Over the past month, my experience as a fellow at TIIDELab has been nothing short of transformative. This opportunity has provided me with an enriching environment to learn, grow, and push myself beyond my limits. The core values embraced at TIIDELab have left a profound impact on my personal and professional development, shaping me into a more skilled and confident individual.

I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in a vibrant learning environment and here are some of the essential values I’ve chosen to embrace for my personal and professional growth.

Accountability

"Accountability separates the wishers in life from the action-takers that care enough about their future to account for their daily actions. "

― John Di Lemme

At TIIDELab, I keep learning that to achieve success as an individual or a team, accountability is an essential ingredient. In this fellowship there is no room for complacency; the fellowship invests wholeheartedly in each individual, expecting the same level of dedication in return.

The daily activities at Tiidelab are thoughtfully structured to foster an environment of continuous progress and collaboration. The day begins with what we tagged our "morning coffee”, known as CCAT—an assessment designed to keep our minds sharp and attentive. Afterward, the team engages us in stand-up meetings, facilitating seamless communication and coordination. Learning and pair programming sessions further enhance our skills, and each day concludes with team reviews and presentations, promoting a culture of constant improvement.

Communication

“How well we communicate is not determined by how well we say things but how well we are understood.”

– Andrew Grove

At TIIDELab, communication is not just a buzzword; it is a fundamental aspect of our journey as fellows. The value of being understood, beyond merely stating information, has been ingrained in us through mentor-led workshops and practice sessions.

Every day, we are presented with opportunities to enhance our communication skills by engaging in structured activities such as presentations, group discussions, pair programming, peer reviews and other daily interactions. The invaluable feedback we receive after each presentation serves as a guiding compass, pointing out areas for improvement and offering constructive guidance on how to enhance our communication abilities further. This iterative process empowers us to continuously refine our approach and fosters an environment of constant learning and growth.

Teamwork: Soaring Together as a Team

“ Many of us are more capable than some of us, but none of us is as capable as all of us.”

– Tom Wilson

Teamwork at TIIDELab is not just an idea; it's a way of life. Together, we overcome limitations, explore uncharted territories, and uncover our fullest potential. The fellowship has a strong emphasis on teamwork, community, and collaboration.

In the second week of the fellowship, we transitioned into collaborative teamwork, and by the third week, I proudly joined the ranks of Team Euvola. Euvola, derived from the Greek word for "fly with good wings," has evolved to embody the spirit of "coding with good wings" in our context. Our twelve-member team is led by the remarkable Effiong Divine, with Victoria Iria serving as his capable assistant.

As we forge ahead on this extraordinary journey, we consistently remind ourselves of our shared purpose, fueling our determination to achieve greatness together. One significant milestone that stands out is our triumph in the task assigned to commemorate World Youth Skill Day 2023. This victory not only celebrates our collective efforts but also reaffirms the power of teamwork and the heights we can soar to when we unite our skills and passions.

I take great pride in my active participation within the Lagos fellow community, where physical meetups play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, team bonding, and meaningful interactions that go beyond the virtual environment.

We successfully organized our inaugural physical meet-up, for our Friday professional development class. The session featured an enlightening talk by Mr. Kadir Salami, the visionary founder of TIIDELab, on the topic of "securing your income through the future." This experience left a profound impact on us, inspiring strategic financial planning for our future growth.

Courage: Embracing Challenges with Conviction

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave individual is not one who does not experience fear, but rather one who conquers it."

–Nelson Mandela

In the pursuit of growth and personal development, venturing into uncharted territories and stepping out of one's comfort zone is often accompanied by nagging doubts and apprehensions. Questions like "Are you certain?" and "What if...?" seem to haunt us incessantly. However, as a fellow at TIIDELab, I have been faced with numerous such instances, where assigned roles and responsibilities have challenged me to break free from the confines of familiarity and embrace the unknown.

TIIDELab fosters an environment that encourages courage and fearlessness. It is a supportive space where individuals are empowered to confront difficult tasks head-on and seek innovative solutions with unwavering determination. The fellowship nurtures the spirit of taking risks and pushing boundaries, recognizing that true progress lies beyond the safety of our comfort zones.

In the face of uncertainty, I choose to trust the process of TIIDELab, knowing that growth is not achieved by standing still. Rather, it is by taking that bold step forward, embracing challenges, and the unknown that we truly expand our horizons and unlock our full potential. I eagerly absorb the mechanisms of growth that TIIDELab imparts, recognizing that each challenge, each moment of courage, is an opportunity for transformation and the realization of my fullest capabilities.

Creativity: Where Intelligence Finds Joyful Expression

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

– Albert Einstein

At TIIDELab, creativity takes center stage as the driving force behind problem-solving and innovation. The fellowship's unwavering commitment to nurturing and celebrating creativity has been truly enlightening. Fellows are constantly encouraged to transcend conventional boundaries, infusing their unique personalities and perspectives into every assigned task, recognizing the untapped goldmine of potential within each individual.

This emphasis on creative thinking has left an indelible mark on my approach to projects and challenges. It has instilled in me a desire to seek innovative solutions and explore new grounds. As I observe my fellow TIIDELab peers bringing their distinctive flair to their tasks, I find myself inspired to go the extra mile and delve deeper into the realms of creativity.

"What can we do differently?" This question became our guiding mantra as my OKS team members, Henry Ije, Daniel Omoanon, and I embarked on the brainstorming stage of our presentation. Throughout the process, we relentlessly sought innovative ways to captivate the audience and deliver an enlightening experience. The fruits of our labor shone brightly during the actual presentation. The incorporation of unique approaches and creative solutions not only impressed the audience but also elevated the overall standard of our performance to new heights.

Technical Skills: Empowering the Path to Mastery

“Where there is the necessary technical skill to move mountains, there is no need for the faith that moves mountains.”

— Eric Hoffer

Technical skills form the bedrock upon which we construct all other knowledge, and the fellowship's emphasis on these skills has played a pivotal role in shaping my expertise.

We commenced the fellowship with a comprehensive understanding of data structures and algorithms, this has contributed immensely to me honing my ability to create scalable and clean code. My knowledge of Big O notation has also provided me with a powerful tool to evaluate code efficiency more effectively.

By the third week, we began exploring the markup language HTML and stylesheet language CSS, and I enthusiastically started applying my knowledge by building diverse projects. These endeavors not only reinforced my technical acumen but also provided a platform to showcase my capabilities as a proficient coder. This progressive journey has empowered me with the confidence to tackle complex challenges and embrace new horizons within the realm of technical expertise.

Below are links to some of my projects:

Conclusion: A Journey of Growth and Discovery.

In conclusion, TIIDELab has not only equipped me with technical skills but has also instilled in me the courage to embrace change and the creativity to imagine new possibilities. As I continue to trust the process and engage wholeheartedly, I know this fellowship will shape me into an even more capable and versatile individual. The bumpy smooth ride continues, and I am excited about what the future holds.

I eagerly await to share my experiences as the fifth Head of House in my upcoming write-up.

A Transformative Month at TIIDELab Fellowship: Embracing Growth and Creativity