Forem: Timothy

Coding with Others

Timothy — Wed, 21 May 2025 02:39:01 +0000

Pair programming is a worthwhile activity that I do in my apprenticeship. I practice pair programming during my in-class workshops. I also participate in pair programming with my partner for our capstone project. This activity has given me lots of practice working with someone to solve a problem. I do believe I learned valuable lessons about programming and teamwork because of this.

It may seem obvious, but pair programming really shows the importance of being able to communicate effectively. Conveying your ideas in an understandable and meaningful way is important to minimize confusion and ensure everyone is on the same page. Another lesson that I learned is that it is beneficial to ask questions and ask for assistance if needed. Every time I needed help, my coding partners were happily willing to give an answer or clarification as needed. I also learned that coding together is an excellent way to improve and share knowledge with peers.

Practicing pair programming is a superb way to give early-career software engineers some hands-on experience in that environment. Since it is common to code in a team professionally, pair programming practice provides a terrific glimpse into how to maneuver in that environment. Coding with others allows one to develop not only their hard skills but also improve soft skills as well.

Going forward, I think the best way to get more out of these experiences would be to expose myself to more pair programming. Additionally, going into these sessions with a goal in mind is a fantastic idea. For example, one day complete an exercise with a focus on working on your communication and asking questions. Then, on another day, challenge yourself by trying a different language. Another way to get the most out of pair programming is practicing being the driver and the navigator.

Coding Polyglot

Timothy — Wed, 14 May 2025 22:37:14 +0000

Learning about the history and characteristics of programming
languages is fascinating to me. I enjoy learning about the similarities and differences between languages, and how certain languages excel at different things. There are so many languages available that it can be difficult to choose which ones to sink time into. One of the cool things about programming is that the semantics are more important that the syntax. This means having strong fundamentals can make it easier to jump from language to language.

Currently, the language I enjoy using the most would be C#. I like the language because I feel it is versatile. I do like the statically typed nature of the language as well, which helps reduce the risk of errors at runtime. C# also has phenomenal support and documentation. It being part of the Microsoft environment also makes it a safe choice for the job market. I also find using Python to be enjoyable, having used the language to solve problems in Codewars. I also had a class back in college using PHP, and I enjoyed it; I hope to revisit the language someday.

There are programming languages that I look forward to trying in the future. I desire to learn a language that is not as well-known as some other languages. I think this would be a unique and exciting challenge. The language I want to try is Crystal. What interests me about Crystal is its Ruby-like syntax (another language I want to try more), and it's statically typed, similar to the C languages and Java. Their slogan is that Crystal is a language "for humans and computers," which sounds terrific. Another language that piques my interest would be the Pony programming language. The languages appears to take a unique approach to certain aspects of coding, so I think it could be an excellent learning experience.

The User Experience

Timothy — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:00:57 +0000

In a post-pandemic world, having websites and applications that are accessible is more important than ever. Since 96% of websites are considered to fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, this is an issue that requires serious attention. We as software engineers should strive to make our sites as user-friendly as possible.

I am sure all of us have experienced the frustration of trying to navigate a site with poor usability. Conditions such as colorblindness and dyslexia only amplify this feeling. I remember times when I encountered websites that were difficult to follow or with clunky navigation. Websites like these could benefit from adhering to WCAG, such as a cleaner user interface and keyboard navigation support. One time, I visited a site that had multiple bright colors with bright text, which made it almost impossible to read. It just goes to show how important choosing the right mix of colors is!

During my time in college, I was taught that less is more when developing the front-end. My instructor would tell us how everything in the application should be easy to find and read. I carry this mindset with me when I work on projects. I make sure to include features like an intuitive navbar and a color scheme that is easy on the eyes. In the future, I would love to experiment with adding translation features for different languages and colorblind settings.

