Meet the 26 gSchool graduates ready to be your next developer

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Published on Feb. 22, 2015

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All of these students are soon to be gradated from Galvanize’s Full Stack Web Development program, a 24-week full-time immersive program. The full stack curriculum includes Ruby on Rails, Sinatra, Javascript, CSS3,  HTML5,  Responsive Design, Database, APIs, Version Control, and Test Driven Development (main focus is Rails).

You can message these students via their hyperlinked Built In Colorado profiles below. You can meet them in person at their demo night coming up on Feb 19th. They graduate April 2nd. For more information on Galvanize's Full Stack Web Development program please email James Conti

 

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Andy Nguyen


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Prior to gSchool I was working at Leprino Foods as a SAP Master Data Analyst. I was responsible for implementing and maintaining system data and structure.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
gSchool has increased my collaborative skills along with developing my cognitive abilities when deconstructing complex problems. I am truly thankful for the debugging methods I have gained along with the soft skills I’ve improved in pair programming.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
I would like to be a part of a company that has a great balance of pair programming, employee growth, and ‘fun’ culture! Also, I want to continue to contribute back to the community that has provided me with the knowledge I needed to become a junior full stack web developer.
 
Fun Fact:
 
I have been break dancing for 8 years!



Contact Andy

 

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Beth Jaswa


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I have a Bachelor of Business Admin and after graduation I worked in hotels as a Banquet Captain. After working a ton of nights/weekends/holidays, I moved into corporate catering to align my schedule to something closer to my husband's (M-F).  There I flipped omelets like a pro, managed stock & employees, coordinated events & vendors, and became a customer service queen.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
Clearly some coding, more specifically Ruby on Rails, HTML, CSS, command line, etc — I didn't have any previous background at all besides some very limited HTML from blogger and livejournal. I'm excited to get to JavaScript and Ember. Another very valuable life skill I've learned is how to get back up when some code problems get me down.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
Jump back into the workforce with a job that will allow me to grow and continue to learn.  The possibilities are endless now.
 
Fun fact:
 
When I was a kid, we went to Disney World just about every year and I absolutely loved this ride at Epcot, Journey into Imagination. It had this purple dragon called Figment which became my favorite character ever. Who needs some princess when I have Figment (of my imagination)? I incorporated it into my first screen name and continue to use it today as my twitter handle (@figmentbml).



Contact Beth     

 

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Ben Walford


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Before gSchool I attended CU where I got my bachelors degree in Philosophy. After graduating and finding philosophy wasn't the most lucrative degree I ended up spending about a year in the restaurant industry until I found my way to gSchool. 
 
What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
For me gSchool has been somewhere that has really boosted my confidence in coding. Before gSchool I had done a fair amount of coding, but nothing too serious, and I certainly didn't have the know how or confidence to turn that into a career. gSchool took what little I already knew and is turning it into an actual skill. 
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
After graduation I'll be searching hard for a job! I'm not entirely sure exactly what type of work I'm looking to find, but hopefully something back-end related. Though, the more front-end work I do the more that is appealing as well, so I guess we'll see. 
 
Fun Fact: 
 
I'm usually busy with class and coding nowadays, but when I'm not I usually like to spend my time outdoors or cooking.

Contact Ben

 

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Peter Clowes



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I previously worked at an online advertising startup on the data solutions solutions team. Prior to that I worked at Lockheed Martin as an analyst on defense projects. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2010 with degrees in Finance and International Affairs.
 
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
I have built a solid enough foundation at gSchool to learn and build practically anything I need. I am developing a greater appreciation for holistic software design as well as learning the nuts and bolts of software development. gSchool is a skill set multiplier, it really allows me to leverage existing skills and prior experience in a lot of ways. I can now not only analyze and understand the problem but also design and implement the solution.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I want to start contributing to a team or product I am extremely passionate about and I want to work in an environment that enables me to take my burgeoning skill set to the next level.
 
Fun fact:
 
I can wiggle one toe independent of all the others. Also, I love the outdoors, always ready to play!

