Emily learns to code!
Donation protected
Hello! I'm Emily, a freelance illustrator and stylist.
I have been accepted to a Bootcamp Prep course with First Step Coding, a part-time, live online course that targets beginners from all backgrounds to help them become code-literate in Javascript, CSS, and HTML. It also offers front-end development challenges and mock interviews to assess your readiness for coding bootcamps.
I have received a scholarship covering partial tuition, bringing my out-of-pocket costs to $500 for the eight-week course. I'll be working my usual styling + illustration schedule as I complete the classes, but still need help paying off this amount in biweekly installments, on top of my rent + basic needs.
Why are you trying to learn to code? You're an artist, you studied marketing, tech is bad, etc. etc.
There are several reasons I want to take this class!
Logical reasons:
I am interested in learning how to code, and though there are resources online, I usually end up with choice paralysis. Having a guided curriculum will be extremely helpful right now and in knowing what to look for when I'm self-teaching in the future. This course has a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, places an emphasis on pair programming, and offers plenty of room to ask questions and receive 1:1 mentoring time. I know this will give me a stronger understanding than learning on my own, and that I thrive in this kind of structured environment.
I have a background in marketing and art, with one foot in tech thanks to Twitter and community involvement. I often work with engineers on illustrations for their tech talks, and even create my own tech-related art sometimes.
Learning to code will help me become:
- a better partner to the engineers I work with, both artistically and in my next professional setting
-"more valuable" in the marketplace (ew but true), particularly if I move towards creative strategy or even UX/UI over time
I don't take paying for education lightly in today's world, but if there is one skill that would make me a better communicator regardless of my next role and open doors that *might* pay off by leading to considerable financial freedom one day, this is it.
Personal, emotional reasons:
I've been working from home for 2.5 years! While I love the flexibility, it's time for a change, mostly for the sake of my mental and financial health.
If you've ever worked remotely for an extended period of time, you know how weird it can feel to get back into a structured group setting when you have often gone days without talking.
This class will challenge me to get back into working in real-time with others, asking questions even if I'm anxious. It'll also give my weeks some structure, which is something I need right now. I've been a little too quiet and stagnant recently, finally getting my footing back after some painful life events in 2017. Taking this course signifies moving forward to me, as it will be in conjunction with job interviews and a general life overhaul.
The truth is, I'm scared of change/risk in general, and I don't know if I want to be a full-time developer! I won't know until I try. Whether my future involves lots of coding, or simply an ability to communicate tech concepts more effectively through language and art, doing this will be good for me. More than ever, tech needs sensitive, artistic people (especially from marginalized communities) that "break the mold". I definitely have something to give. I contain multitudes, folks.
So why do you need $600 again?
The $600 will cover:
-my remaining balance to be paid to First Step Coding over eight weeks (July 11-Sept 3)
-offsetting the usual GoFundMe fees
-a little extra wiggle room since the course takes up a good amount of time, meaning I'll have a little *less* time to spend freelancing
-----------
I am so thankful for your help. The internet has been my greatest cheerleader over the last year and has already built my career into something I never thought it could be. I am hopeful and excited about the future and am glad that y'all are a part of mine. Thank you.
I have been accepted to a Bootcamp Prep course with First Step Coding, a part-time, live online course that targets beginners from all backgrounds to help them become code-literate in Javascript, CSS, and HTML. It also offers front-end development challenges and mock interviews to assess your readiness for coding bootcamps.
I have received a scholarship covering partial tuition, bringing my out-of-pocket costs to $500 for the eight-week course. I'll be working my usual styling + illustration schedule as I complete the classes, but still need help paying off this amount in biweekly installments, on top of my rent + basic needs.
Why are you trying to learn to code? You're an artist, you studied marketing, tech is bad, etc. etc.
There are several reasons I want to take this class!
Logical reasons:
I am interested in learning how to code, and though there are resources online, I usually end up with choice paralysis. Having a guided curriculum will be extremely helpful right now and in knowing what to look for when I'm self-teaching in the future. This course has a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, places an emphasis on pair programming, and offers plenty of room to ask questions and receive 1:1 mentoring time. I know this will give me a stronger understanding than learning on my own, and that I thrive in this kind of structured environment.
I have a background in marketing and art, with one foot in tech thanks to Twitter and community involvement. I often work with engineers on illustrations for their tech talks, and even create my own tech-related art sometimes.
Learning to code will help me become:
- a better partner to the engineers I work with, both artistically and in my next professional setting
-"more valuable" in the marketplace (ew but true), particularly if I move towards creative strategy or even UX/UI over time
I don't take paying for education lightly in today's world, but if there is one skill that would make me a better communicator regardless of my next role and open doors that *might* pay off by leading to considerable financial freedom one day, this is it.
Personal, emotional reasons:
I've been working from home for 2.5 years! While I love the flexibility, it's time for a change, mostly for the sake of my mental and financial health.
If you've ever worked remotely for an extended period of time, you know how weird it can feel to get back into a structured group setting when you have often gone days without talking.
This class will challenge me to get back into working in real-time with others, asking questions even if I'm anxious. It'll also give my weeks some structure, which is something I need right now. I've been a little too quiet and stagnant recently, finally getting my footing back after some painful life events in 2017. Taking this course signifies moving forward to me, as it will be in conjunction with job interviews and a general life overhaul.
The truth is, I'm scared of change/risk in general, and I don't know if I want to be a full-time developer! I won't know until I try. Whether my future involves lots of coding, or simply an ability to communicate tech concepts more effectively through language and art, doing this will be good for me. More than ever, tech needs sensitive, artistic people (especially from marginalized communities) that "break the mold". I definitely have something to give. I contain multitudes, folks.
So why do you need $600 again?
The $600 will cover:
-my remaining balance to be paid to First Step Coding over eight weeks (July 11-Sept 3)
-offsetting the usual GoFundMe fees
-a little extra wiggle room since the course takes up a good amount of time, meaning I'll have a little *less* time to spend freelancing
-----------
I am so thankful for your help. The internet has been my greatest cheerleader over the last year and has already built my career into something I never thought it could be. I am hopeful and excited about the future and am glad that y'all are a part of mine. Thank you.
Organizer
Emily Griffin
Organizer
Manvel, TX
