Rachelle Trotman – 2019 Calico Challenge Participant

Today we feature Rachelle Trotman one of our 2019 Calico Challenge participants.  Rachelle is from Barbados and is participating this year through our international partner Automattic.

My name is Rachelle Trotman and I am from one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands surrounded by golden sands and crystal blue waters. This island is Barbados. While my life in the gem of the Caribbean Sea has been nothing short of amazing, I chose to leave to pursue a degree in Computer Science at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Jamaica.

I live in code; coding computer programs has been a way of expressing myself. It is satisfying to be able to command a program to do what I want it to do using languages such as python, java and c, just to name a few. There is much zest in knowing that I can use something I am passionate about to solve a problem or fulfill a societal need.

Most areas of Computer Science intrigue me but my top three areas are Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Language Processors. Soon, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in Computer Science in Europe. My goal is to have a successful career in computing and in doing so, I hope to use all the skills I would have garnered to impact lives regionally and internationally, through both charitable organizations and my substantive career.

I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a participant in the Calico Challenge 2019, specifically with Automattic. I look forward to everything it has to offer.

Tevon Davis – 2019 Calico Challenge Participant

Today we feature Tevon Davis one of our 2019 Calico Challenge participants.

My name is Tevon Davis a young web developer from Spanish Town, St Catherine pursuing his computer science degree. I began coding in late 2014 before I was a graphic designer which transitions to what I mostly dabble in when coding as a hobby which along side reading are two of my favourite past times.

My interests include data visualization, WebGl, Web assembly, Progressive Web Apps, Graphql and Micro-services as of current or just all things web related. I believe that the web is the most accessible and open platform for software to be delivered to end users and I’m always looking out for the next best thing in the browser or web community.

I’ve only recently been involved in the open source community as a developer, from what I’ve experienced there are a lot of amazing software that we really on everyday powered by open-source communities, working with open-source gives us all a chance to grow even further and be apart of something great and rewarding whatever your field from AI to AR, as such I’m grateful to the Palisadoes Foundation for providing me and many other young Jamaicans with a gateway to the world open-source. If your reading this early 2020 be sure to apply.

Dimitri Johnson – 2019 Calico Challenge Participant

Today we feature Dimitri Johnson one of our 2019 Calico Challenge participants.

I’m Dimitri Johnson, from St. Catherine in Jamaica. My Alma Mater Glenmuir High school was where I first got a feel for Computer Science. If i’m being honest it left a bad taste in my mouth the time round. That’s explains why i spent my first two years of university studying industrial engineering. At the end of those two years though i had something of an epiphany and I am now a proud student of computing at the University of the West Indies. I could write a lot about the inadequacies of Jamaica’s education system, and at one point i would have, but I’m of the opinion that it the responsibility to improve it lies with us, the students.

My current interests include the field of machine learning and AI. My hope is gain the expertise to then use this technology to improve my country’s economic situation. And this is likely the the best time to be entering the industry, taking into consideration the recent advancements that have been and continue being made frequently. And also to apply my skills wherever possible that can be of great impact.

Phillip Llewellyn – 2019 Calico Challenge Participant

Today we feature Phillip Llewellyn one of our 2019 Calico Challenge participants.

Phillip Llewellyn Biography. My name is Phillip Llewellyn. I am a first-year student of the University of the West Indies, Mona pursuing my Bachelor of science degree in Computer Science. I am a past student of the Calabar High. I was intrigued by computers and technology ever since I was young. However, my first step in achieving my dream was made in grade 9 when I started to teach myself the C language. Currently, I am 20 years-old growing software developer with a passion for technology and innovation. I am inquisitive about learning and trying new ideas and methods. My passion for software developing is fueled by its inventive potential without being super rigorous and ability to be done by anyone. One of my biggest dreams is to ultimately create the world leading software development company based in Jamaica. It would develop software that is accessible and useful for young developers and businesses.

Additionally, I would like to venture into robotics and artificial intelligence. Otherwise from the negative connotations, I believe that robotics although not new with the help of artificial intelligence would play a vital role in our future. I believe instead of being a replacement, it should be more of an assistant to help us humans in areas we may fall. I coached the Calabar robotics as well as the Jamaican National robotics team in 2018 and 2019 and was a member of the National Team in 2017. These experiences taught me many valuable lessons and enlighten my views on the usefulness of robotics. AI and Robotics are getting better every year and I will try to keep myself up to speed while pulling the younger ones with me. Eventually being able to reduce the casualties experienced by workers who risk their lives every day.

Most of all I believe Open sourcing is utmost important. I was introduced to contributing to open source through working with Drupal, and from ever since I had liked it. Otherwise from helping to create a free software or getting access without paying a cent, the chance to be able to contribute to something big no matter how small your help gives a surreal feeling. I was selected to be one of the interns for the 2019 Palisadoes Calico and I am grateful for the opportunity. I am excited to be able to help all summer on a project that may become useful for someone, maybe for the next big Google.

Javier Bryan – 2019 Calico Challenge Participant

Today we Javier Bryan one of our 2019 Calico Challenge participants.

My name is Javier Bryan, an aspiring robotics engineer. I attended Glenmuir High School and I am currently a first year student attending the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Electronics.

I am very grateful to be selected to be a student participant in the fourth annual Calico Challenge. I have always had a passion for computer programming ranging from embedded systems programming to game development and also mobile and web development. I was very excited when I got word of a program that seeks to promote growth and allow students to gain valuable experience in the field during the summer holiday. This will be my first time participating in and contributing to an open source project and I really look forward to the experience.