Each month, we’re excited to celebrate one of the many volunteers who help make our program possible. Code the Dream’s volunteer of the month for September 2024 is Aipu Ameh, a freelance web developer at ABA Creations. Aipu volunteered as a mentor in our most recent Intro to Programming class. She is great at putting students in charge of their own learning, and students share that her support has been a powerful motivator for completing the program.
Aipu shared more about herself for this post:
Tell us about yourself!
I come from a background in Healthcare. I graduated from undergrad with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science in 2021 and began working as a Pharmacy Technician immediately after. COVID allowed me to reflect a lot about my wellbeing and happiness in the things that I do, and I realized that I was not extremely passionate about my job. I have always been interested in technology, so last year I explored my interest by taking a 6-month Coding Bootcamp in Full Stack Web Development. I have not stopped coding since!
My favorite thing about it is watching a project go from my imagination to reality. I currently work as a Freelance Web Developer, working with agencies and my own personal clients. I enjoy the freedom this gives me and how creative I can be everyday. I never thought I would be a business owner, but learning to code has really opened my eyes to all the possibilities that are out there.
Why did you get involved with Code the Dream?
I was introduced to Code the Dream through Frank Stepanski, CTD’s Lead Technical and Career Engineer. I met him through a LinkedIn group where I and a few others had to complete a Full Stack project. After we completed the project we were given mock interviews that tested our coding abilities. Frank was one of my mock interviewers and I felt like I did so terribly! But he was very kind and even suggested that I apply to be a volunteer with Code the Dream for peer reviews. I decided to take his advice and learned so much about myself! I enjoy guiding other young professionals as they begin their journey coding, and I also have been learning a lot myself. If I encounter questions that I do not know the answer to I find myself doing research in order to better explain the topic to others.
What has been meaningful about your experience with Code the Dream?
There have been so many meaningful moments! I would say the most meaningful part of my experience has been seeing students’ eyes light up when they get the right answer. Or when they have that “aha” moment and what they’re doing just clicks. I also really enjoy speaking to the students and building relationships with them. Each one of them is so inspiring with how much they do outside of Code the Dream and how willing they are to give their time to this program and improve their future.
When it comes to the coordinators of this program, everyone has been so kind and encouraging. This was my first year mentoring, so I have really appreciated the check-ins from coordinators and the resources available for grading assignments and interacting with students 1:1.
Anything else you’d like to share?
For any first time mentors – my biggest advice is to set your boundaries! When I first started I was very overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do. When I communicated this with Reid, he understood and made sure to accommodate me to the best of his ability. You can also do this with your Calendly availability too! Setting the amount of appointments that can be made each day or week can be extremely beneficial for balancing your work, personal life, and volunteering. I would also recommend building relationships with your students! This was great advice given to us all and it really makes a difference in the comfort they have in using you as a resource throughout their journey.
Several students shared about why they appreciate Aipu:
Aipu does a great job of teaching various concepts and keeping me motivated to stay on track. Coding can be frustrating at times, but she is patient with me and is always willing to teach and explain difficult concepts.
— Jordan, Intro to Programming student
Aipu is great at explaining and helping. She allows me to work through my errors and try to figure out the right way to do it while still guiding but not just giving me the answers.
— Nia, Intro to Programming student
Aipu is a great mentor! She has helped answer my questions, clearing out some of my doubts and making me feel more confident. Her explanations are all clear and easy to understand.
— Elzat, Intro to Programming student
Thanks, Aipu, for your commitment to our students!