Twelve Weeks of Growth

Timothy — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:59:13 +0000

Twelve weeks have passed since I started Build Carolina’s apprenticeship program. In those twelve weeks, I learned more about technology and business, I earned a certification, and I fostered new relationships. The apprenticeship has been a very content-rich experience, and I have been enjoying every moment of it. I am eager to experience the rest of what Build Carolina’s apprenticeship has to offer and continue growing.

As I look back to before I started the apprenticeship, I can easily see areas where I have grown. One sector that immediately jumps to mind is speaking up during our weekly workshops. Usually, I tend to shy away from giving my opinions verbally on technical topics, but now I try to share my perspective on discussions we have during workshops. I am elated that I am willing to share my thoughts on whatever subject is being discussed more frequently. I hope to continue nurturing this aspect of my personal development during the rest of my time in the program.

A lesson I learned that I was not particularly expecting was how beneficial having a strong support system is. I cannot recall a time where I had such a large and helpful group of people willing to give advice and support if needed. It is reassuring to know that I am never alone and have a team of mentors who want to help me succeed. I also understand that it is ok to ask for help and seek guidance. I only make things harder for myself when trying to figure everything out myself.

Overall, I have nothing but positive things to say about Build Carolina. I feel as though I am in a much better position now than where I started. I aim to continue developing professionally and technically and make the most of the second half of the apprenticeship.

Halfway Reflection

Timothy — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 01:08:19 +0000

I have officially reached the halfway point in my apprenticeship. It is difficult to believe it has gone by so fast! I think it is a wise idea to reflect on the feedback I have received up to this point. I have learned a great deal about feedback, from my workshops in the apprenticeship to actually receiving it throughout the program. I understand the importance of feedback, so having the chance to practice giving and receiving feedback has made me even more appreciative of it.

Build Carolina does a terrific job teaching us apprentices about the necessity of feedback. For instance, we have workshops that center around how to give and receive feedback. We also talked about various methods of giving feedback, because different people respond to advice in unique ways. In addition, I conduct monthly meetings with instructors and mentors to exchange feedback. I welcome this, because I can use this information to improve myself. I admire how my instructors also ask how they can improve at the end of our meetings. It shows that they are looking to grow just like me.

Throughout my time in the apprenticeship, I have given my cohort-mates feedback. I enjoy telling the people in my cohort when I found something they did to be awesome. Whether it be an answer they gave during one of our workshops or a demonstration day of our projects, I think it helps give motivation and a sense of accomplishment when I give positive feedback. My cohort-mates tend to give me valuable feedback in return. I am glad we are in an environment that encourages growth for everyone involved.

The Technology Ecology

Timothy — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 04:28:28 +0000

Build Carolina’s CEO, Lelia, shared with us intriguing perspectives about the tech sector in our state and how she likens it to an ecosystem. I think her comparison is a terrific way of describing the tech industry. I enjoyed how Lelia described the tech landscape as being complex and constantly changing. Furthermore, my cohort and I ruminated together on what made us want to have a career in technology. Our reflection helped us see the diverse skill sets and backgrounds we have. The discussion made me think about the industry in ways that I had not before, and I learned a lot because of it.

Currently I see myself as part of a new generation of software engineers. I am in a unique position due to being in an apprenticeship, which can be difficult to find. Moreover, I am learning how to navigate an industry that is quickly changing due to technological advancements such as artificial intelligence. I see myself in the ecosystem as someone who is willing to learn all they can.

There are some areas where I want to contribute more to the tech ecosystem. Firstly, once I have more experience under my belt, I think mentoring others would be a rewarding and helpful way to contribute. It would be a wonderful way to give back to the community and assist others who may be recent graduates, apprentices, or self-learners. Additionally, another avenue where I would like to contribute is participating in open-source projects. Open-source projects would be a superb way for me to increase my knowledge. There is also the potential that it could lead to new networking and career opportunities.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Timothy — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 01:52:13 +0000

Being able to work together to accomplish a goal is an important skill to have in many facets of life. It is a skill that takes time and practice to nurture. Recently, in my apprenticeship program, we have been pair programming with each other with the goal of bolstering our collaborative prowess. I believe that this is a terrific way to become comfortable explaining technical concepts to others. Also, I enjoy having the opportunity to work together with my fellow apprentices to solve problems.

