Stories from the Hackery

Joshua Medlen graduated with Web Development Evening Cohort 12.

I was born, raised, and currently live in the greater Nashville area. I am currently employed by Metro Nashville Public works Where i Work as an equipment operator driving a tractor. Not only do i operate but i also have to do routine maintenance, minor repairs, and sometimes train others on the equipment. On occasion i assume the role of foreman over the crew and ensure others are performing their task optimally and conduct any repairs or resolve any issues a fellow crewmate has.

Geno McNew graduated with Web Development Evening Cohort 12.

Ever since writing programs in BASIC on my Comodore64 in elementary school, I've been interested in technology and how things work. The last few years I've been blessed to work for a company that's nurtured my desire to code, allowing me to write a number of programs for them. I've found that almost anything I do can be improved by some sort of automation or program. As technology progresses, there's always new ways to do this and there's always new technology to play with. This has led me to Nashville Software School and my desire to make coding my lifestyle.

William J. Campbell graduated with Web Development Evening Cohort 12.

When I moved to Nashville from Akron, OH in 2015, all I wanted was to work in the music industry as a live sound engineer. I've spent the last 5 or so years doing just that, and while it was an incredibly valuable experience that I will never regret, I came to realize that the lifestyle wasn't for me. The long nights, the constant touring, the erratic schedule etc... It did however teach me great problem solving skills and honed my ability to think on my feet in stressful situations, which is useful in any field. When I heard about NSS and web development I was convinced that the skills I learned in my career in live sound could really benefit me in the tech field. Thus began my journey into tech and web development!

Mark A. Young graduated with Web Development Evening Cohort 12.

I graduated from James Madison University magna cum laude as a double major in Psychology and Anthropology with a concentration in Behavior Analysis. There I conducted ethnographic observations in Ireland, Kenya, Pakistan, and India on child-parent practices and customs. Over the years I've watched the internet connect people from ever growing distances. I needed to learn the language of programming to be apart of this connecting technology. Future goals include integrating coding knowledge to create healthcare apps and healthcare CRMs. Currently I work as an outpatient admissions coordinator for a nation-wide network fo dual-diagnosis treatment centers helping individuals with overlaying addictions and underlying mental health issues find therapeutic resources.

Michael Dotson graduated with Web Development Evening Cohort 12.

I originally moved to Nashville to be with my family, and ended up staying for the culture that lies beneath its country music exterior. I'm an avid gamer (both Pen & Paper as well as Console/PC) and consider myself quite the cinephile. (I'll be your secret weapon in Trivia!)

Will Bishop graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 44.

Software development allows me to do two things I love, work with people and solve problems. After spending 8 years pursuing a career in music, I came to learn that a desk job (despite what you hear at dive bars) can be creatively engaging, challenging and extremely rewarding. This revelation led me to a position as a CX manager at Eventbrite where I was characterized as a problem hunter and a motivational, creative leader. While at Eventbrite I interviewed over 100 people and contributed to the hiring of 35 full time employees; I discovered my niche: preparing internal applicants for promotional interviews and improving onboarding processes. Helping people and solving problems are at the core of my professional eclectic experiences.

Hanako Hashiguchi graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 43.

I strive to make delightful websites and seamless user experiences. It’s exciting to bring an idea to life, from the first wireframe to the final product all while keeping the user at the forefront the entire time. I’m extremely detail-oriented and care about the little things, the ones that bring delight when you discover them. I love design because it allows me the pursuit of beauty.

Jeremiah Vasquez graduated with Web Development Evening Cohort 12.

Worked at Nashville Software School for four years, and got lost in the classroom. Found out this is where I belong and haven't looked back.

Jake Butler graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 44.

My passion is helping people and solving real world problems. I received a bachelor of Social Work from the University of North Alabama. When I was introduced to software a new world opened up to me for solving problems with logic and code. I spent 10 years working in different non-profit sectors: Mental Health, Senior living, Adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as working for The American Cancer Society in Austin, TX. I will bring my passion, strong communication skills and real world problem solving experience with me into my software development journey.

Matthew Goodman graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 43.

I am a United States Marine that enjoys troubleshooting and problem solving. I first became interested in software development while I was in the Marine Corps testing, troubleshooting, and repairing the flight computers for the F/A-18 Super Hornets. After Leaving the Marine Corps I decided to attend Nashville Software School. I am naturally curious and enjoy problem solving. This made coding a great fit. There is always something more to learn and a problem to solve.