I woke up this morning, after my first class at TTS last night (Monday, 6-9pm, the part-time program), and I thought I dreamt the whole thing!  I am still in awe of everything. I cannot believe there is a company out there like TTS—it is EXACTLY what I was looking for.  Why, you ask?  I’ll break it down into 5 main points.

#1: Like most people out there, I have a lot going on in my life – most notably, I’m a single mom.  I was so relieved to learn that many of the people in my class are married and/or have kids (and are working full-time jobs too).

#2: I thought my beginner status in the coding world would make me stick out like a sore thumb… that’s not the case.  There are other beginners in the class, and those who are experienced are super nice, and they leaned in to help me when I was struggling!

#3: The instructors are so great.  I took an intro Computer Science course in college and the instructor was sarcastic and downright mean at times.  NOT the case at TTS… in fact, it’s quite the opposite.  The part-time instructor, Richard Zapata (“Zapata”), is flippin’ awesome!  He is funny, which I really appreciate in those frustrating moments when I am struggling with code or struggling just to stay focused.  The full-time instructor, Aaron, was there last night also. He’s very cool and funny (and he watches the Regular Show, so he may be slightly cooler than Zapata).  I left my charger in the room, and Aaron ran back and retrieved it for me.

#4: The coworking space at Strongbox West is so rad!  There are many start-up companies at Strongbox, so you can meet new people not just in the class, but outside of the class as well!

#5: TTS doesn’t just offer courses; they care about your goals.  Melissa (Director of Community Operations) and Mandy (Community Organizer for Atlanta) were also there last night. They provided us with all the logistical info we needed and they asked us to share our career goals with them so they can better help us in the near future.  Starting next week, there will be company tours and guest speakers from the Atlanta community.  Where else do you get that!?!

I know I said 5 points, but I must mention the guy who makes it all possible in Atlanta, Richard Simms.  I heard about TTS in mid-June and kept reminding myself to apply. Then it was mid-July… but Richard sped up the admissions process for me so that I could enroll in this session!  I am so grateful and so happy!!!  In conclusion, I am so excited to continue this challenging, fun journey. The people at TTS are TTS…Technophiles who are talented and superlative!