Venturing into the tech world always scared me, but I’m so glad I finally decided to take the risk! I was a hairstylist for 10 years and while it was fulfilling for much of that time, I just began to feel stagnant in my own life and career.

The Code/IT program has allowed me to step back into a classroom with comfort and access new material with ease. Everyone at the Mill and Ivy Tech made the experience more than exceptional; I always felt welcome and encouraged.

I am very excited to utilize my new knowledge and hopefully continue my journey in the tech world, thanks to Code/IT Academy!

Before Code/IT, I was an unhappily retired Marine. I had been retired for a couple of years and had been slowly realizing that it wasn’t for me. I craved growth and progress and a purpose, but I wasn’t entirely sure what I was craving yet, nor what direction to go in. By happenstance, I heard of the local upskilling opportunity that was the Code/IT Academy. It was a program in its infancy, and I was lucky enough to be pointed at it by a phenomenal Ivy Tech mentor, Jason Endris. The rest is, as you might say, history.

My experience with the Code/IT program has been phenomenal. Before getting to the quantifiable accomplishments that this program has provided me with, I have to speak to the motivational and supportive basis of this program. It helped me to find the direction and impetus I needed to actively pursue personal growth. I have learned the fundamentals for web development, I have obtained the familiarity and knowledge to pursue my AWS Cloud Practitioner certification as well as the fundamental knowledge and familiarity with cloud platforms in general, and I have also obtained my CompTIA Security+ certification.

To go along with these valuable hard skills and quantifiable accomplishments, Code/IT Academy has helped me to overcome my entry-level/beginner impostor syndrome fears through the study and application of soft skills and career transition skills that are provided along with the technical aspects of this program. The tag team of resources provided by The Mill and Ivy Tech Community College, and the career advocates employed by both, have helped me to learn the civilian sector job-hunting skills, resume-building, and successful interview skills that are invaluable to my future goals.

Currently, through my experiences with Ivy Tech and Code/IT Academy, I have managed to obtain employment as a Lab Assistant for the School of IT at Ivy Tech Bloomington, as well as a paid internship with a local SDVOSB, Warrant Technologies, as a Systems Administrator Intern. I have finally successfully transitioned from the military into a successful and budding civilian career, and I would credit this to the combined forces of  Code/IT Academy and Ivy Tech
Community College. I am living my dream through the connections made, confidence gained, knowledge accrued, and resources provided by Code/IT Academy.

A fun fact about me…..I have finally hit and surpassed my goal for a local home library of over 1,000 books, and have decided to not be a quitter and have set my sights on my next goal of 2,000 books in my own personal library. It might not seem fun to a lot of people, but just think of the endless worlds that are contained within my tiny, comfy abode!

So before I joined Code/IT, I was in a spot in my life where I was trying to figure out what exactly I was going to do next. Freshly divorced and a single mother, I knew that I had to figure it out. I taught preschool and Head Start for 13 years. Then I started a couple of small businesses teaching zumba and dealing in weight loss drinks. I also tried my hand at creating websites and online presence for a few friends. All these things were great and did help me make a living, but I needed a more focused and stable income. My children attend the Boys and Girls Club, and there was a little something about you all in the weekly newsletter, so I took it as a sign.

Being at The Mill at least 3 times a week has really given me a new inspiration. It just makes me aspire to be more, just my being there—the environment is wonderful. I have really enjoyed the classes and my learning experiences. Even during some of the adversities I have, being there reminds me of why I must keep pushing.

After the classes are over, I am hoping to break into the tech world in some way, starting at entry level. I will probably take more classes. I am eventually hoping to become a product manager or project manager in the long run with the skills that I have gained. I’m hoping to be able to use some of my God-given talents and shining personality. All in all, the program is truly life changing, and I’m thankful to have been a part of it.