Contact Peter

 

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Laura Hasemeyer 


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I am a Spanish major, and worked for an experience gift company in Boulder for a few years out of college. My husband and I took a year-long trip around-the-world, and when we got back I was ready to try my hand at a new skill-set. I have always been interested in learning programming and realized this is the perfect time. Fast-forward a few months, and here I am!
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
I am really excited about how much knowledge I have soaked up in gSchool, as well as the time I have spent applying that knowledge. The focus languages of this course are Ruby on Rails and Javascript. I have also learned about test-driven development, how to think critically, and the infinite possibilities programming brings. It's a big new world with a whole lot to explore and I am loving it.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
After graduation I plan to contribute and continue learning at a fun workplace in Boulder.  My teachers and mentor have been amazing resources to me in the learning process, so I plan to pass that support along.  At work, or during my free time, I would love to use programming to better lives - that is very vague, so I'm excited to see where I end up!
 
Fun fact:
 
I eat Mexican food daily.

Contact Laura

 

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Denise McCoy


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
In 2013, I earned my Master's Degree in Music Education from CU. Last year I taught 7-12 grade choir, guitar, and general music at The Academy of Charter Schools. 
 
I am a classically trained, professional musician who has performed in various nationally and internationally known prestigious performance venues, such as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and St. Peter's Basilica.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
Since starting gSchool, I have picked up the, often, hard task of asking for help. Students, TA's and Instructors at gSchool are always around to help and they really take pride in the success of their students.  In a short amount of time, we learn an incredible amount of information. I have learned that I might not always get something right away...but with the right mind-set, I will get it eventually -- and that's ok.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I am looking toward working for a company where I can use my skill set to make a difference. I want to contribute to a team, and be happy knowing that my work has contributed towards an end product that is useful for others. 
 
Fun fact:
 
I am a redheaded, lefty, who speaks many languages, plays many instruments, and has perfect pitch. 



Contact Denise

 

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David Middleton 

What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Right after graduating college in 2010 I worked aa professional online poker player until 2012. I spent a lot of my time studying game theory, doing database analysis, and collaborating with friends about strategy. I have worked as an editor and copywriter for poker websites and online magazines. Before moving back to Colorado in July this year I was working as a carpenter in Ohio.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
Primarily I have learned how to code ruby on rails, and how to utilize my resources (digital and personal) for problem solving. I've learned how to verbally communicate what code does, how to pair with classmates, and how to turn words into working software. I have learned that I'll never know everything but will constantly be learning as a developer and that is what makes me excited about working with this community in this industry.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I am looking to work as a junior web developer with a company that provides a lot of pairing.  I am open to working for anything from a startup to established web and am in the process of narrowing down what I am looking for specifically. The first companies that come to mind that I know I'm going to contact for employment are Conspire, Pivotal Labs, and SendGrid.
 
Fun fact:
 
I love to rock climb, boulder, and lift. I love to play card games and board games and I recently started learning how to leatherwork. I love to read and I am left handed.

Contact David

 

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Rebecca Vasil


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I worked for the State of Colorado as an oil and gas permit engineer. I graduated from Colorado School of Mines which is a very technical school but the industry I went into has not caught up to the modern age. So I left to come here so I could get a job that embraced technology
 
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?

 
I have picked up so many skills from here. Of course I have picked up the technical skills like learning how to code (Ruby on Rails, Javascript, CSS and HTML) and becoming better at logic, but I have also learned better how to communicate my thoughts to a variety of people and learn how to work with them to complete a task.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I want to get back to work and find a job that I am happy in and where I can put my new skills to work while continuing to learn new and interesting technologies. 
 
Fun fact:
 
I like keeping busy with several hobbies. I have been horseback riding since I was 6 years old and I have recently picked up figure skating and Pilates. Also since I am a native Coloradan I love to hike and camp. Overall I guess I am just a person that can't sit still and enjoys life. 

