The 2018 EduSource Apprentices will be here soon! We’re excited for them to bring their energy and enthusiasm to the office this summer. This year we have three returning apprentices and seven brand new faces! We asked them a few questions to learn a little more about them, and now we introduce them to you. It’s going to be a great year!
Jonny Taylor
Senior, Cedarville University
What is your favorite (non-video) game?
I’m enjoying a card game called Boss Monster, which barely qualifies as “not a video game,” since in Boss Monster, you play as a big bad boss luring hapless adventurers into your video-game-like dungeon.
Why are you studying computer science?
I love being able to make things that do actions “on their own,” and programming provides a low-cost, large-potential tool to do just that. I’ve had an interest in computers ever since I learned as a child how to set up a screensaver on Windows XP. My parents must have thought I was silly for changing the screensaver several times a day, but I thought all of the pipes and squiggly lines were really neat! As I got older, I read books about programming and learned how to make simple games and projects, so choosing Computer Science was easy. I’m also excited by the prospect of using computers as an aid to Christian mission work. Many mission organizations lack an adequate technology staff, and I’ve been exploring what it might look like for me to get involved.
What part of the EduSource Apprenticeship are you most looking forward to?
I was an apprentice last year, and I can’t wait to get back to the fun conversations and teamwork that happen in the office. I love having a job that allows for remote work, but after a while, I really start to miss seeing everyone’s friendly faces in person.
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
Probably sitting as a kid through long rehearsals for two-hour music productions, in which my actual role was limited to about 10 or 20 minutes.
What is a fun/interesting/unusual fact about you?
I grew up on Wisconsin, but I do not enjoy the taste of cheese. But I like pizza. Go figure.
Who most inspires you and why?
I’ve been heavily impacted by a family friend named Brad Fincham, whose combination of humility, confidence, service, and friendliness extends to everyone he meets.
I love having a job that allows for remote work, but after a while, I really start to miss seeing everyone’s friendly faces in person.
Jordan Wood
Junior, Taylor University
What is your favorite (non-video) game?
Dominion (or any strategy board game).
Why are you studying computer science?
I started as a computer engineer because I loved my high school robotics club. I didn’t like the physics, and I loved the computer classes, so I am now computer science, and doing what I love.
What part of the EduSource Apprenticeship are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to the chance to put all the various things I have learned to use, particularly the systems concepts, the most. I have learned many different things, but working on projects that aren’t just homework assignments will give me the opportunity to learn how to put all the pieces together.
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
Written a paper on a topic I was completely uninterested in.
What is a fun/interesting/unusual fact about you?
I kept three bee hives when I was younger for five years, until I became allergic to bee stings and had to get rid of them.
Who most inspires you and why?
My father. He is a senior developer at a company he has worked at for over 20 years, he loves his job, and he is good at it. On top of that, he is a wonderful Christian role model in the way he treats others. He inspires me to be a better person in general, a better Christian, and to do well at whatever I do. (The last part is a lot easier when you love what you do.)
I kept three bee hives when I was younger … until I became allergic to bee stings.
Madeline Pleninger
Senior, Anderson University
What is your favorite (non-video) game?
Euchre or The Farming Game.
Why are you studying computer science?
Originally, I started studying computer science because Anderson University didn’t have a meteorology major when I transferred there. I pick computer science because I had taken a computer science class the previous semester and enjoyed it. After learning more about computer science, I found that it is like a puzzle with thousands of pieces that can morph into different shapes in order to solve the problem. I like trying to sort out the different pieces and finding way to put them together efficiently and in an organized and user-friendly fashion.
What part of the EduSource Apprenticeship are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to the mentoring aspect of the apprenticeship. I like the idea of having someone to go to with questions or concerns. I think it is important to gain other people’s perspectives, and mentoring allows that to happen.
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
Spending many hours scanning files at my job on campus.
What is a fun/interesting/unusual fact about you?
I am a Harry Potter fan and named my black Kia Soul “the Death Eater.” There is a polar bear that sits on my dashboard named Draco Malfoy. I am also taking a Harry Potter class in the fall for fun.
Who most inspires you and why?
My mom most inspires me. She is a kind-hearted, fun-loving, hard worker. Growing up, I would say that I wasn’t going to be like my mom. Now as an adult, I find that I have tendencies that remind me of my mom, and I am proud to be just like her. She is dedicated and has sacrificed a lot in my lifetime. I am thankful that I get to call her my mom.
