.

About Me: Before going into software development, I worked as an Environmental Scientist for the State of Tennessee. This opportunity allowed me to work with the public to solve problems that endangered the health of our state. While in the field I was able to see just how beneficial technology was when dealing with environmental issues. From this experience I knew that I wanted to further my education in software development in hopes of solving future environmental issues.

Favorite NSS Experience: My favorite experience at NSS was Demo day. I loved seeing all the creative apps that my classmates created.

Michael O'Brien graduated with Web Development Cohort 56.

About Me: I spent many years in retail management and sales. After having survived cancer twice I knew it was time to return to a longtime love of mine: computers.

Favorite NSS Experience: Getting the chance to start developing an app that I've thought about for nearly 7 years.

Tiana Robinson graduated with Web Development Cohort 56.

About Me: Full-stack software engineer with a long-time interest in technology and design who recently experienced the great opportunity of enrolling at Nashville Software School and turning a former casual exploration of coding into a focused and professional pursuit. Creative and analytically oriented as well as a fast, flexible learner who adapted quickly to new professional environments and responsibilities over the last 7 years and looks forward to continuing to do so as a growth-minded junior software developer.

Favorite NSS Experience: Having the chance to work with my classmates has been the most rewarding experience. I have no doubt that each of them will 100% exceed their own beliefs. I cannot wait to see us each develop not only programs but our skills and professions as well.

Connor Lopshire graduated with Web Development Cohort 56.

About Me: Professional painter turned software developer. I am a fast and passionate learner. I became a dedicated owner of Precision Paint Company in January of 2020. After years of hard physical labor, I decided that a career shift was necessary. All my research pointed towards software development, as many of the skills overlap with my background in painting such as creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication. Both emphasize good design principles and delivering a quality end result.

Favorite NSS Experience: a quote from Coach Steve 'Do not say it should work when it does not work. It is a computer, if it does not work then it should not. You can say that your logic is sound, but not that it should work.'