Contact Rebecca 

 

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Sachin Gokal 

What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I worked as an analyst and marketer for a fantasy sports start-up. Afterward, I traded stocks independently, executing both short and medium term trades. I enjoyed both experiences, but ultimately I wanted my work to have a direct, positive impact on a global scale, and realized that software development was the best outlet. 
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
Most importantly, the experience has given me the programming confidence to build applications that I could previously only visualize or draft on paper.  Ruby & JavaScript are powerful languages that enable a full potential to build virtually any web project. Furthermore, gSchool has sharpened my communication skills with many opportunities to work in small teams, present to the class, and teach concepts to others. 
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
My goal is to start a career in web development, ideally supporting the health & wellness industry. I believe web technology can facilitate a health-oriented culture and be a critical tool in overcoming the diseases associated with aging. I would love to join the development team of a company that is assisting in either one of these facets. 
 
Fun fact:
 
I’m a long time practitioner and fan of mixed martial arts. When practiced safely, martial arts can instill the virtues of discipline and self-confidence at a young age. Furthermore, the integration of multiple forms in mixed martial arts makes it a great full-body workout.

Contact Sachin

 

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Jeff Hostetler 

What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
My degree is in physics and after college I worked as a chemist. I left to pursue an MBA, but dropped the program after getting a job at a mortgage lending company. I worked there for a couple of years, but left to pursue something more technical. 
 
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
I like using my logical brain again. The systematic while creative way to solve problems is something that makes work worth while to me. That is why I have enjoyed learning to code. gSchool has allowed me to pursue that and has given me more tools to solve ambiguously defined problems. 
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I am looking to start something new immediately. I am incredibly excited about the work I have been doing and have a hard time putting it down. I want to be somewhere that encourages career growth and lifelong learning. My personal project uses sensor data from an Arduino, and I would love to work in the IoT field. Intelligently using resources is very important to me. 
 
Fun fact:
 
I love to scuba. It is the next best thing to being an astronaut and I absolutely love it. Also enjoy fly fishing and sipping on a great old fashioned. 



Contact Jeff

 

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Bryan Kinnear 


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Before gSchool I had mostly worked in retail, spending 4 years at Apple as a Genius, and before that in various gaming/snow sport stores. 
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
Outside of the development skills I’ve picked up thus far, I’ve learned an incredible amount about networking and the development community at large. My ability to parse information, even outside of code, is getting a lot stronger. Of course, my problem solving skills are getting flexed every day so they’re improving.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I’m interested in working for a company that’s stable, with a strong mentorship culture and a variety of projects. 
 
Fun fact:
 

Instead of a football or basketball team, I grew up on a competitive snowboard team.


Contact Bryan

 

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Steve Witman 


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Before gSchool, I was a Civil and Structural Designer for the past ten years and before that I was a Land Surveyor / Drafter.  
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
gSchool is an opportunity of a lifetime to spend six months full-time on Ruby on Rails and JavaScript. It has been especially nice to have a few exceptional instructors with recent real-world experience. gSchool focuses on pair programming, TDD (test driven development), Git (version control system), Pivotal Tracker (agile project management), and other developer workflows. This is just the beginning of a lifetime of learning to become an expert in my field.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
I am very excited to start my career at a company that will benefit from my new abilities as a Developer, as well as my previous engineering and marketing experience.  In my spare time, I also plan to start a program to introduce others to the possibilities of becoming a Developer. 
 
Fun fact:
 
Besides getting out to go skiing, mountain biking, or hiking, one of my other hobbies has been programming. I wrote my first computer games back in highschool, and I have been reading books, and doing tutorials on many different programming languages and platforms, ever since then.  am very excited to finally make this my career.

Contact Steve

 

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Adam Scarano 


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Before gSchool I was working for fsw.com, an e-commerce company specializing in restaurant equipment and supplies. I was the Director of Merchandising. I ran a team that loaded all of the product data, images and product descriptions to the website.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
Obviously coding skills in HTML, Ruby, and Rails, but also the skills to solve programming problems and think like a developer.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
I signed a contract to return to my job after graduation. My hope is that everything I'm learning will allow me to quickly integrate into the development team there. 
 
Fun Fact: 
 
When I was a kid I wanted to be a comic book artist. I used to produce my own comic book series called "Drain". It was about a John McClane-esque cop who played by his own rules.