There is a polar bear that sits on my dashboard named Draco Malfoy.
Daschel Fortner
Junior, Cedarville University
What is your favorite (non-video) game?
I think my favorite non-video game is chess. I like normal chess as well as four-player chess.
Why are you studying computer science?
Honestly, if I wasn’t programming for school, I’d be programming for fun. Why not do both at the same time? I also like learning about new things in Computer Science, whether learning new algorithms, studying topics, or just hearing about new ways to accomplish something. I hope that studying Computer Science will make me a better programmer.
What part of the EduSource Apprenticeship are you most looking forward to?
I’m most looking forward to the work (and the absence of homework!). I’ve heard from other students about how EduSource is serious about things like code reviews, and I’m excited to be a part of a more professional project. I’ve been on group projects before, but none of them were in a professional setting. I’m really excited to get started working on projects.
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
I remember when I was younger, my family and I went on a road trip from Ohio to Baltimore, Maryland. I’m sure if I took the trip now I wouldn’t find it quite so bad, but at the time I probably would have labeled it the most boring thing I’d done. I’m still not particularly fond of long road trips.
What is a fun/interesting/unusual fact about you?
I have ridden in a helicopter.
Who most inspires you and why?
I think I would say the apostle Paul. Paul was willing to stand up for what he thought was right, no matter the consequences. I would like to be the kind of person who lives consistently with what I consider to be true, and who is willing to stand up for what’s right.
Honestly, if I wasn’t programming for school, I’d be programming for fun.
Luke Brom
Senior, Taylor University
What is your favorite (non-video) game?
King of Tokyo. I say this because I lived in an apartment with four other apprentices last summer and King of Tokyo was our go-to game for the first few weeks, so I have a lot of fun memories playing that game.
Why are you studying computer science?
I learned how to program when I was in high school, and I absolutely loved it. I am not that creative, I am not good at art or music, but with programming I could set out and create something cool. Not only is it cool, but it is something useful that either I or someone else can use, which is the coolest thing to me.
What part of the EduSource Apprenticeship are you most looking forward to?
Pretzels and people from whom to steal pretzels.
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
Scanned boxes in a Cabela’s warehouse. It’s about as exciting as it sounds.
What is a fun/interesting/unusual fact about you?
At one point in my life I lived on a Yak farm, so that’s fun.
Who most inspires you and why?
Not to get too sappy, but its 100% my girlfriend. The way she treats everyone (including me) with love and respect really inspires me to love others better.
I am not that creative, I am not good at art or music, but with programming I could set out and create something cool.
Elliot Jenks
Junior, Cedarville University
What is your favorite (non-video) game?
I really enjoy a card game called Dutch Blitz. It is a fast-paced, competitive game. There are no turns, which makes it a speed competition for who can get their cards out first. It involves a combination of hand eye-coordination and real-time strategy, and is great for big groups. Other games I enjoy are Settlers of Catan, Spades, and Euchre.
Why are you studying computer science?
When I was in high school, I was in a program for electrical engineering and manufacturing, so I took very few classes at my home school. My friends at my home school were in a programming class and told me about their projects all the time. I tested out of U.S. history to take programming my senior year. My teacher in that class was great and really got me fired up for computer science, and my friends who were in his class before me went to college for CS. My teacher in my electrical engineering classes did not teach in the same ways that I learn. This pushed me towards computer science and away from electrical engineering.
What part of the EduSource Apprenticeship are you most looking forward to?
I am really looking forward to living and working in the city, since I have been in the country all of my life. More specific to the actual apprenticeship, I am looking forward to experiencing what software development in the workplace looks like, and if it is where I want my career to go. How I like software development at EduSource will decide my track and extra classes inside of my major.
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
I think writing essays for gen-ed classes is a dull experience. I am rarely one to be bored, I keep my brain firing throughout the day and never sit and do nothing. However important gen-eds are, I really do not enjoy writing essays for topics that are not interesting to me.
What is a fun/interesting/unusual fact about you?
I love spending time in the water in many ways that you would not normally think of. First of all, I am a certified scuba diver, but I mainly snorkel. I can free dive down to around 25-30 feet and spend time at that depth. In the summer when I am spending a lot of time underwater, I can hold my breath for around 2 minutes. I also enjoy cliff/bridge jumping and have jumped from a height of around 30 feet into the water.
Who most inspires you and why?
