Continuing in our student spotlight series, meet Chris Carr from the Java Summer Cohort.

Quick Facts

What brought you to Claim Academy?

Chris: Before I came to Claim Academy, I was working 60 hours a week, and going to school part-time. Slowly chipping away at Java. Time was not on my side. I found it difficult to learn everything necessary to continue to be a developer just taking classes part-time. I needed full immersion.

What was your previous job?

Chris: I was working as manager of dessert food truck. And occasionally I would work banquets part-time. At certain points in time, I held up to 3 part-time jobs to make ends meet!

What got you interested in Java programming?

Chris: I've been interested in computers and programming since I was in elementary school, but I never took the time to pursue it. Now that I have a degree and have worked in multiple job fields, it seems to be a calling for me. Programmers write the software that helps people, from apps on your phone to software on your PC. They're services you use almost daily.

What's the coolest thing you've learned so far at Claim Academy?

Chris: So far the coolest thing I have learned has been about using inner classes. I'm determined to make them a part of my future projects!

What are you most excited to learn in the coming weeks?

Chris: I'm most excited to learn more about databases. I specifically remember enjoying my relational database class in school. I like how everything is set-up in relation to one another, and you can query the database using SQL. Then you can start running scripts so you don't have to re-type your queries every time.

What are your programming-related goals?

Chris: I would ultimately like to work for my self as a career goal, but there are steps to getting there. Along the way, I would like to take in a few years of corporate experience and a few working in start-up before I go out on my own.

What do you do outside of class?

Chris: Before Claim started, outside of class I would play a lot of volleyball. I play sand doubles volleyball and indoor volleyball. I also enjoy doing CrossFit.

What's one interesting fact about you that people wouldn't expect to be true at first glance?

Chris: People are often surprised to hear that I really enjoy classical music. I played the string bass for 10 years and now I play the cello.

Anything else you'd like to add about your Claim Academy experience so far?

Chris: Claim has already been an amazing experience and I'm only a quarter of the way in. If you like intense, full-immersion environments, it's definitely the way to go! It's just like learning a spoken language, you have to be in the environment and use the language in order to get better at it.