CTD’s volunteers can serve as class mentors, lead small groups of students through our capstone practicum project, support apprentices in their career search, contribute to our curriculum, and serve in other areas as well. We could not do our work at this scale without them!
Each month, we celebrate one volunteer who has made a special contribution to our community. This month, we’re excited to celebrate Oksana Feterovskaya, who has volunteered as a mentor even while also taking CTD classes as a student! Oksana shares more about her experience:
Tell us about yourself!
I’m passionate about coding and love the creative process of building something new. After a break for family reasons, I’m now fully focused on transitioning into the IT field, shifting from web design to web development. Seeing friends succeed at Code the Dream inspired me to take this step, and I haven’t looked back since. Creating and bringing ideas to life through code is truly rewarding for me.
Why did you get involved with Code the Dream?
I joined Code the Dream to refine my technical skills and to connect with a supportive community. Hearing about others’ positive experiences with the program motivated me to take this step, and I’m grateful to be part of a space that supports growth and learning in technology.
What has been meaningful about your experience with Code the Dream?
The Code the Dream community has been incredibly meaningful to me. I met many mentors who guided me along the way, and I am grateful to each one of them. Their support and example inspired me to become a mentor myself. I wanted to help new students entering the world of IT, making their journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible, and to support them in this first step toward becoming web developers. Additionally, I met wonderful cohort mates, and it was a pleasure working on projects together, building a strong network along the way. My journey hasn’t been relaxing—I’ve been balancing classwork, practical projects, mentorship, and raising three children all at the same time. I’m not saying everyone should do this, but I want to show that anything is possible with the motivation and determination to change your life!
Anything else you would like to share?
To anyone who may be hesitating—don’t be afraid to take this leap! Code the Dream will support you in making that first step. You can start in the Advanced class if you have experience or in the Intro class for complete beginners. Remember, don’t compare yourself to others. Compare who you are today with who you were yesterday. If you accomplish even a small step today, you’re already making progress. Taking small steps, consistently, leads to big achievements. By applying to Code the Dream today, you’re already closer to completing the course and receiving your certificate in just around 100 days!
Several students shared why they appreciate Oksana:
We have a great mentor in Oksana. She is wonderful, tries her best to explain all the materials and provide us with extra info regarding the subject.
We have a great mentor in Oksana. She is wonderful, tries her best to explain all the materials and provide us with extra info regarding the subject.
Daria, Intro to Programming student
Oksana is an excellent mentor! She explains everything so clearly, gives great examples, and spends so much time helping us. I appreciate her work and I am grateful to her!
Aigul, Intro to Programming student
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Oksana! She did a great job at conducting the sessions, and she also always motivated us!
Aida, Intro to Programming sessions
