Closing in on the next chapter, the past 11 weeks and going forward . . .

In 1 week I will be presenting my final project at demo day for The Iron Yard. Yep, my 12 weeks is coming to an end while my journey as a developer is really only just beginning.

The past 11 weeks have been an amazing experience. I have grown in many, many ways. Obviously I have picked up valuable skills that have taught me how to be a web developer. I have made some great friendships and professional relationships that will help me continue to grow. I sat in a room with these people all day, 5–6 days a week for 11 weeks. I got help from them and helped them with things. We laughed, got frustrated, and pressed on together. It really was a good group to experience this with. Like minded people, giving up what we did before, to better ourselves, families, and communities.

I had a conversation with a friend (not in TIY) and we were discussing choosing to do something like a coding school, something that is a major pivot from what is “normal.” He said something that has stuck with me ever since. He said, “Doing something like that(a code school) by definition will change you.” I have been thinking on what he said and I love it. Change can be a great thing and bring about awesome opportunities, although not always easy.

The past 11 weeks have not been easy. I have been pushed to “uncomfortable” many times. My brain has been reworked and then reworked again, learning in new ways and information overload took place daily. I have created things that I didn’t think were possible 12 weeks ago. I understand concepts that were completely foreign to me not that long ago. My classmates (Justin, LeRoy, Vitaliy, Danny …) and Iron Yard staff (Jesse Wolgamott and Brian Dorton) have helped me grow in my technical knowledge and given me confidence in entering my career as a developer.

Of all of the challenging things about learning to be a web developer the toughest thing of the past 11 weeks was to be away from my family(back in Louisiana). My wife is a rockstar and my son is a trooper. The decision to attend The Iron Yard was not an individual decision for me. This was a decision we made as a family. We understood the sacrifice and knew that the long term investment for our family as a whole would be worth it. This time has grown our marriage and strengthened our bond as a family even though it could have easily done the opposite. The Lord has been extremely gracious.

My journey is far from over. For now I will get back to working on my final project. Here’s to finishing well and convincing someone to pay me to be a web developer!