Contact Adam

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David Rivers 


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I was a Biology Professor at Syracuse University. I was running my own research group studying the genetic links between cell cycle control and cell polarity control. My core research interests were in basic cancer biology and large scale genomic data analysis.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
I have learnt a tremendous amount in a short time in gSchool and we are only half-way through. I feel as though we have had a thorough exposure to Ruby on Rails and the git workflow.This course to date has given me the confidence to say that I can quickly roll out a bare bones secure website for users and administrators alike.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
While I am open to a number of possibilities, ideally  I would like to find a position that uses my genetics background with my new found computational skill set. With the advent of relatively cheap next-generation genomic sequencing the need to manage large genetic datasets of individuals for health care will be no small task. It will require both programmers and biologists, working together, to find solutions to rapidly analyze and present this data to doctors and patients in useful ways to make informed health decisions. 
 
Fun Fact: 
 
When I was in grad school I picked up stone carving. It is a good stress reliever for me. I use to carve marble but over the last few years have moved to softer stone. Its only a hobby but I enjoy it.  
 

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Wesley Whitney 


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I was working two jobs before I started gSchool, and I was teaching myself web development in my spare time. I have a business management degree from Metro State. I have worked a lot of different random jobs with great success.
 
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
At gSchool I've learned Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, jQuery, CSS, HTML, GIT, Ember, agile development, and test driven development.  I've picked up some time management and personal branding skills. I've also learned a lot about the tech industry itself.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
After graduation I aim to be a part of the local tech industry as a junior web developer.
 
Fun Fact: 
 
I grew up in Denver and started snowboarding before most resorts allowed it, and I love the state of Colorado.

Contact Wesley

 

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Drew Cuddhy 



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Before gSchool, I was a small business manager and a photographer.  I enjoyed it well enough, but I really look forward to having a new career and calling photography an interest instead of a side-hustle.
 
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
The most valuable lesson I've learned is how to stay composed while working through a massive amount of new material in a short time. Multitasking is nothing new for me, but it has always been dealing with the familiar. I think that this time being out of my comfort zone and having to meet high expectations will help me be more adaptive and ready for the road ahead.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I could tell you that I'd like to stay in Boulder and work with Ruby on Rails, but really, the right opportunity could be working on JavaScript in Seattle - I don't know.  I look forward to working with the right people, whoever they may be. Culture is important.
 
Fun fact:
 
When I was sixteen, I could do a headstand on my skateboard. It's been a while, but I bet I could still do that. It's like riding a bike... but upside down.

Contact Drew

 

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Lark Fleming 



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Prior to gSchool, I worked in education as a teacher, teacher trainer, and supervisor. I also worked in operations for a test prep company. 
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
In the first part of gSchool, I learned some basic Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Git version control, and the importance of test driven development. I also learned that looking at other people's code and trying things out on my own is a big part of development. After a little research and trial and error, it's great when the pieces I've been playing around with come together to form some working code.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I'd like to work for a small to midsize company developing Rails apps and learning as much as I can.
 
Fun fact:
 
I have an MA in Philosophy and like playing logic games. 

Contact Lark

 

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McCartney Bohn 


What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I worked at Art’s Cleaner. I was a cleaning technician building and fixing machines.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
Some skills I have picked up from school is Ruby on Rails, full stack web development, CSS and javascript. I really enjoy writing code and I can’t wait to get a job. Also presenting in front of the class so I am not afraid to talk in front of a big group.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
After I graduate I really can’t wait to get a job and start writing code in the real world! really don’t have a specific place I would like to work, but I would like to stay in Colorado for a couple of years to pay off school and then I would be willing to move out of state to code!
 
Fun fact:
 
I like to play frisbee golf competitively.
 

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Joe Siewert 



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I’ve worked in technology for over 10 years. Most recently I enjoyed doing tech support for several startups. I also had the unique opportunity to do tech support across Colorado for the Obama 2012 campaign.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
gSchool helped get me up to speed on current web technologies and development best practices. The biggest new skill for me is that I can now take a raw idea and turn it into a functioning web app.  Coming from a tech support background has led me to be especially focused on testing and shipping quality code.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
I’m looking to join a small engineering team where I’ll be able to continue learning and building on what I’ve done at gSchool. I will be searching primarily in the Boulder/Denver area, but am open to relocating for a great opportunity.
 
