I am behind on studying Python. On the one hand, some of the info is repetitive. I mean, how many times can one read about a for loop? On the other hand, I forgot how to ask for input. I think I need to be more consistent in my studying so I will remember.
So, what have I been doing instead of studying Python? Pottery. I am taking part in a sale a week before I start Hackbright, so I need to get some work done, product made for that sale.
And I have to load kilns so people can get their finished work back. Honestly, I'm looking forward to 9/22 when I'll be taking a break from pottery and focusing on coding.
The other night, I came home and started glazing some pots. As my brush moved, I thought, "This is great! I came home and had stuff to do!" After a few minutes, I thought, "Wow... wonder what it'd be like to come home and do absolutely nothing."
I always seem to be pulled in two different directions. The happiness of having things to do, a project to work on and the idea that relaxing or doing nothing is a good thing. If I have too many things to do, I look forward to when they will be all done and I can relax. If I have nothing to do, I feel guilty that I have nothing to do.
A few more weeks of craziness and then the intensity will start. I really must try to sneak in a few days of doing nothing before Hackbright starts.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
First Hackbright dinner/event
I have decided to blog about my Hackbright experience here on this blog rather than start a new one. After all, this blog is my journey to 'freedom' and Hackbright is definitely part of that journey.
Tonight, I attended my first Hackbright event and I met a bunch of new people, including people from my cohort. Although I felt those jittery nerves as I waited in line to check in... you know, being alone, not knowing anyone, having to meet new people... those nerves. In the end, it wasn't too bad and it was fun to meet the women I will be working with for 10 weeks in the autumn.
It was also fun and inspiring to see the projects that the summer cohort created. Some of the apps were amazing and just had so much depth. Hope my project goes as well as theirs.
I met one woman who was a special education teacher for 7 years. Props to her! But she told me how she is a very confident person, and the first couple weeks were pretty easy. However, by week 3, that's when it all hit the fan. Everyone feels like they are the slowest one. Everyone feels like they are holding others back. Everyone feels doubt about whether or not they are ever going to get the hang of coding.
So, that's something I have to look forward to.
As for the pre-work/studying, I had to go back and review all the lessons I read/exercises I did for Learn Python the Hard Way. After taking a month off, I couldn't remember important details. Still going through them, but things are starting to stick.
I've also started going through How to Think Like a Computer Scientist. I'm actually enjoying this site a lot more than the previous one. I feel like I am learning more. Also, the exercises make me think harder and actually write code rather than just retyping what the author wrote. Still, I think I would have been lost if I started out with the latter. I was half lost reading the intro page on How to think like a Computer Scientist.
At any rate, I'm looking forward to learning more and to getting things together for my app. Time to start designing a logo!
Tonight, I attended my first Hackbright event and I met a bunch of new people, including people from my cohort. Although I felt those jittery nerves as I waited in line to check in... you know, being alone, not knowing anyone, having to meet new people... those nerves. In the end, it wasn't too bad and it was fun to meet the women I will be working with for 10 weeks in the autumn.
It was also fun and inspiring to see the projects that the summer cohort created. Some of the apps were amazing and just had so much depth. Hope my project goes as well as theirs.
I met one woman who was a special education teacher for 7 years. Props to her! But she told me how she is a very confident person, and the first couple weeks were pretty easy. However, by week 3, that's when it all hit the fan. Everyone feels like they are the slowest one. Everyone feels like they are holding others back. Everyone feels doubt about whether or not they are ever going to get the hang of coding.
So, that's something I have to look forward to.
As for the pre-work/studying, I had to go back and review all the lessons I read/exercises I did for Learn Python the Hard Way. After taking a month off, I couldn't remember important details. Still going through them, but things are starting to stick.
I've also started going through How to Think Like a Computer Scientist. I'm actually enjoying this site a lot more than the previous one. I feel like I am learning more. Also, the exercises make me think harder and actually write code rather than just retyping what the author wrote. Still, I think I would have been lost if I started out with the latter. I was half lost reading the intro page on How to think like a Computer Scientist.
At any rate, I'm looking forward to learning more and to getting things together for my app. Time to start designing a logo!
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