Alumni Stories: Skai (This alum’s name has been changed for discretion.)

Skai’s journey with RC is a powerful testament to our program’s ability to transform lives and open doors to new opportunities. At 31, Skai joined Resilient Coders with a clear goal: to double her income and purchase a home. Her story illuminates how a graduate’s determination can rewrite their life script, achieving financial stability that ripples through families and communities.

Post-graduation, Skai’s career took flight. She secured a position with an $85,000 starting salary, which has since climbed to $93,000, with six-figure earnings on the horizon. “Before RC, I never imagined earning more than $50,000 or $60,000 in my lifetime,” she reflects. This dramatic income growth became the key to her dream home, which she purchased within two years of completing the program, skillfully utilizing first-time homebuyer assistance programs.

The path to homeownership was no yellow brick road. Skai found herself juggling the complex process of home buying while weathering potential layoffs at work. Yet, armed with her new skills and bolstered income, she persevered, turning obstacles into stepping stones.

Skai’s experience sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of rapid career advancement: the psychological and social aftershocks of a dramatically increased income. She emphasizes the need for conversations around “survivor’s remorse” and the shifting dynamics in relationships when one’s financial landscape transforms. This insight underscores the importance of holistic support for graduates navigating not just new careers, but new life terrains.

Looking ahead, Skai sees her tech career as a launchpad for broader ambitions. Her goals include pursuing a business degree and venturing into eldercare entrepreneurship, illustrating how RC serves as a catalyst for both individual and community advancement. Skai’s story exemplifies how RC not only opens doors to immediate employment but also equips graduates with the tools to chase long-term dreams and make lasting impacts in their communities.

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