2: At the Coding Bootcamp

Welcome to my coding journey! Today marks the beginning of a 10-month-long adventure as I dive headfirst into the world of coding through an academic institute. I'm stepping into this with zero experience in the field, but I'm filled with a sense of commitment, excitement, and a bit of anxiety too.

What's on the Learning Agenda?

Over the next 10 months, I'll be immersing myself in the following technologies:

• MongoDB

• PostgreSQL

• JavaScript (JS)

• Flask

• Node.js

• HTML5

• Express

• CSS

• React

• Python

Facing the Anxieties

As I embark on this coding journey, a mix of anxieties swirls in my mind:

• Will I grasp the subject matter?

• Can I manage the assignments and self-study effectively?

• Will I have the resilience to persist even when faced with challenges?

The Learning Environment

My classes will be entirely online, with the added perk of having physical tutor support available on campus if needed. This blended approach, offering both online and on-campus support, strikes me as an excellent balance. Sometimes, having the option to sit with someone and work through challenges face-to-face can be invaluable.

Day 1: Induction Session Insights

Today's class was primarily an induction session, focused on administrative matters and acquainting us with the online teaching tools. Here are a few highlights:

1. Diverse Cohort: Over 50 students joined the session, each hailing from a wide array of backgrounds—ranging from defense personnel to chefs, interior designers to IT support specialists, and more.

2. Varied Paths to Coding: Some students had already begun their coding journey independently.

3. Sharing Our Stories: We were encouraged to introduce ourselves in the chat, sharing where we're from, our careers, why we're here, a hobby, and an interesting tidbit about ourselves.

The Preparation Challenge

The learning tool showcased the extensive preparation required before each lecture—workshops, assignments, learning materials, and pre-lecture readings. It's a reminder that there's a lot to do to stay on top of the coursework.

Time Commitment: A Balancing Act

To succeed, a significant time commitment is necessary—approximately 25 hours of study per week. While I've carved out 15 hours, I need to find an additional 10 hours. The challenge lies in deciding what activities to trim to make room for this vital learning time. Below is a plan - increase my study by 1 hour on weekdays and study more on weekends!

Cultivating the Right Mindset

During the induction, an academic emphasized the importance of cultivating the right mindset in this learning journey:

• Programmers are problem solvers.

• The path to success, in coding and in life, is rarely a straight line—it involves navigating twists and turns.

• Imposter Syndrome is a common hurdle, but it's crucial to seek help and keep moving forward.

A student, attempting the course for the second time, shared two crucial tips for success: managing time wisely and persevering in the face of challenges.

Embracing Failure and Growth

The tutor highlighted the role of failure in learning, reminding us that it's an essential step: "First Attempt In Learning." Failure is not a setback, but a stepping stone to growth and improvement.

Conclusion: A Dream Begins

Excitement courses through me as I envision myself coding away, crafting potentially life-changing applications—at least for me, if not the world. Thank you for joining me on this inaugural post, and I look forward to sharing more of this incredible journey with you in the next one. Stay tuned!