Fun fact:
 
I’ve moved a ton over the last several years, including stints in Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin and now Colorado. I am ridiculously good at packing moving trucks.

Contact Joe

 

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Dan Mello 



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I worked as a computer tech at local computer repair companys in rural Maine. I dealt with hardware and software issues, implementation of new systems, networking and the like for small business and consumers. I worked both on the road and in the storefront.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
I have learned creative problem solving and using the tools at my disposal to find solutions. My understanding of Object Oriented Programming has grown considerably. I have gained extensive knowledge of the Ruby on Rails framework, along with Ember.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
I am looking to work on the back end of applications, as data is exceptionally interesting to me. I like to work behind the scenes making sure the application is working correctly for all users. I am looking to stay in the Boulder area after graduation.
 
Fun fact:
 
I am a huge fan of animation. I feel that stories and plot lines can be hampered by the physical rules of the world, so animation allows for better expression of the story. I would recommend Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood to anybody interested in getting into animated titles and anime.
 

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Doug Bennett 



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I originally entered school for business, but quickly became interested in the limitless potential a software engineer has at his or her disposal. After playing with code for a while, I decided to learn more and pursue a CS degree. However, the slow teaching pace and small amount of exposure to larger projects at my school left me feeling like I was running in place. Coming out to Colorado for an accelerated program at gSchool has been much more satisfying and has me excited to hit the ground running.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
I’ve learned how to quickly adapt to a language/framework that I’m completely unfamiliar with, and produce a fully functioning application in a short amount of time. I’ve also learned to collaborate with a team of people containing a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds. Another important technique I've developed is following a workflow of breaking up large tasks into smaller, more manageable, and submittable pieces - then gradually building up from there.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
I’m looking for work that will challenge me on a regular basis, and helps me grow quickly as a competent developer. Feedback on my work, and constructive advice for improvement are very important to me. I also hold great value in working with others who share the same passion for the job as I do. While I want to thrive in an environment with committed colleagues, I also prefer to have the option to work remotely, as my excitement for code emerges most when I’m in my own environment.
 
Fun fact:
 
I love to snowboard and explore the outdoors whenever I can. When I’m not coding, I like to be as far away from my computer as possible. I explored the mountains in Colorado when I was younger, and fell in love with the landscape. That’s the reason I moved out here from Michigan, and that’s why my ideal job will be in Colorado.
 

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Steven Turek 



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Before gSchool, I worked as a trainer for a dialysis company. It was my job to bridge the gap between the developers and the end users. When issues came up, I either worked with the developers to fix them or with the end users to find a work around.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
One of the major skills I have picked up is being able to google answers and apply what I find to the apps that I am working on. I have also found an affinity for Javascript and Ember. I really like figuring out the UI flows of my apps.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I am looking to work for a tech company as opposed to a different type of company that has been forced into technology. I'd prefer to work for a smaller sized company where you know most of the other employees. I'd also like to work for a consultancy as I think the changes in projects would be challenging and help me to continue learning.
 
Fun fact:
 
I am notorious for making bad puns/jokes, and now it's spreading into code:
      var nerdyByNature = function() {
        if(downWithOOP) {
          console.log("Yeah you know me")
        }
     }




Contact Steven

 

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Kendra Dodds 



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Shortly after graduating from college with a degree in Environmental Biology, I was looking for a change of scenery and decided to move to San Francisco. I landed a position with a popular and growing online media website as a Content Manager writing content for millions of users and later as a Web Producer. Work​ing​ in digital media and constantly feeling inspired by technology, I knew ​development was a direction I had been wanting my career to grow and ​advance toward for years. 
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
I had attempted to learn JavaScript and Ruby on my own but after a month or two I’d hit a wall in whatever book or tutorial I was working through​, or life would get busy and I’d find it increasingly difficult to carve out enough time to learn some of the larger concepts. The curriculum at gSchool has given me a platform for learning. I’ve learned coding and frameworks, how to solve problems, where to seek out help or track down solutions, and a supportive network of peers, instructors, and a strong community of programming phenoms. Not to mention all the super cool apps I've been able to build.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
Although I’ll totally miss seeing all the new friends I’ve made in my gSchool cohort every day, I’m really excited to hit the ground running and utilize all the things I’ve learned and continue on this awesome trajectory of building new things, creating, brainstorming, testing, troubleshooting, solving, and coding, coding, coding!
 
