Mentor Monday: Meet Cassio

A web developer at Kiandastream, Cassio Cristovao volunteers his time each week mentoring Bold Idea students at Rosemont Elementary. 

Meet Cassio...

How did you become interested in tech or programming?
Since little kid I was interested in electronics and curious to know exactly how they work. The first time I used a computer, I was really amazed with what it could do. I remember being taught how to draw in paint and since then my interest has been just rising. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to take any programming classes in my high school, but I was able to find a few books about C programming and started teaching myself. But, that didn’t last for long. Well, I guess after that, the rest its really history.

What did you study in college?
I got a degree in Computer Information Technology with a minor in Geography from TCU.

What are you working on now?
My current project is a music streaming service, very similar to Spotify I’m working as a web developer but have designed most of the service itself.

What have you gained from being a mentor? What was your most memorable moment while mentoring?
It has been a really good experience, being able to teach kids how to code and interact with them. It made me realize how can I impact a new generation of young coders and spark their creativity. I really enjoy and look forward on keeping doing so. Everything has been a great experience so I would say just the fact that I’m there and interact with these kinds of very different backgrounds - it's already a memorable moment in itself.

Is there anything that you wish you could tell your younger self about coding?
Well that is interesting - I would say to keep on pursing the dream. Frustrating times will come but hard work always pays off.

Is there anything about our  mission that really connects with you?
Yes, empowering young minds is a mission that strikes me as a great opportunity to pass our knowledge to the younger generation. This is something that I look forward to and something I wish I was exposed to at a younger age.