It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is behind the curve when it comes to fully embracing technology. Just think about the last time you tried to schedule an appointment, pay a bill, or get a question answered by a professional. Long wait times, poor user experience, and difficulty navigating secure systems are considered the standard amongst hospitals and medical practices.
As healthcare continues to modernize systems and processes, there is a continuous and growing need for tech and tech-adjacent professionals to bridge the gap between patients, doctors, and data.
Enter Lila.
Lila spent twenty years navigating the healthcare industry as a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist before the pandemic hit. She left the hospital to reduce her exposure to the virus and, like so many of us, to homeschool her children. Lila is what we consider a home-run candidate. She’s been solving problems and rolling with the punches for as long as she’s been in the workforce. Oh, and did we mention she’s an animal foster and spearheads leadership development programs for the girl scouts? We’re lucky to know her. You’d be lucky to hire her.
So, without further ado, we are honored to introduce you to one of our own, Lila Stone-Porter.
What course(s) did you take with TTS?
I took the full-time course for full-stack Java development. My city offered this course through a program called CodeSHV to combat the loss of jobs due to the pandemic. I felt it was an excellent opportunity to learn a new skill and to keep my mind engaged while in quarantine.
How did taking this course remotely impact how you connected with your cohort and instructors?
I thoroughly enjoyed the remote aspect of the course. It was much easier for me to “put myself out there” while still being in the comfort of my home.
Tell us about your favorite project!
My favorite project was creating a retail website. It was challenging to work with multiple connected pages and API keys. I really like CSS and making aesthetically pleasing web pages. I learned how to make GIFs and icons to use in place of stock images that didn’t quite fit my theme.
How has what you learned at TTS impacted your life?
It is never too late to learn a new skill. I came into the class with a very basic knowledge of computers, mainly using them for checking email and browsing the internet. I gained confidence in myself and learned that challenging your mind will only make you grow as a person. Step outside of your comfort zone. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you are capable of.
What has been the biggest challenge in your tech journey?
My biggest challenge is imposter syndrome. I went to college for a medical degree. I worked for 20 years in that profession and learned new things every day, but I had a comfortable knowledge base to draw from. However, after the short and fast-paced course at TTS, I still lack confidence in my knowledge even though I was able to accomplish everything I was assigned.
What have you learned about yourself over the past year?
I have learned that I can accomplish amazing things when I put my mind to it.
What are your personal and career goals for the future?
My dream job would be a remote position that allows me to use my creativity. I would like to be able to specialize in design aspects as a front-end developer. I am not interested in “full-stack.” On the other side of the coin, I also enjoy database work. Data science is an area I would also like to pursue.
What projects are you working on now?
I am not actively programming, but I am researching iOS app development to make an app geared to healthcare and mental health.
How has your background helped get you to this point?
I always want to know how things work, so if an issue arose regarding a computer problem, I would troubleshoot the problem and solve it. This lead to my basic computer skills and my ability to methodically step through a process.
When you’re not coding, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I am homeschooling my children full-time, but I enjoy working in my gardens and caring for my animals on my homestead when I do have a spare minute. In addition, I love anything outdoors that allows me to enjoy nature.
What is your favorite quote, mantra, or piece of advice?
What you are is what you have been. What you’ll be is what you do now. -Buddha
What is one meal you ate as a kid that you still love and eat today?
Red beans and rice–a staple for any good Louisiana resident.
What does the world need more of?
Compassionate people.
Name a woman (or women), past or present, whom you admire or look up to.
Greta Thunberg
What would you tell yourself fifteen years ago that you wish you knew then?
Learning is an everlasting process. You won’t wake up one day and feel like an adult and have all the answers. You have to continue to learn new things. Don’t become complacent in your knowledge.
