Atlas Achievers: Triumphs and Growth from First Trimester Students!

Atlas Achievers is a dedicated spotlight celebrating the exceptional accomplishments of our students, providing a platform to showcase their remarkable work and achievements within our community.

Trimester 1 in particular is a time of discovery, growth, and triumph for our new students. We shine a spotlight on two students, Nash Thames and Harrison Geahart, who have embraced the challenges and opportunities of their Atlas journey with enthusiasm and determination.

What motivated you to choose Atlas?

Nash: I was looking for something that had real value, not just now, but in the future - not just for the money, but for the experience. In Atlas, I found it all! I'm building a future for myself and my family, all while developing relationships that'll last into our careers. It's the best combination I could possibly imagine, and I spent a LOT of time imagining.

Harrison: I felt it was the best option for me to get started in my new career!

We all had expectations coming in – what’s something unexpected that you've discovered about Atlas?

Nash: When I started classes, I expected to find like-minded students who were equally dedicated to learning, but what I did NOT expect was to find players for my D&D campaign, karaoke buddies, and other friends who are just as enthusiastic about hanging out as they are coding! I was just as pleased to discover how genuinely cool the staff are, too. Whatever you're into, there's someone already here who's just waiting to invite you to a Discord server about it.

Harrison: I felt a little intimidated going in about meeting fellow students and not having much tech background. I was pleasantly surprised at how positive and welcoming the environment is here! It’s a very easy and safe space to talk and collaborate with all of the faculty and students. Everyone is SO willing to help! I have made a lot of friends already, from many different backgrounds!

How has your perspective on technology and coding evolved since beginning as a student?

Nash: I'm thirty-five, and although I knew computers were important growing up, I never thought of coding as something for which I'd end up having any sort of passion. Now - just one trimester in - I'm kicking myself for not starting a decade earlier! Coding is in EVERYTHING, not just my 2006 MySpace page, and I can't wait to see what we can do at the end of our course.

Harrison: I have learned SO much this trimester, but I’m realizing that even professionals are constantly learning new things. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know, and it makes me excited to further my knowledge!

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey at Atlas School up to this point

Nash: I don't care that it sounds like a brochure: my favorite part of Atlas is the people. I could easily code at home, but working with my peers - sharing difficulties, brainstorming solutions, white-boarding ideas, and celebrating breakthroughs - it makes doing my homework at Atlas the easy choice for me. These are people who face the same challenges I do, whether on campus or off, and sharing those challenges is just as important as learning how to overcome them.

You know what? I change my mind. Put that in the brochure.

Harrison: Even though my knowledge is still basic, it’s a very rewarding feeling knowing that I know how to do certain things on a computer that a huge percent of the population has no idea about. It feels very cool to use the terminal to operate my computer, and using functions that I have created myself.

‍Looking forward to the next trimesters, what Atlas adventures are you most excited about?

Nash: So far, our big projects have been recreating the printf function and actually building a simple shell program. These are projects I couldn't even comprehend a few months ago, but now we actively look forward to the challenges. I think we're all excited about choosing our spec - personally, I'm leaning toward Systems Programming... but who knows? The Machines might get me.

Harrison: I’m excited to dive deeper into web development and creating actual websites, as well as creating software. I feel like by the end of the next trimester, I’ll have a better idea of the career path I will be taking after graduation.

‍You've got the experience now! If you were to give a pro tip to incoming students about getting the most out of their early days at Atlas, what would it be?

Nash: That's easy. Hang out with your peers! Join the Discord someone made. Go to the downtown event someone invited you to. Get time with your instructor at Office Hours. Talk to someone in the spec you think is cool. Get stickers for your water bottle. Go to lunch with people you don't know. Ask questions about Tulsa. Find me, and ask ME questions. Everyone here wants to succeed, and they want YOU to succeed, too.

Just get in - LEAN in - DIVE IN.

Harrison: Push yourself to get out of your comfort zone and meet as many people as you can and attend events! It really pays off when you need help on assignments and when group projects come around! As far as course material goes, if you want a head start I would look into basic Linux commands and the C programming language.‍

Your Success Story Starts Now

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