In Nobly’s third interview with CT, we were connected with Empty, a high school dropout. Around the time high school started, his mom got sick and taking care of her became a full time job. With no caretakers around, empty forsook his education in order to care for his mom. Now, Empty longed to gain his education and enter the workforce where he could develop new skills and put them to use.

Last November, Empty left his small town in Illinois and travelled to California. There, he was connected with New Door Ventures soon after his arrival where he began an IT internship. The non-profit helped Empty obtain his GED and also introduced him to Neil Shah, where his latest chance at opportunity began.

When I interviewed Empty, he was finishing up his 4th week of the CT boot camp. He picked up the concepts quickly, and was already working on his own java script game. Although the coding program is only 5 weeks, Empty sees a future in the coding field. “Inspired to give back”, Empty hopes to use his passion for video games in volunteering..

When I interviewed Empty, he was finishing up his 4th week of the CT boot camp. He picked up the concepts quickly, and was already working on his own java script game. Although the coding program is only 5 weeks, Empty sees a future in the coding field. “Inspired to give back”, Empty hopes to use his passion for video games in volunteering.

Short term, Empty wants to attend TechSF, like many other CT graduates, where he can further develop his coding skills and obtain a certificate. But Empty’s aspirations reach even further. Once he gets residency, Empty will start City College and hopes to graduate with a computer science degree.

Reflecting on his recent endeavors, Empty says

“Opportunities are out here you just have to take them and put everything you have into it.”