The GeekGala at LaunchCode

I ended up volunteering at the GeekGala.  Our study space was transformed into a wonderland of tables and chairs, big lit screens, and booze.  Outside was valet, food trucks, and you guessed it, more booze. The corporations that were represented were Charter, Mastercard, Centene, and Allsup to name a few.  Each table cost $800 plus a tug on the heartstrings of the attendees to give more.  I am sure donations ended up to a great night.  There was swag table, donation station, photo booth, and coding stations. My role was to shuffle drinks and food to the attendees.  I met some great people. I wish I had more to say but it went smoothly and was a great experience. 

JavaScript Should be a Romance Language...

JavaScript Should be a Romance Language...because I am in love with it. Corny I know.  Previously, I just talk about how hard LaunchCode assignments are, but I don't tell you how much I love it.  When I was a kid, I used to get a new gaming system every year from my grandma.  I remember one year, I received a Super Nintendo.  Not only did I get through the included Super Mario Brothers game, but I also got to the point where I turned that game to a Halloween scene and was able to play the entire game again with scary pumpkins.  The point is that I had the most fun struggling through the levels.  The pleasure was not the same when the level was easy.  So, JavaScript is hard.  It is something that cannot readily be answered with Google.  It is difficult, but in the struggle comes FUN.

The GeekGala at LaunchCode

I wanted to do a post about the GeekGala, one because I am super excited about it, and two because it is vital to support non-profits.  To get into this party supplied with food, alcohol, and brilliant people, you need $100.  Yeah, I know it is a little steep, but you can deduct it from your taxes as LaunchCode is a 501(c)3 organization. If you are a LaunchCoder, you can get in for $75.  Also, if you are super-tight on money AND are affiliated with LaunchCode somehow, you can get in free if you volunteer.

The GeekGala is IMPORTANT because it is a fundraiser for LaunchCode whose mission is to increase job opportunities in technology for individuals lacking a traditional educational background.  It is also important because it is a tremendous networking opportunity for job seekers and hiring managers.

Over 400 people will gather at LaunchCode's Mentor Center to celebrate hard-working techies. Support of GeekGala paves the way to life-long careers for passionate, smart, driven aspiring technologists while keeping high-paying jobs in St. Louis.

There will be complimentary food truck eats, open bar, music, learn to code station, photo booth, dancing & more!

It's Thursday, September 26 at The LaunchCode Mentor Center, 4811 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, from 6-ish to 11-ish.

To purchase your tickets or for more information, click here.

Beware!! LaunchCode LC101 Takes up a Shitload of Your Time!!

The last time I had time to post was about 3 weeks ago.  Okay, the good news is that there is really only one thing that will get you kicked out of LaunchCode...not completing the graded assignments.  The bad news is that the graded assignments are hard as shit.  The graded assignment alone takes about 20 hours, no joke for the average person.  If you came in with prior Javascript knowledge, it should take about 2 hours.  Right now, I have completed the 1st part out of 4 of the graded assignment with mucho help. The most advanced person I have met at LC101, took freecodecamp.org prior.  It took him about 3 months, but we did a little math, and with just doing the Javascript part for 5 hours daily can take just a little over a month.  I wish I did that because this boot camp curriculum is hard!!  So, this is Tuesday, and I have until Thursday to turn in the next graded assignment.  I will complete the 2nd section today, the 3rd section tomorrow, and the 4th section on Thursday.  Another graded assignment is due by the time the GeekGala starts in 2 weeks.  No pressure.