๐ดโโ ๏ธ๐ How the Springboard bootcamp transformed my friend's life
Hey Pirate ๐ดโโ ๏ธ
๐โโ๏ธ Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting my friend, whom I initially connected with virtually through Zoom, for the very first time in person in Seattle. He and his wife were on vacation, planning to explore Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Park. Let's call him J. ๐๏ธ
โณ๏ธ For our meetup, I decided to give him a tour of the Microsoft Campus in Redmond. It was an interesting experience because when we first met about two years ago, I was still working at Microsoft, and J had just started his Software Engineering bootcamp at Springboard. As some of you may have already guessed, J is not only a former Springboard bootcamp graduate but also my ex-mentee and a dear friend. ๐
๐ญ J and I go back to January 2021, during the peak of the pandemic. I had recently taken on the role of Springboard's Software Engineering mentor, and J was my first mentee. As per Springboard's curriculum, we had weekly virtual meetings lasting 30 minutes. During these sessions, I would review his assignment submissions, provide feedback, and answer any questions he had. One thing that always impressed me during our calls was J's unwavering dedication. I could clearly see his strong determination to succeed in becoming a software engineer. ๐ช
๐๏ธ While working full-time as a master automotive technician during the day, J would dedicate a minimum of two hours to studying coding every night. He would come prepared with questions for our weekly calls, demonstrating his commitment to learning. Of course, there were days when he faced doubts, but it was my role to encourage him, address any uncertainties, and remind him that he possessed all the necessary qualities to triumph in this marathon. ๐
๐ป Throughout the ten-month program, J remained focused, challenged his boundaries, and consistently delivered high-quality assignments. He even developed a full-stack prototype website for his fatherโs proposed business using React and Node. ๐
๐ J holds a special place in my heart because he was with me from the beginning of my YouTube journey. I started my channel in July 2021 but kept it a secret from everyone, including my family and close friends, for various reasons. However, I made an exception for J and my few other Springboard mentees because I believed they could benefit from the content. So not only was J my first mentee, but he also became my first subscriber! I fondly remember discussing the videos that went viral with him, such as "The Day in the Life of a Software Engineer WFH" and "My Productivity Couch Setup." ๐๏ธ
โฐ๏ธ Currently, J lives in Colorado and works for a tech company remotely. He's also one of the moderators managing my Discord server. ๐ฎ Despite his busy schedule, I was delighted when he reached out for a coffee catch-up in Seattle. The only regret I have is not capturing a photo with such an exceptional friend who has been a source of courage throughout my mentorship journey. ๐ง
๐๏ธ J, thank you for placing your trust in me. You embraced my advice even before I embarked on my YouTube venture. I am forever grateful for the memories we've created and the confidence you've instilled in me. ๐ฝ
๐ To all those aspiring to become software engineers, I understand that the current economic climate may not be ideal. However, I urge you not to give up. All it takes is unwavering commitment and an unyielding desire to achieve success. Itโs never too late to pursue your dreams. ๐ณ
๐ก If you're interested in joining a community of professionals who have successfully transitioned to the tech industry like J, I highly recommend checking out Springboard and their tech bootcamps. You'll have the opportunity to meet mentors - friends - who will help you navigate your career path. Enroll using the promo code PIRATEKING to receive a $1,000 Discount. ๐ฐ
๐๏ธ Thatโs it for today. Thank you for reading, and Iโll see you all next week. Arrgh!
PK ๐
P.S.
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