Effective collaboration is vital to the success of my capstone project. My teammate and I both understand this and are taking steps to ensure that we are working together to complete our project. We are using several tools at our disposal: Slack for video and text chat and creating a Trello board so we know what tasks we are responsible for. We also plan on pair programming ourselves soon because we believe it will benefit us both. I have worked on a programming project in the past, so I am aware of the importance of collaboration.

Although I have not joined with a host company yet, I believe that the experience I am gaining by practicing will be an immense boon if I do get paired. Our pair programming exercises and occasional Friday huddles give me a taste of how professional businesses operate. Working with my teammate on our capstone project is also another way to continue learning. I am grateful that Build Carolina helps us become prepared for what to expect in the workforce.

Milestone Reflection

Timothy — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 02:50:37 +0000

Throughout my coding journey, I achieved many memorable milestones. I enjoy reflecting on these accomplishments from time to time because they show how much I have grown and instill in me that I do have what it takes to be successful in software development. My first milestone was making the switch to computer technology in college. Before software, I was majoring in something completely different. The further I delved into this curriculum, the more I contemplated if this was really the course I wanted to take. After thinking and researching, I decided to change the program I was majoring in and go for a degree in computer technology. I have always enjoyed technology, so I felt as though this would be a path I would have passion for. Looking back, I think it took maturity to realize that I needed to make a change, and I do believe that I made the right decision in the end.

Another milestone of mine is graduating with my degree in computer technology in December of 2023. Not only did I graduate, but I also graduated with honors and made the dean’s list and president’s list. I look back with pride that I was able to accomplish the program with many accolades. I believe that my completion of the program has given me new opportunities, like being able to land interviews. The program also gave me a solid foundation in software development, as well as general IT knowledge.

Lastly, I consider my most recent milestone to be gaining acceptance into Build Carolina’s apprenticeship program; I am delighted that I was selected for the cohort I am currently in. I put time into refining my technical prowess and preparing myself for the interviews, so seeing that work result in success is an incredible feeling. I look forward to considering my graduation from the program as another milestone in the future.

The Non-tech in Tech

Timothy — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 01:54:58 +0000

"You can teach someone the technical skills; I'd rather hire the person who is likable." This is a belief I have come across on multiple occasions. Everyone understands the importance of having strong technical skills, no matter the occupation. However, what is equally as important, and sometimes overlooked, are soft skills. Focusing on improving soft skills can increase marketability and can accelerate career advancement. A high level of soft skills also helps one become a better team member and can boost productivity in the workplace.

Personally, a soft skill that I think I would bring into the workplace is emotional intelligence. I believe that I have a high degree of empathy, which allows me to understand how others are feeling. This will be beneficial in software development, where working and accomplishing tasks is essential to success. Another soft skill that I have is a good work ethic. This is crucial to have because it shows dedication and reliability, which other team members will appreciate, especially if things get tough.

Friendliness is also a soft skill that I possess. It is much easier to work together when everyone is kind and respectful to each other, and I do believe that I am simple to work with. Additionally, I am a good listener, which is useful to a team, leadership, and clients. It helps minimize misunderstandings as well as make people feel heard. Learning how to code has also strengthened my attention to detail. I understand how important spotting the small details is and how it affects the overall system.

First Day Routine

Timothy — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 02:53:51 +0000

Before beginning a new journey, there are activities I engage in to help prepare myself for success. One goal of mine is making an effort to drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, and get an ample amount of sleep. Although this may seem obvious, it is crucial for me to not neglect any of these. Like everyone else, I function better when rested. Hunger and sleepiness are states I do not wish to be in, especially on the first day.

