Utilising your journal findings and the high-level overview of the Core learnings you have covered in Foundations - answer each of the following questions:
What are three new things you have learnt about yourself and your ego due to the core learning?
- My self-belief and self-doubt run remarkably deep. Despite this incredible opportunity to join a bootcamp and transform my life, I've found myself grappling with self-doubt and engaging in unnecessary comparisons with others. It's as if I constantly place myself at a lower level, questioning my abilities even after completing challenges successfully.
- I have an insatiable desire to excel and be recognized for my efforts. The need for external validation often lingers, and I'm frequently haunted by doubts about whether I genuinely grasp a concept or skill. It's a perpetual quest for self-assurance.
- I thought I had a growth mindset, but it appears I have more to explore in this area. This revelation has been unsettling because I thought I was making significant progress in personal growth and self-improvement.
What are the role of values, empathy, and self-awareness in learning and programming?
Regarding values, I've noticed that my commitment to honesty and helpfulness sometimes has its drawbacks. Self-doubt creeps in, leading to constant comparisons with others. My honesty can also make me overly reliant on seeking permission from others. Empathy-wise, I wish I could extend the same compassion to myself as I do to others. Believing in myself is an ongoing challenge, and I'm working on being more understanding and supportive during moments of self-doubt. Self-awareness is a strength of mine, perhaps even to a fault. Now, I'm striving to channel this self-awareness more positively, shifting from dwelling on negatives to fostering positive self-reflection and growth.
What has surprised you the most about the core learning?
What truly surprised me was the inclusion of core learning in this programming course. It's heartening to see a curriculum that recognizes the human aspect alongside technical skills. The recommendation of journaling and meditation as tools for programmers was particularly unexpected but highly beneficial. It taps into the emotional and less rational aspects of learning, which may seem incongruent with the logic-driven world of programming but is undeniably valuable.
What were the most challenging aspects of the core learning?
The most demanding aspect of core learning has been maintaining the commitments I outlined for myself. Although I've successfully adhered to my morning meditation and journaling routine, I've struggled with other aspects, such as connecting with nature as planned. Additionally, I believe there's room for improvement in my journaling, as I often remain at the surface level rather than delving into deeper reflections.
Why do you think we, a programming school, are spending so much time focusing on core learning in a web development Bootcamp course?
The focus on core learning is essential because programming is not solely about writing code; it encompasses the individuals behind the code. Factors like emotional well-being, problem-solving abilities, and resilience profoundly impact a programmer's success. Integrating tools that address these human elements prepares students for the multifaceted challenges of real-world programming. By emphasizing core learning, the school ensures that students become well-rounded and adaptable developers.
Does the time you spent studying core learning here feel like a waste of time? Should you have just used that time to practise programming instead? Justify your answer.
Absolutely not. The time invested in core learning has been invaluable. While it has presented its share of challenges, it has been an essential part of my journey. Core learning has provided profound insights into my thought processes and behaviors, directly influencing my programming journey. Understanding how I approach challenges and how to channel self-doubt into growth enhances my capacity to learn and apply programming skills effectively. So, far from being a futile endeavor, it has been an enriching, albeit occasionally challenging, experience.