My 2024 Tech Transformation

Embarking on the TIIDELab Prefellowship has been an enriching and transformative journey. Over the past six weeks, I have delved deep into web development, programming, artificial intelligence, and essential soft skills, all of which have significantly broadened my horizons and equipped me with valuable tools for my career in tech.

Week 1: Setting the Stage

The journey began with an onboarding session on June 20th, 2024. This session set the tone for what would be an intense and fulfilling learning experience. Following this, I had my first live class where I set up my web development toolkit. This foundational setup was crucial for the subsequent classes. The week culminated with a Twitter Space session on June 22nd, where various tech topics were discussed and I networked with my mentors and fellow participants.

Week 2: Building Foundations

My second week was packed with activities that laid the groundwork for my learning. Classes held, covered essential topics, followed by team sharing sessions that spanned from June 27th to June 29th. One of the highlights was the soft skills development class on June 28th, focusing on "Attitude and Success: The Nexus." This session was eye-opening, underscoring the importance of the right mindset in achieving success. The week ended with another insightful Twitter Space session titled "The Newbie’s Guide to Tech."

Week 3: Diving into Web Development

The third week was dedicated to mastering HTML and CSS. A live class on July 2nd provided us with practical knowledge and assignments to build our portfolios. This task not only honed my technical skills but also encouraged me to showcase my work creatively. A webinar on July 4th, followed by the unveiling of team projects, provided a platform for us to present our progress and receive valuable feedback. The soft skills class on "Presentation" was particularly beneficial, enhancing my ability to communicate our ideas effectively.

Week 4: Python and Team Projects

Python classes commenced on July 8th, introducing us to the world of programming. Each session, built on the previous one, gradually increased my proficiency. The hackathon on July 6th was an exhilarating experience, pushing me to apply my knowledge in real-time scenarios. Our team project, QuickSumm, a summarization tool, was a collaborative effort that showcased our collective learning and problem-solving abilities. The sprint reviews every Thursday provided a structured timeline for our project development, keeping us focused and goal-oriented.

Week 5: Advanced Learning and AI

Week five was marked by advanced Python classes and my introduction fully to Artificial Intelligence on July 22nd. I was not a novice in AI but with the session held, more insights were taught and my knowledge was broadened. I was excited to be part. These sessions were challenging yet incredibly rewarding, offering a glimpse into the future of technology. The soft skills class on "Storytelling" was another highlight, teaching me how to weave compelling narratives around our projects and ideas.

Week 6: Culmination and Celebration

The final week was a blend of intense learning and celebration. The class on "Article Writing" was particularly timely, helping me craft this very article. The series of Python classes continued, solidifying our understanding and application of the language. The culmination of our efforts was celebrated with a party on July 26th, a joyous occasion that marked the end of a remarkable journey.

Networking and Community

Throughout the prefellowship, the Twitter Space sessions and town hall meetings provided platforms for networking and community building. These interactions were invaluable, offering insights from intellectual minds and fostering connections with peers, mentors, and coordinator. The town hall meetings were particularly impactful, as they focused on soft skills, personal growth, and celebrating our collective achievements.

Reflections

The TIIDELab Prefellowship has been an unparalleled learning experience. From building my portfolio website and a barbershop site to developing QuickSumm with my team, each project was a testament to my growth and learning. The exposure to HTML, CSS, Python, AI, and essential soft skills has been transformative, preparing me for future challenges and opportunities in the tech industry. Moreover, the relationships built and the lessons learned will undoubtedly continue to shape my career path and personal development.

In conclusion, the TIIDELab Prefellowship has not only equipped me with technical skills but also fostered a growth mindset and a collaborative spirit. I look forward to applying these skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios, continuing to learn and grow in the ever-evolving field of technology.