Merge pull request #45 from uit-no/jorn/testimonial

Add testimonial

content/feedback.toml

@@ -9,3 +9,15 @@ text = """
 The execution time for my script went down from 4 weeks to below an hour which
 was really cool!
 """
+
+[[feedback]]
+text = """
+It felt like having a personal programming coach—one who not only knows the
+technical aspects but can also communicate effectively with non-programmers.
+"""
+
+[[feedback]]
+text = """
+If you’re considering reaching out to them, don’t hesitate — just do it. And
+bring cookies!
+"""

content/testimonials.md

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 
 # Testimonials
 
-- *"The Research Software Engineering Group has been of great help to me in
+- "The Research Software Engineering Group has been of great help to me in
   starting to use Git and organizing my code. I joined the Code Refinery
   workshops, which provided a good introduction to Git. In the time that
   followed, the RSE group was available to answer Git-related questions,
@@ -13,13 +13,13 @@
   importing functions via symlink. The sessions have been a combination of
   in-person help and group discussions, both of which have worked out well.
   The group is always welcoming and eager to help with any problems you may
-  have."*
+  have."
 
-- *"I had approached the RSE group seeking help to improve the efficiency and
+- "I had approached the RSE group seeking help to improve the efficiency and
   performance of my python code which was taking approximately 4 weeks to run
-  even when using 8 cores of a server.*
+  even when using 8 cores of a server.
 
-  *The objective was to go through 8 years of data stored in approximately
+  The objective was to go through 8 years of data stored in approximately
   18000 txt files and extract certain parameters based on a set of given
   conditions. Even though I had used python before, I got the opportunity to
   learn about new functionalities and features of pandas dataframes.  Using
@@ -28,12 +28,51 @@
   showed me that is possible to import my own functions as separate modules
   without the need to populate my script with a lot of functions. These were
   so powerful that the execution time for the script slid down **from 4 weeks
-  to below an hour** which was really cool!*
+  to below an hour** which was really cool!
 
-  *Radovan also motivated me to use GitHub, which I had never used before, by
+  Radovan also motivated me to use GitHub, which I had never used before, by
   introducing features that could be utilized by a research student like me
   who uses a lot of data and scripts. I am starting to explore more features
   of GitHub and python on my own now. I am really happy with the guidance I
   had received from the RSE group especially that from Radovan who helped me
   re-think the way I program. I felt that the RSE group members are so
-  welcoming and excited to help learn and relearn new things together."*
+  welcoming and excited to help learn and relearn new things together."
+
+- "As an environmental chemist, I’ve spent years working with a large research
+  code written in Visual Basic 6 (VB6). My programming skills have been limited
+  to trial and error in VB6. When we finally decided to translate our code from
+  VB6 to Python for long-term sustainability, I came across RSE by coincidence.
+  At that point, I had no idea where to start learning Python or how to approach
+  the code effectively. I was uncertain about how much assistance RSE could
+  provide for this daunting task.
+
+  However, my experience with RSE turned out to be incredibly positive. From the
+  outset, they were approachable, friendly, and helpful. They patiently guided me
+  through Python basics and introduced me to essential tools like docstring
+  guidelines, testing, pylint, black, profiling and git. While I did most of the
+  programming myself, they provided strategic advice on code architecture and
+  structure, covering both simple concepts and more intricate ones. Most
+  importantly, they introduced me to a programming mindset—how to think when
+  designing code, what to prioritize, and the importance of principles like DRY
+  code, code smells, and classes screaming to get out.
+
+  From dealing with a massive spaghetti codebase in VB6 – once so convoluted that
+  I had to print it out on paper to trace loops and connections, I now have a
+  more robust, flexible, sustainable and modern codebase in an object-oriented
+  design.
+
+  Collaborating with RSE opened up a whole new world for me. I learned things I
+  wish I’d known a decade ago. Not only did they assist with the challenging task
+  of porting my code from VB6 to Python, but they also helped me become a better,
+  more independent programmer. It felt like having a personal programming
+  coach—one who not only knows the technical aspects but can also communicate
+  effectively with non-programmers. Their patience in addressing my questions and
+  mistakes was invaluable. I doubt I would have found anyone else who could have
+  helped me with the same enthusiasm and dedication as RSE.
+
+  The collaboration with the RSE team transformed the porting process into an
+  enjoyable, fun and rewarding experience. I can’t praise them enough, especially
+  Jørn, whom I met with regularly for almost a year. I’m forever grateful for
+  everything he taught (and continues to teach) me. I sincerely hope our
+  collaboration continues, and if you’re considering reaching out to them, don’t
+  hesitate—just do it. And bring cookies!"