At Code the Dream, we’re grateful to have a dedicated group of software developer volunteers who help make our work a success. Volunteers lead mentor sessions, review class assignments, work with our apprentices and students on real-world projects, and lead our weekly Skill-IT professional development sessions.
Some of our volunteers go above and beyond, and we’re excited to honor one of them this month.
CTD’s volunteer of the month for April is Jamie Bort! Thank you, Jamie!
We spoke with Jamie about volunteering at Code the Dream.
Tell us a little about yourself.
After enrolling in classes at five different universities, I finally obtained a four-year degree in Mathematics. During that (often frustrating) journey, I changed my major from Engineering Science to Music Performance and finally to Applied Mathematics.
I obtained a job as a land surveyor for the North Carolina Department of Transportation surveying the infrastructure at railroad and highway crossings. From there, I drafted railroad crossings for a civil engineering firm before finally enrolling in a software bootcamp.
I started freelancing before joining a dev team in a large consulting firm. Since leaving that company, I have been preparing to move to Mexico, where I plan on interviewing for work again. Last week, I obtained a Mexican visa which will allow me to remain there for four years. I love to travel and, to be honest, I am searching for my home.
Why did you get involved with Code the Dream?
It is very personal for me. I have struggled with every step of my career. If it wasn’t with the raw skills, it was with the direction I was headed — “is this where I want to go?” “Is this what I want to do?” I am trying to be the person for others that I still need to guide me in this rewarding but very challenging life.
What has been meaningful about your experience with Code the Dream?
Not coincidentally, my colleagues at Code the Dream have been extremely supportive and patient with everyone else involved in it. We’re all working towards a common goal of lifting everyone up; providing opportunities for others to succeed in life in a field that is difficult to break into. There is a lot to manage and coordinate. And a lot of room for miscommunication, finger pointing, missed deadlines. Yet none of those things occur. My colleagues are exceptionally professional and kind. Code the Dream seems to be a well-oiled machine. I do not take that for granted.
CTD Students Share Thanks for Jamie
Jamie is a fantastic teacher and one of the most patient people I know. He is always willing to sacrifice his time and help out whenever he can. He has helped me many times to understand complex JavaScript concepts that I thought I could never understand. My favorite thing about Jamie is that he always tries to check up on his students to ensure that we’re doing okay and not struggling with learning. We’re so lucky to have him!
Victoria T., Intro to Programming Student
“Jamie has been my go-to Mentor. Jamie “communicates” in a way that I can understand. He is also consistent. I appreciate his help in getting me this far into the program. Jamie rocks!!!”
Mackenzie S., Intro to Programming Student
“Jamie has been such an amazing help throughout my whole journey of coding. He helped me become comfortable with GitHub — if it wasn’t for him I’d still be trying to compare my branch to Code the Dream’s main branch!”
Kenneth D., React Student
“Jamie is excellent. He not only breaks everything down to where you understand the concepts, he also shows you how to actually research so that you can read and understand what you are reading from credible sources. His patience is unbelievable and I would not have understood some of the JavaScript fundamentals if it were not for Jamie.”
CasSundra S., Intro to Programming Student
“Jamie is always willing to help. He gives more than you ask. He takes the time to teach. Even if he is not around, he’ll circle back to make sure you got the help you needed. He’s a great asset to the CTD family!”
Tisha D., Intro to Programming Student