The secret life of front-end developer Roderick

We present to you Roderick, one of our front-end developers who arrived at our doors at the beginning of 2020. In this short period of time, he has had the opportunity to learn exponentially about mobile programming in several projects, bringing them to life. Hiker and front-end developer, what an incredible combination

Roderick doing home office during the pandemic

Why did you join Hypernova Labs, and what has kept you here?

During the last quarter of 2019, I went to an internship in Washington D.C. My role there was developing a law informative app for a startup accelerator. This began my passion for front-end and mobile programming.

When my internship ended, I was eager to keep learning and dive deep into that newly discovered world. That’s when a friend recommended Hypernova Labs, the perfect place not only to start but to keep learning. I immediately applied for the role of a junior developer.

The thrill of making new functionalities every week for different projects, fixing bugs, improving myself not only logically but as a better coworker is what has kept me here. I will be forever thankful for the great opportunity I was provided.

What are some of the unique challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?

There are many challenges when working as a developer now day. Deliver tasks on time was my first challenge when I arrived. As I was new it took me longer to create functionalities. That’s when I started to speak up and ask for help which was truly helpful.

On the other hand, the possibility of something going extremely wrong when pushing to production a project. Errors that were unseen, unfinished work uploaded by accident, and many more.

As I continually grow and learn from mistakes, great communication between coworkers and clients was key to avoid these mistakes. This has also led to always deliver a high-quality product and see the client’s reaction when it works flawlessly.

What is your most memorable moment at Hypernova Labs?

My most memorable moment here was when the first project I worked on was finally released on the app store and play store. All the hard work from several months that I put into it was finally seeing the light of day.

I was also worried. Many questions went over my head of what I could have done better. From code optimization to unfound bugs and errors. But that didn’t stop me from also feel proud of the work I have done.

In the end, there was nothing to worry about. if a bug was found a ticket was given to us and we fixed it for the next release and the client is happy with the product.

Just a normal day taking a photoshoot at the Administration building of the Panama Canal

How do you spend your life outside the office?

When I’m not working, I always look for activities to fill my time until bedtime. This keeps my mind always be active and not be sedentary.

Generally doing exercise or going for a walk with my dog is on top priority when I leave the office. One of my goals is to keep my weight where it is as I recently was able to lose one hundred pounds.

There are also some tv-series or movies I like to watch while eating or to spend time with my family. If there isn’t any, I like to read books that blow my mind usually about astrophysics (even if I don’t fully understand it).

When are you the happiest?

The moment I appreciate the most is when I’m hiking. There is something to get away from the city, breathe clean air, listen to birds if the trails are in a jungle, or hearing only the breeze hitting my face.

I find it alleviating to concentrate my mind one foot at a time and getting to the end of the hike. The view never disappoints me as Panama has many incredible sights.

Roderick Hiking a hill; one of his favorite hobbies

What are your top life highlights?

In High School, I participated in a debate program representing my school and country in Houston, Texas where I learned how the U.S. government worked and simulated a day as part of the House of Representatives.

Lastly the time I finished my thesis and immediately flew to Washington D.C. to start an internship that 6 month period not only change my perspective from a student to a professional but also to see the world in a different place create connections and memories I cherish.

What’s one hobby you’d love to get into?

No doubt it would play an instrument. Hearing beautiful melodies is one thing but playing them yourself with your own hands must be awesome.

Music is one of the most valuable creations of men to date in my opinion. It's like receiving heaven through our ears. Every note sends harmony and peace-creating a piece of art at the end.

Are you a coffee or tea person?

Coffee is my go-to hot drink without hesitation. Every day I wake up and the first thing I pour into my system is a cup of freshly made coffee. It boosts my productivity; improves my overall mood and I love the taste of it.

I also drink tea too. One or twice a week before going to bed I make a cup of cinnamon tea to relax my body and have a good night’s rest.

What motivates you every day?

Having overall goals in life is a key part of knowing who you want to be in the future. These goals give us reason to keep bettering ourselves. In my case what motivates me the most is the long-term goal of learning the most I can so I can apply them in the future.

Having new experiences and gain knowledge every day excites me because of all the possibilities it could lead me to in the future.

Get to know Roderick and his peers at Hypernova Labs!

If you would like to ask Roderick any questions about the front-end or mobile team at Hypernova Labs or meet any of his peers, please connect with us and we will make sure to introduce you.