Empowered by TIIDELab: My Journey to Self Reliance: 4.0

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying relevant and growing as a developer is a constant challenge. Over the past four months, I've embarked on an incredible journey of self-discovery, resilience, and continuous learning at TIIDELab . It's been a transformative period, filled with valuable experiences and insights that have expanded my horizons and propelled me towards my goals.

Exploring the World of React

My journey began with a deep dive into the fundamental principles of JavaScript, data structures, and algorithms. These are the building blocks that every aspiring developer needs to grasp. Understanding these core concepts laid a strong foundation for my journey, and I realized that it's essential to master the basics before moving forward.

With a solid foundation in place, I delved into the world of JavaScript libraries, which are the lifeblood of frontend developers. Under the expert guidance of our tutor, Ayodele Samuel Adebayo, I gained a profound understanding of React, one of the most widely used JavaScript libraries. React is a powerful tool for building user interfaces, and Ayodele carefully broke down its key concepts for us. These included understanding props and state, working with JSX, and the practical aspects of building projects with React.

Putting Theory into Practice: Creating a Todo List

One of the highlights of this journey was applying my newfound knowledge by creating a Todo list using React. This practical exercise allowed me to consolidate what I had learned and gain hands-on experience. It was a gratifying moment, as I saw the code I had written come to life in a functional application. This experience reinforced my passion for coding and provided a tangible measure of my progress.

Guest Leaders Series: Valuable Insights from Experts

TIIDELab is committed to providing its fellows with the best learning experiences. In the Guest Leaders Series, we had the privilege of hearing from remarkable speakers who shared their expertise and insights. One standout speaker was Mr. Lanre Yusuf, the Managing Director of TechSpecialist Consulting Limited. He delivered an illuminating session on "Thriving In The Business Of Technology," offering a comprehensive overview of business ownership and entrepreneurship. His session was thought-provoking and broadened our understanding of the tech industry.

Another noteworthy guest speaker was Mr. Sulaiman Ajisafe, a fitness coach and the founder of "Fitness for the Young and Growing." He stressed the importance of maintaining physical and mental health as a developer. His insights on exercise, nutrition, and posture were especially timely for many of us who were juggling learning, work, and personal well-being. Mr. Sulaiman's session served as a reminder that our health is a critical factor in our growth and progress as developers.

Professional Development Classes

In the tech world, technical skills are only part of the equation. TIIDELab places a strong emphasis on developing professional and soft skills. Mr. Shams, as we affectionately call him, is our guide in this aspect. He continually reminds us that we are humans first and developers second. His teachings on problem-solving, teamwork, negotiation, and maintaining our values have made each session a source of fun, education, and practical insights.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my four-month journey at TIIDELab, I can't help but feel grateful for the growth and progress I've experienced. TIIDELab has been instrumental in helping me develop as a developer and upskilling me for the opportunities ahead. While it's bittersweet to realize that our program is coming to an end, I am determined to make the most of every moment. Growth and progress are not just ideals at TIIDELab ; they are a way of life.

Stay tuned for more engaging experiences and insights as I continue my monthly journey at TIIDELab .

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Written by

Elizabeth Okwong
Elizabeth Okwong