Thai Cornelius (Richmond Cohort 3) credits The Hidden Genius Project for surrounding him with a loving and supportive brotherhood, “The most important thing I gained was a circle of brothers and mentors that I could go to for any reason.” In the program, Thai not only improved his decision-making and coding skills but also learned how to become more social because of his peers. “I feel like it was important for my growth as a person to have met all of my brothers,” he said. Now a junior at San Francisco State University majoring in computer science, Thai is as motivated as they come, and is excited to pursue his dream career of working in the cybersecurity and web development industry.
How have you been?
Life has been good. My mom and sister are doing well advancing in their careers and I’ve been busy in school. Over the past two years at San Francisco State University, I’ve been enjoying school and have made a bunch of friends along the way. I’ve also been working for The Hidden Genius Project since October 2022 as a Youth Educator with my Genius brothers teaching young people how to code. These skills I’ve gained have also allowed me to work at SPAAT and Code Tenderloin as a tutor and administrator.
How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project?
I first learned about The Hidden Genius Project when my mom told me about the program. She showed me a flier advertising a coding program which she knew I was passionate about. At first, I was hesitant to join the program because of how long it was, but my mom encouraged me to join anyway. I thank my mom for her support because the program gave me the opportunity to learn new things about myself and coding.
What was your experience in the program like?
I enjoyed learning how to code and meeting new people in the program. Before The Hidden Genius Project, I wasn’t social at all, but being around a bunch of other people my age who looked like me helped me open up. One of the best program highlights was being with my cohort at the Richmond Police Activities League during my first summer. We all bonded and clicked really well as a brotherhood. Honestly, it was just good vibes 24/7.
One challenge I faced was learning how to use the coding language terminal as it has a lot of details and information that required you to study a ton to understand it. Thankfully, I was able to ask for help from the staff and my brothers for support and guidance. Overall, I loved learning about technology in The Hidden Genius Project as I enjoyed creating my own website and app, especially since I was getting paid for it. Dave (Senior Innovation Educator) was a great teacher who broke all of the teachings down and made it easy for me to learn.
Describe the app you designed during your time in the Immersion Program.
Coders Connected is a platform I designed to connect folks who need computer science services with programmers of color. On the platform, programmers would also have the opportunity to give back to their community by offering free coding classes to people of all ages.
How is The Hidden Genius Project different from other mentorship or training experiences that you have been involved in?
One major difference is that everyone involved was African American. I hadn’t really been in a space with so many other Black kids interested in tech prior to joining The Hidden Genius Project. It definitely helped motivate me to continue building a career in computer science. On top of that, the program gives you a free laptop and pays you to learn so that was also a plus.
What specific skills learned in The Hidden Genius Project have been most beneficial for you?
From coding my own website using HTML or developing my own app using XCode, I’ve learned a lot during my time in The Hidden Genius Project that has helped me excel as a computer science major. This program also showed me how to be a leader and what doing the right thing is both as an individual and a team player.
What was the most important thing you gained on a personal level (development, relationship, community, etc.) from participating in The Hidden Genius Project?
I’d say that the most important thing I gained was a circle of brothers and mentors I could go to for any reason. I feel like it was important for my growth as a person to have met all of my brothers, the staff, the connections from business trips; the whole nine. It’s been about 4-5 years since I’ve completed the program but I still keep in contact with everyone.
Truthfully, had I not participated in The Hidden Genius Project, I feel like I’d probably be at a point in my life where I’d be behind. Due to everything I’ve learned in the program, I’ve been able to land multiple job opportunities with other organizations. Another thing is that I definitely think I’d be a lot less social than I was had I not joined because I never would’ve been around all my brothers during that time.
When you imagine yourself before starting The Hidden Genius Project, what’s different between that version of you and the current version?
The version of me before joining The Hidden Genius Project was a more immature person who focused on things that weren’t really important to me anymore. I have gotten a lot smarter with my decision-making skills and the people I surround myself with. Now, I have more motivation to accomplish my goals.
In what ways have you remained involved with The Hidden Genius Project since completing the 15-month Intensive Immersion program?
Since graduating, I’ve received the opportunity to come back and work as a Youth Educator and teach the newer cohorts. I’ve also been a part of staff events like going to Warrior games, the Black Panther Wakanda Forever premiere, and opportunities like flying to Detroit to teach.
Overall, the staff has stayed connected with me from the moment I left in numerous ways. They also helped me when I wanted to start my journey to becoming a Youth Educator. Two people who have been big in helping me secure work opportunities within the project are David and Chris, as they’ve helped set me up with fun job experiences.
If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say?
Trust me, making the decision to join The Hidden Genius Project is going to change your life!
What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses?
Keep pushing forward because you will do great things and stay close to your brothers because you never know when you guys may need each other.
Since 2012, nearly 10,300 students have revealed their genius through our Immersion, Catalyst, and Community Partner Programs, and so many more are waiting to shine.
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