I also maintain a clear headspace and attempt to mitigate anxiety. To achieve this, I ruminate on positive thoughts and previous successes. Doing this puts me in a winner mindset and gives me the confidence to accomplish goals. I also found that exercising helps in clearing my mind and getting rid of jitters, and while I have not been exercising recently, I aim to start again.

Being a new apprentice is an exciting, albeit somewhat anxiety-inducing, experience. I'm elated that I have this opportunity to learn and try new things, and the prospect of me joining a host company in the future fills me with joy. But I would be lying if I said the idea of onboarding with a company does not make me nervous. However, I want to channel that nervous energy into something beneficial. Instead of allowing the nervousness to consume me, I instead plan to convert that into inquisitiveness and working hard. I also believe it is important to remind myself that I am still a novice in software development. Gaining knowledge and confidence comes with time and experience.

My Workstation Situation

Timothy — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 01:45:34 +0000

A well-organized workstation is vital to the success of any working professional. Whether at home or on-site, having a comfortable space to work is important. I currently use my gaming PC for everything. It is a strong PC that handles multitasking well. I also use a dual monitor setup with a large desk.

Although my current configuration suffices, there are improvements I want to make that I believe would further increase my productivity. My primary goal is to purchase a new computer with the intention of using it purely for work. That way, I'll be able to separate my work/school from my leisure to minimize distractions. Another investment I plan to make in the future is purchasing a standing desk. I hear that there are a multitude of benefits to using one versus a normal desk, such as improving posture, reducing back pain, and increasing energy, so I am interested in trying it out for myself. Currently, I am making an effort to be more organized by reducing the amount of clutter on my desk. I also keep my desk tidy.

Even though the prospect of a new job is exciting, I expect that there will be challenges to overcome. One challenge I foresee is having to adapt to the company's culture and how they operate. It takes time to develop a strong routine and become familiarized with a new environment. I expect that there will be much to learn to the point where it may feel overwhelming. Preparedness and strong organization skills I believe are the keys to mitigating that feeling.

And... We're Off!

Timothy — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 02:36:37 +0000

I finished the first week of my apprenticeship! It was both a swift and intriguing week. I enjoyed learning more about my cohort and mentors; they are an amazing group of people. Everyone is down-to-earth and relatable, and that helps me feel more comfortable during our meetings. I cannot wait to learn and grow with them.

I am pleasantly surprised at how casual the meetings were this week. I understand we just started, but I was expecting the tone of our discussions to be more serious and focused strictly on software development and tech. Having random conversations about what games we enjoy playing, what music we like to listen to, and other areas of life that interest us has been a terrific way to learn about each other and feel more bonded as a group.

Speaking on the material itself, I appreciate our mentors making our lessons about more than just coding and software development. Learning about how developers contribute and bring value to a business was fascinating. I personally enjoy learning about business, so this was a welcome lesson. It encourages me to think about development from a fresh perspective and how I can use this newfound knowledge to stand out. I see the effort and passion that our mentors put into our curriculum; they want to foster long-term growth in us and help us become well-rounded professionals.

To maximize my chances of success, I need to be proactive in completing my assignments. I have struggled with procrastination in the past, and while I have gotten better at managing it, there is still room for improvement. I feel less overwhelmed when being proactive with my work. Another way to help myself during my time in the apprenticeship is to not be afraid of asking questions. I tend to not ask for help when I need it, but I am aware that there is nothing wrong with asking for assistance. Utilizing support systems and other resources offered by the apprenticeship will be crucial to my success.

Being honest with myself, I feel a mixture of emotions as a new apprentice. I feel a slight nervousness, considering an apprenticeship is a new experience for me. I surely will face challenges during this journey. Despite this, I feel excited and blessed to be in this position, and I will work hard to be successful. Build Carolina has an incredible support system, so I will make sure to lean on them if I find myself becoming overwhelmed.