Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

My name is Analita and I’m from Houston, Texas. Prior to my journey into coding, I pivoted careers at the end of COVID and entered the software industry as a technical support agent. As I became more involved with software, the desire to understand and create it grew, leading me toward the path of becoming an engineer. My company runs on Ruby on Rails, which has inspired me to grow within this field and prompted my enrollment in Altcademy.

Q: Why did you decide to learn coding?

Coding has been a part of my life in some capacity due to my father's influence. He was into coding and engineering. He took time to teach me about computer since building them was his favorite hobby. Despite my earlier perception of engineering as a tough field for women, my mindset changed over time. I realized that coding is not gender-specific and this allowed me to break stereotypes and pursue my passion for technology.

Q: How has your coding journey been so far at Altcademy?

I've enjoyed the challenging yet rewarding experience of learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. My prior knowledge was complemented by Altcademy's text-based curriculum, which suited my learning style better than video-based content. I appreciate the ability to read, research, and revisit the content at my own pace. Moreover, the community and mentorship support at Altcademy have been invaluable, providing me with the reassurance I need to confidently progress.

Q: Can you tell us about your company's support in this journey?

My company has been incredibly supportive of my coding education. They not only funded my Altcademy course but also offered guidance from engineers within the company to supplement my learning, particularly when I reach the Ruby and Rails sections of the curriculum.

Q: What are your goals after completing the program?

Upon completing the program, I hope to become a full-stack engineer. I aim to stay in the startup scene, where the environment is supportive and growth-oriented. If the opportunity presents itself, I'd love to continue with my current company, but I'm also keeping my options open.

Q: What do you find most challenging about learning to code?

Patience is the greatest challenge for me when learning to code. It's tempting to seek immediate solutions to problems, but I'm learning to break down problems, approach them methodically, and embrace the research process.

Q: Why did you choose Altcademy over other coding programs?

Finding a program that taught Ruby on Rails was crucial for me as it's the foundation of many startups and companies I'm interested in. Altcademy stood out not only because it included Ruby and Ruby on Rails in its curriculum but also due to its flexible, text-based learning approach. This fits exactly what I need to forge my own path in the tech industry.

Q: Any thoughts on how programs like Altcademy could evolve in the future?

I think it would be interesting for bootcamps like Altcademy to consider roles like teaching assistants for students who have completed the program. This could enhance peer learning and give graduates experience in mentoring newcomers.

Analita's journey is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of a supportive learning community. Her story highlights that with determination and the right resources, it's possible to transition into a coding career and make an impact in the tech world, irrespective of your background or gender.