Jim's New Adventure

Dear parents, students and loyal fans,

As you know, I have been a part of Digital Adventures in Wilmette since opening in 2015.  In that time, I have worked alongside a variety of students from four-year-old Lil’ Coders to seniors in high school.  We developed exciting technology projects, problem-solved bugs in our code, and built and destroyed robots in the intense battle bots arena.  We have had many great successes to go along with many great challenges.  I have the utmost confidence in the quality of technology education our students received in the past few years.  So much so, that I have made many deals with students that they should give me 1% of their earnings once they become “tech billionaires.”  Most agreed, thinking I was speaking in jest.  I was not.

In 2020, I will be no longer teaching at Digital Adventures.  In the past year and a half, I moved to Lake Zurich, married my wife, Maggie and welcomed our son, Lucas.  I have decided that, although bittersweet, it is time for me to move onto new experiences and a new role at McMaster-Carr.

Even though I will not be around the studio in Wilmette, I am still invested in the technology education of Digital Adventures’ students.  I will still be curating and developing projects that students have been enjoying over the past five years.  I will also still be available to answer questions and to chat through email at [email protected].  

Miki, who has been with us since this summer, will be taking over as Lead Instructor in Wilmette.  She is a very talented instructor and has great knowledge of video games, coding, and 3d printing.  We have been impressed with Miki’s progress as a technology instructor, as well as her dedication our students.  A new instructor is an exciting time, bringing new experiences and new perspectives.

Thank you for all of the support for the past five years.  Without the feedback, referrals, car-pooling and, incredible reviews from parents, we would not be able to continue providing the best technology education in Chicago (and possibly the world).  I appreciate all of the hard work from students.  It’s the small victories every day with students I will miss most.
 
 Thank you,

 Jim Westerkamp