Fun fact:
 
I tend to get really obsessed with a particular food for a block of time. For example, I’ll be really into radishes— every day eating radishes! Or blueberries— every day blueberries! Or quiche— making quiche every day! Not surprisingly, this is a great way to get burned out on radishes, blueberries, and quiche. It’s not so bad when it’s a certain fruit or vegetable, but a couple years ago I was on an ice cream float kick that got a little out of hand— every day root beer floats! 

Contact Kendra

 

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Evan Moore 



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I lived in the world of education - first as a Teach For America corps member, then as the director of education at Voqal. I also founded and led an edtech startup called TeacherMaps, which was built on Rails. I had been thinking about jumping into software development for a long time, but working with talented programmers on TeacherMaps is what pushed me over the edge.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
Need a Rails app or API? I can do that. A front end in Ember? No problem. I’ve learned a lot in gSchool, but ​most importantly, ​I've​​​ gained the confidence to face difficult ​coding​​ problems head-​on. I’m hungry to learn, and I believe that with enough time and a little guidance, I can figure anything out.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I’d love to work at an education ​​technology​ startup working to expand educational opportunities for all. Platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and Udacity have made a tremendous difference in my life, and I’d be honored to help them in their mission. 
 
Fun fact:
 
I prefer my podcasts and screencasts at 2​-3​x speed. Anything else is too slow.​​

Contact Evan

 

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Stephen Prill 



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
I worked for Wildwood Guitars from 2009 until I entered gSchool, the largest seller of high-end Gibson and Fender guitars in the world.  As a consultant, I'd been asked to develop a strategy for how to go about increasing revenue based on Wildwood's business model and web presence through what's since been called a "game changing" and "first of it's kind" approach to videos. I was then offered the job of making it a reality- from the ground up. Each video we filmed illustrated the tonal quality of that specific guitar- and we'd often film over 100 guitars in a week.  Our YouTube channel had over 4,000 videos and 11 million views by the time I left for gSchool. The project contributed to a 30% sales increase since its inception.I managed every aspect of the project including Pro Tools, editing, filming, production, server management, web presence and social media.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
I have learned front-end and back-end programming via the Ruby on Rails and Ember.js frameworks as well as Ruby and JavaScript languages. I’ve learned the core concepts of Test Driven Development and have enhanced my HTML5, CSS3, Git, jQuery, Rspec and Heroku skills. I’ve also learned a lot about culture and community. 
 
What are you looking to do after graduation? 
 
I’m hoping to work for a small to mid-size company that values collaboration and and community and also offers a healthy learning environment where I can make a difference and continue to learn and grow. 
 
Fun fact:
 
I’m fascinated with creative recording methods- audio, video, photography- that blend old techniques and technologies with new ones.

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Josh Badger



What was your past professional (pre-gSchool) life?
 
Over the past 5 years, I have bounced around the US between 3 bike shops as a mechanic. Most recently, I wrenched at a high volume shop in Boulder working my way up from builder to service writer to commission mechanic. I became comfortable and confident with customer relations and time management through it and cherish that experience.
 
What skills have you picked up at gSchool?
 
I came into gSchool with an unfinished Bachelor's in Computer Science. Through Ruby on Rails and Ember-CLI, I've learned how to adapt to new environments and solve challenging problems with confidence and composure. I'm currently taking apps from development to deployment using Git and test driven development.
 
What are you looking to do after graduation?
 
I'd love to develop for a small Rails shop in the greater Boulder/Denver area working alongside a senior developer on a driven team who cares about code quality and elegant algorithmic solutions. I prefer a good work/life balance as I spend a lot time in the mountains fly fishing and mountain biking to maintain sanity.
 

Fun fact:
 
I can juggle torches.

Contact Josh

 

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