I sat down to write this piece about my experience during the part time Code Immersion program with Tech Talent South and one word kept popping up in my head: encouragement. Now, you just may be thinking to yourself, “Where is she going with this?” and I admit, this might take a stroll off topic from the typical student blog but I’ll bring it full circle, I promise.

I first heard the name ‘Tech Talent South’ from my dear friend, Melissa Lockley. At the time she was enrolled in the Fall 2014 part time cohort and had invited me to the kickoff party. I was impressed that she was devoting her time outside of her of her busy full-time work schedule to an 8-week class about coding. As an individual she’s always impressed me, so I gave her my full support. I knew she’d pass with flying colors.

Fast-forward a month or so, Melissa was knee deep in her class and coding like a mad woman. Every single time we met up for brunch or for a puppy dog date she would rave about the class, but also the individuals associated with Tech Talent South. I think she knew what she was doing. She had to have known I was somewhat interested in the subject of coding. I discussed the possibility of taking the next part time class offered and she encouraged me to try it. She had a perfect response for each of my doubts (I don’t know anything about coding! When will I have time? How can I use this in real life? – you get the idea…) and pushed me to apply. With butterflies in my stomach I applied for the part time course.

Today, I am two classes away from finishing up the part time Code Immersion program under the instruction of the delightful Paula Paul. I am so glad I had a friend like Melissa to encourage me to learn to code despite my own self-doubt. There was no way I would have had the self-confidence to trek into the unknown world of coding without a gentle push. Now that I am a part of the TTS family, I have received encouragement and support from every current and former student, TA and once again my lovely teacher, Paula Paul. Every single person I’ve met through Tech Talent South has encouraged me to continue and push hard. Their words of encouragement throughout my time in this class have been invaluable and it makes me want to encourage others to code as well.

If you’re reading this and you’re on the fence about learning to code with Tech Talent South – get off that fence and get coding! The entire TTS family is here to support you and give you encouragement.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes: “Say yes and you’ll figure it out afterwards.” – Tina Fey