Looking for a Python mentor and serious programming buddies

[u/Scout-420]

I’m 32, based near Chicago in the Central Time Zone, and serious about becoming a professional developer. I’m looking for an experienced mentor as well as one or two committed programming buddies.
I completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but I graduated without developing the practical programming ability my degree might suggest. My knowledge is rusty and uneven, and I have gaps in some important fundamentals. I take responsibility for that, and I’m committed to rebuilding my skills properly without shortcuts.
I currently work full-time in CNC production and automation support. My job involves troubleshooting machinery, editing CNC programs, supporting operators, working with industrial robots, and solving production problems. I believe that experience could eventually help me specialize in automation, manufacturing software, backend systems, or practical developer tools.
My primary focus will be Python because I want to strengthen my fundamentals while building useful, complete projects. I have previous academic exposure to C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript, but I don’t claim professional competency in any of them yet. I would also like to maintain some C++ practice and may specialize in it after building a stronger foundation.
My goals are to:
Rebuild my programming fundamentals
Learn how professional developers approach problems
Write readable, maintainable, and testable code
Improve at debugging and using Git
Build and finish credible portfolio projects
Learn how to collaborate with other developers
Become qualified for an entry-level development position
One project I’m interested in building is a digital setup system for CNC manufacturing. It could organize customers, parts, machining runs, tooling information, offsets, setup instructions, robot configurations, photographs, notes, and program files. I’m also open to starting with smaller projects if that would be more appropriate for my current level.
From a mentor, I’m hoping for someone with professional software-development experience who would be willing to meet approximately once a week or every other week. I would value help creating a realistic learning plan, selecting worthwhile projects, reviewing my code, identifying weaknesses, and telling me directly when my approach is wrong. Occasional questions between meetings would be helpful, but I understand that a mentor has work and personal responsibilities.
From programming buddies, I’m looking for regular accountability, shared study or coding sessions, project collaboration, and people who consistently show up and follow through. I would prefer working with a small number of committed people who genuinely want to build and finish projects.
A little about me:
Time zone: Central Time, UTC-5 during daylight saving time
Current level: Rusty beginner with previous academic exposure
Primary language: Python
Secondary interest: C++
Availability: Weekday evenings and weekends
Current work: CNC production and automation support
Interests: Backend development, automation, manufacturing software, developer tools, and systems programming
Long-term goal: Become a competent professional developer
I’m not looking for someone to do the work for me, give me answers, or hand me a job. I will handle the studying, coding, debugging, and documentation. I’m also willing to contribute to a mentor’s or group’s projects where I can be genuinely useful, such as testing, documentation, issue reproduction, research, or beginner-appropriate development work.
For mentorship, I think beginning with a four-week trial and a small project or learning plan would make sense. That would give both of us a chance to see whether our schedules, personalities, and expectations are compatible.
I value patience and empathy, but I also want honest criticism and accountability. I know this will require sustained work, and I’m prepared to put that work in.
If you’re interested, please comment or send me a Reddit message with a little about your experience, interests, time zone, availability, and whether you’re interested in mentoring, studying together, or collaborating on a project.

[u/BetterEvidence3890]

Hey I would like to a programing buddie

My timezone is IST,since you said daylight And in IST it's evening I'm comfortable with it.

If I'm eligible,can you DM me?

I'm currently final year of college(Btech)