I am very inspired by Elon Musk. His forward thinking and future vision are amazing to me. What he has done for the advancement of the electric car is quite a feat. I am also fascinated by his work with the hyper-loop and how that will revolutionize commuting. His constant pushing of new tech is inspiring me to always be looking to the future of my field. I also admire his entrepreneurship and business prowess, since I am always coming up with business ideas and dreaming of starting my own business.
…I am always coming up with business ideas and dreaming of starting my own business.
Philip White
Junior, Cedarville University
What is your favorite (non-video) game?
My favorite game is probably Ultimate Frisbee. I started playing pretty seriously at the beginning of the year, and it is super fun.
Why are you studying computer science?
I am studying Computer Science because I like problem solving and thinking about abstract questions. Computer science involves both.
What part of the EduSource Apprenticeship are you most looking forward to?
The two parts of the apprenticeship that I am looking forward to are the community of fellow nerds and the experience of working in a team on a real-world project.
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
The most boring thing I’ve ever done is read the entire index of names in Return of the King.
What is a fun/interesting/unusual fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I won the national yoyo contest for the past three years.
Who most inspires you and why?
My dad inspires me because of his tireless efforts to help me succeed. I will always remember sitting in the back seat on long car rides watching my dad be a super trooper to get us home.
The most boring thing I’ve ever done is read the entire index of names in Return of the King.
Natalia Fumero
Senior, DePauw University
What is your favorite (non-video) game?
Poker (Texas Hold ‘Em).
Why are you studying computer science?
Because I want to make a change in the world. But also because of my current advisor, who is incredible an Computer Science Professor and my female idol.
What part of the EduSource Apprenticeship are you most looking forward to?
Learning! From so many experts in the field and making lots of connections.
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
Actually stayed for a Zumba class.
What is a fun/interesting/unusual fact about you?
I’m into both solo clarinet and lifting weights off the floor.
Who most inspires you and why?
Famous: Ashley Horner, a fitness role model of mine. She’s had three boys and every single pregnancy she was able to continue working out (and purposefully so) until she gave birth. Her recovery was amazing and overall incredibly inspiring.
Non-famous: My mother. She’s been through very rough paths as well: migrating, going to school yet again for medicine, and she is currently killing the game. She is also the happiest person ever under stress.
…I want to make a change in the world.
Aaron Cannon
Senior, Cedarville University
What is your favorite (non-video) game?
A board game called Eclipse. It is basically Catan-Risk-Monopoly with a Sci-Fi theme—and that doesn’t quite do it justice. I haven’t played it that many times (and definitely have not mastered it) but it is so much fun and has a lot of deep strategy.
Why are you studying computer science?
I love solving problems. I love how Computer Science uses math, logic, and art to create something beautiful and elegant that can also be used to solve problems in the world.
What part of the EduSource Apprenticeship are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to learning and being challenged and building new relationships. Also, I’m looking forward to learning how to live on my own (I don’t count dorms). This summer is just going to be an adventure, and I can’t wait.
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
I read books and have an early bedtime.
What is a fun/interesting/unusual fact about you?
I was born in Poland and lived there for 15 years.
Who most inspires you and why?
My youth pastor, Josh. Seeing his love and passion for people has really motivated me to be focused on the needs of others over my own needs.
This summer is just going to be an adventure, and I can’t wait.
Dylan Mangold
Senior, Cedarville University
What is your favorite (non-video) game?
I love to play Euchre and Monopoly. Euchre because I can memorize the card that have been played and be able to put together relative probabilities of outcomes based on what has been previously played, and that is fun for me. Monopoly because I love being that jerk that buys everything I land on and forcing everyone to pay up.
Why are you studying computer science?
I am studying Computer Science because I love software development and working at a desk.
What part of the EduSource Apprenticeship are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to returning to the office and getting to work with the new apprentices and my fellow Eagle’s fan, Caleb!
What is the most boring thing you’ve ever done?
I used to have to sit through my brother’s middle school swim meets, and those were always the worst. As middle schoolers, they are not very fast, so all the events take forever and the swimming stands are incredibly hot and humid.
What is a fun/interesting/unusual fact about you?
I love to play disc golf, and last summer I played in a two-day amateur tournament in Dayton, OH, where I finished 2nd place out of 57 in my division.
Who most inspires you and why?
I am inspired by my dad who has inspired me to be a hard and diligent worker.
I love to play disc golf, and last summer I played in a two-day amateur tournament in Dayton, OH, where I finished 2nd place out of 57 in my division.
Interested in learning more about EduSource Apprenticeships? Follow the link to our apprentice page!
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