Why I Mentor
More than 40 tech professionals have volunteered their time to Code Kentucky over our first four sessions, and these volunteer mentors are an integral part of our program’s success.
Over the last month we’ve spotlighted five of our amazing mentors for #MentorMonday, and we wanted to share some of the reasons why they mentor.
***
“As a former coding bootcamp student, I’m excited to watch other adults go through the same journey as me while providing tips I learned throughout my IT career.” - Mike Sheehy, Web Development Mentor from Louisville, KY
***
“It might surprise some people to know that I've not always been great with coding in general. I struggled to get a foothold on programming as a college freshman, and that almost led to me dropping out of college entirely. Since that first year, I've since been able to wrap my mind around coding, and the related concepts, well enough to eventually flourish in the programming world. Being able to help others avoid the struggles and frustration that comes with learning programming (that I experienced to the full as a student) is why I got into mentoring, along with the desire to simply help others. If I can help even one person discover their untapped coding talent(s), and help them avoid failure in trying to do so, that would be considered a success in my book.” - Paul Arelt, Data Analysis Mentor from Dayton, OH
***
“I believe that giving back to the community that helped shape you is very important. I originally grew up in a part of Kentucky that has been under economic hardship for most of my adult life. Programs like Code Kentucky are giving people from around Kentucky the opportunity to educate themselves and launch a new career that previously might have been out of reach to them. Mentoring for me is about sharing my passion for technology and helping others succeed in their own endeavors to start a new career. I also like to be a shining example that you can come from one of the most economically challenged areas in the country and still be successful in a technology career.” - Andrew Noble, Web Development and Data Analysis Mentor from Lexington, KY
***
“As a mentor, I enjoy making a positive impact on others! Whether it be helping work through an issue someone is stuck on, or answering a question, hearing or seeing a student light up after conquering an issue is rewarding!I mentor as a way to give back. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the mentors I have had over the years, so this is my way of passing that good deed along!” - James Putman, Data Analysis Mentor from Alexandria, KY (our first program participant turned mentor!)
***
“It’s always energizing to be surrounded by a diversity of thought, and Code Kentucky does a great job of including students with varied perspectives and backgrounds. Some students are looking to switch careers entirely, while others are looking to make a bigger impact in their current position. It’s incredibly rewarding to understand the unique challenges they face and to see them make progress towards their individual goals. I’ve been lucky to have many teachers and mentors in my life that helped me identify my strengths and develop my skills. It can be hard to know what you don’t know, especially when starting out in the tech industry. By joining Code Kentucky as a mentor, I hope to make myself available as a trusted guide and a source of encouragement to those still finding their way.” - Colleen O’Rourke, Data Analysis Mentor from Lexington, KY
***
We’re recruiting mentors for our upcoming session that kicks off the week of January 9. If you’re interested in giving back like the mentors featured here, fill out this form and our Operations Manager will be in touch with more details and to answer any questions.
