Stories from the Hackery

Lauden Eller graduated with Web Development Cohort 54.

As a private chef, I spent 14 years building my career on the foundations of sustainable agriculture and social justice. I was raised in rural Alaska where instead of being educated I learned how to cook and tend a small-scale farm and with that learned ethos I always fed my clients the highest quality, most sustainable food possible. In 2019, I was looking for a way to migrate into the public sector and these interests led me towards the budding market of Environmental & Social Governance where by pivoting towards tech, I hope I can leverage more power to help more people, and still strive to achieve some positive difference in the world.

Jajuan Jones graduated with Web Development Cohort 54.

My journey in tech started due to my passion for gaming. Besides making music, it's my greatest pastime. Somehow someway I found my way from building my own pc and being deeply involved in the hardware side of technology, to the software side. Oh, how times can change...

Jake Brooks graduated with Web Development Cohort 54.

I have always been a rather creative individual and ever since I first took an intro to gaming class in high school I knew coding was the perfect outlet for my creativity and problem solving skills to thrive. In late 2021 I enrolled into Nashville Software School which has provided me the technical skills needed for this pursuit.

Laura Beth Maddox graduated with Web Development Cohort 54.

Before I started my journey in software development, I was working as a floater/runner at a title company while also getting my associates degree in General Studies. I am grateful to have had the experience at that job because it allowed me to better my attention to detail and my social skills. When a family member introduced me to NSS, it interested me because I have always had a love for technology and I realized this field would allow me to have the work/life balance that I have always wanted. That is when I finally registered for NSS and have so much enjoyed learning more and more as time goes on.

Destiny Frith graduated with Web Development Cohort 54.

After working as a barista and professional shopper for several years, I wanted to branch out and try something different. I craved something new that would challenge me and allow me to combine my passion and creativity with a technical skill would be valuable throughout the course of my career. I started researching and asking friends for recommendations and everything led me to software development. Being in Nashville, I heard nothing but praise for Nashville Software School. I decided to go for it and I have not regretted one second of it! It's been extremely rewarding and I am so excited about my new career path. Outside of coding, I enjoy reading, hiking and attending concerts. I value humor, empathy and kindness. One of the top five favorite moments of my day is making coffee while the rest of the world is still quiet. I love advocating for inclusivity in the tech space. I'm always open to connecting with new people in the this community. Let's chat!

Noah Taggart graduated with Web Development Cohort 54.

Growing up, much to my parents chagrin, I was a tinkerer. I would find electronics around the house and disassemble/reassemble them. Sometimes, even successfully! This evolved into working more with software after I built my first pc sometime in middle school. Even though I had never been a technology professional, I always tried to keep up with it. I would always be looking for the best software I could use to help my students. After working for 10+ years as a music teacher, I felt the call to pursue my passion of technology. I searched for which program produces the most successful students and discovered Nashville Software School. I have not only learned how to code while here, I completely reshaped how I think. I see the world more analytically than I did before. When I see some applications, for example, I try to figure out the data structure/flow for how that application is constructed. I've enjoyed every day of learning at NSS and hope to continue that feeling as a junior software developer in the Nashville area.

Hilary Shaner graduated with Web Development Cohort 54.

After working as a Zoo Keeper for several years I decided to pursue a new career in Web Development. Last year I attended Nashville Software School's three week Jumpstart course. It proved that not only could I learn to code, but I enjoyed it too. I quickly applied for the full time bootcamp that started in January and now I am busy learning about both the client side and server side. I will graduate in June and I am so excited to start my career as a Software Developer!

Stevie Hollander graduated with Web Development Cohort 54.

I am a creative and passionate software developer who recently transitioned from working in high-end retail. With a longstanding interest in technology and design, my pursuit of software development has scratched the itch I've have to create and problem-solve in a realm I feel personally connected to technology.

Jaimie Hart graduated with Web Development Cohort 54.

I'm passionate about problem solving and adding a creative flare to everything I do - and that's why I'm an experienced software developer and student at Nashville Software School. I've been a radio DJ for 13 years and I've been doing independent web design with WordPress and SEO content writing for the last 5 years. I'm excited to take my technical skills to the next level!

Zach Dugger graduated with Web Development Cohort 54.

I am a software developer with a diverse professional history. Across the many industries I have experienced, I find problem solving to be a consistently rewarding challenge. Software Development affords endless problems that need solutions and I look forward to contributing my perspective.