Student Success Spotlight: Grace Wilkes
We’re always looking to improve the way we teach. To get insight into what it’s like to complete an SC Codes course, we spoke to Grace (one of our most engaged learners) about her experience and what she’s learned.
Hi Grace, thanks for talking to us. Let’s start by looking backwards – what inspires you?
It depends. In general, money inspires me. But I’m also inspired by my family, and by music. I think it’s kind of easy to find inspiration, but when it comes to taking that inspiration and translating it into consistent action? That’s hard.
Where did you start your career?
I have a bachelors in IT, but I’ve done a lot of different jobs over the years. IT, customer service, moderating, sales and digital marketing. I tried a lot, but I was really looking for a field that I might want to pursue properly, and I knew I hadn’t found it.
And that’s why you decided to find a coding course?
Right! I wanted to see if coding, or the software development field, was something I could see myself working in. I knew that I wanted to be in the tech field, and I was looking for a sector that would pay well and allow me to have freedom. Coding felt like a great option.
How did you discover SC Codes?
I don’t actually remember how I found you guys, but I do remember being surprised that the program was coordinated by the state.
And what was your first impression of the course?
I remember being impressed by how neatly the courses had been laid out. After I made an account, I knew exactly where to go to start a class and it was very clear to see how to get started.
Now you’re all settled in, what have you learned?
Well, I was learning software development skills for a little while before I started SC Codes, but React was something I hadn’t had the chance to try. So far, I’ve learned so much in the language, and I feel confident that after the class is finished, I’ll have the knowledge to be able to build an application – or at least know how to get started on it.
So, in addition to the knowledge and tools you’ve picked up, is there anything else you think you’ll take away from the course?
My approach to learning has shifted, I think. I’ve learned that it really comes down to being consistent. I’d started many coding classes in the past, but I lost motivation – that consistent action I spoke about previously – and I just stopped working on them halfway through. But at SC Codes, being in a group setting has pushed me to stay on top of my studying, so I don’t fall behind. I love it!
What advice would you give someone who’s just starting out with an SC Codes course?
If you’re just starting the course, be aware that you’ve got to put in the work. All the material is there, and you’ll learn the relevant skills to help you get into the field, but you have to put in the work to get the super valuable knowledge at the end.
And once you’ve reached the end, I’d say it’s really important to be open to mentoring. I have a daily meeting every day where we go through the material. I don’t believe I would have understood as much as I do now if I hadn’t had the chance to talk about the material after working through it.