Charting a New Course: Thriving in TIIDELab Fellowship.

There is a well-known adage in my tribe that states, "He who asks for directions never gets lost." This quote perfectly describes how I discovered TIIDELab, an organization that has become instrumental in my professional journey.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of collaborating with a TIIDELab fellowship alumna on a frontend project. As I delved into her code, I couldn't help but feel an exhilarating sense of connection. It was as if I could decipher her thoughts effortlessly, enabling seamless collaboration between us. As we discussed our project goals, I realized that while I was familiar with some of the terminologies she used, I had always brushed them off as unimportant.

Driven by curiosity, I finally mustered the courage to ask her a burning question that had been on my mind: "How did you acquire such expertise, and how can I enhance my technical skills?" She responded with a warm smile and advised me to consider joining the TIIDELab fellowship. At that moment, I had never heard of TIIDELab before, and I couldn't stop pronouncing it funny (TII-DE-LAB). She not only corrected my pronunciations but also graciously guided me towards the doors of the fellowship.

My journey with TIIDELab commenced with the pre-fellowship phase, which solidified my determination to become part of the program. Today, I am thrilled to be counted among the Tech Queens of TIIDELab fellowship cohort 5. The road to this achievement was not without its challenges. I competed against a staggering 7,890 applicants, to 2,599 applicants during the first phase of selection, which was further narrowed down to 228 applicants in the second phase, and eventually to 136 in the final phase.

The anticipation of eagerly refreshing my email inbox, anxiously awaiting my acceptance letter, remains etched in my memory as a reminder to never become complacent. I can still hear the resounding voice of Mr. Shamsudeen, our program coordinator, from the interview, asking me, "What will happen to my tech journey if I don't get into TIIDELab?" Those words serve as a constant reminder to invest my utmost efforts now that I have been granted this valuable opportunity.

It has been an eventful two weeks since the commencement of the TIIDELab fellowship. Our journey began with a strong emphasis on problem-solving, team building, fostering the right attitude, and diving deep into the realms of data structures and algorithms. As we continue our journey through the fellowship, I am committed to maintaining a flexible and open-minded approach, wholeheartedly dedicating my personal efforts to nurture both my personal and professional growth. With every step forward, I eagerly embrace the transformative opportunities that lie ahead.