A Veteran Success Story with Blake Donahoo

I started programming when I was pretty young.

When I was about 15, I discovered C. After that, I discovered Python, which almost felt like it was love at first sight for me. In the army, I was a member of the infantry. I had grand plans to go through the Ranger Program and eventually work for the CIA.

I realized that the military ultimately wasn't going to serve my career goals. The time I served definitely set me up for a very successful future, and I will always be grateful for that.

My interest in AI started with robotics.

When I turned 18, I started a small manufacturing company right out of high school focusing on plastics manufacturing. I discovered Arduino and started automating pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders as well as various processes.

When I found Divergence Academy, I actually wasn't aware that my VET TEC education could fund my interest in this field.

The only real challenge that I faced at the time was a scheduling conflict. But since my heart was set on furthering my education, I quit my nightclub management job and dove into my studies.

After the training I got from Divergence, there are now a lot of things that I'm sure of.

I have a lot of respect for my instructors. Drew Minkin is a wizard of a teacher. He's incredibly knowledgeable on practically everything involving data science.