It was fun and new to me, and I liked it! Code Tenderloin gave me everything I needed to succeed. I just had to believe in myself. They did that part too, before I could. I was treated with respect and given praise for asking questions and further following my curious nature. I was given help when struggling, but still able to find concepts on my own with their coaching and nurturing or reviewed over countless hours of volunteered time. Prior to the pandemic, Our classes where held inside real tech companies where people would be finishing their day of work at whichever location we were at, exiting their desks to come into our classroom, and work with us. It was a real-life experience, where I could actually see myself doing what it was I was learning on the White Board in the future and so I started to work toward that. Throughout the entire pandemic, Code Tenderloin continued to have our coding classes online via zoom enabling my continued learning during an extremely difficult time. I admire and needed their resilience to instill my own. I have gone through the entire computer programming track at Code Tenderloin. I'm still using the things I learned from the basics classes today that were given by real software engineers that helped me solidify my place in tech. The launchpad and runway Code Tenderloin gave me, allowed me to work my way up to becoming like one of my teachers, a full stack software engineer now. I also assist the instructors of code classes and lead small study sessions during class. I enjoy giving back what was so freely given to me. Code Tenderloin also provides many other opportunities that I have seen and experience first hand such as the coordination of our neighborhood C.A.R.E. Team and Calming Corners that create value and are of great importance to the safety of our communities. Code Tenderloin is an amazing organization giving people the tools, and time they need. It will provide you with the tools for your success. This education was entirely free of charge and that gift continues. Thank you Code T!! - R* | 