Daniela's Blog

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Let's talk about my Learning Plan!

In this blog I'm going to talk about why it's important to have a learning plan and I'm trying to write my own personal plan. Since this is only the beginning of my learning journey, I'm fully expecting this plan to change and evolve.

My Learning Plan for Bootcamp

Long term goal or career pathway

My goals haven't changed since the beginning of foundations.

Strengths and limitations in the learning context

Strengths:


Another strength I've discovered is that I'm totally in the zone when I enjoy what I'm doing. I never felt like giving up during foundations. I loved doing the challenges.


Limitations:


I haven't really discovered any other limitations. My fluctuating self-esteem might get in the way on some days.

Human skills I would like to develop

This remains unchanged since the beginning of foundations. I also hope to be able to stop compare myself to others. And I would like to loose my worries about pair programming.

My commitment to how I will manage my workload and where and when to seek help

This also remains unchanged. But I really have to remind myself to do the daily medetation. During foundations I realised that I tend to forget about it when I'm super focused. I loose track of time when working on a problem. I want to set a timer going forward and reach out for help after 15 minutes.

What do I expect from the facilitation team

Pretty much the same as in foundations. I was very happy with the team and am sure that the support is going to stay awesome.

My Learning Plan for Foundations

I've committed to this journey. To hold myself accountable, I tried to write down my learning plan. It helps having your thoughts in writing. It makes them more real and you can always go back to them.

Long term goal or career pathway

My dream is to work as flexibly as I want. I want a career where it doesn't matter where in the world I'm located. I wish to have a career that provides me with lots of job opportunities no matter in which country I choose to live in. But most of all I want to have a sense of purpose, be happy with what I do and feel joy and satisfaction. I'm certain that the path I chose is the right one for me.

Strengths and limitations in the learning context

Strengths:


  • I'm very passionate if the subject grasps my interest. This is the first time I feel truly passionate about learning something new.

  • I'm an empathizer. People tend to open up to me fairly quickly and turn to me if they need someone to talk to. I like to make sure that everyone feels included. I can also sense if someone isn't doing well and I will check up on them.

  • I'm a self-believer. I don't think about what the future holds and know deep down that I will get through no matter what.

Limitations:


  • I'm not good with conflicts. In fact, I try to avoid them. Sometimes I don't speak my mind just for the sake of peace. That's very frustrating.

  • I'm an introvert. I have to work extra hard for my voice to be heard. Especially in groups with extroverts. I don't like being put on the spot. I need time for myself first to think about a topic.

  • I have a fluctuating Self-Esteem. Some days I feel great about myself and feel very proud of my achievements. But every so often I have this inner voice telling me I don't have what it takes. I take criticism (not the constructive one) very hard and tend to believe the naysayers.

Human skills I would like to develop

  • How to deal with conflicts. I know that conflicts aren't necessarily bad and I know that conflict is needed in order to grow as an individual or as a team. But I think I've just never been in an environment with high psychological safety.

  • Learn to speak up for myself and make sure my voice is being heard.

  • How to be part of a developer team and how to think more like a programmer.

My commitment to how I will manage my workload and where and when to seek help

  • I will treat this program like a job. It's what I've been doing so far. I get up at the same time every morning and do my morning routine. I start work at the same time every day. I have a great office setup at home which is a space I love being in.

  • I will make sure to take enough breaks and go out for fresh air every day.

  • If things start building up and are starting to get to me I will take a break and go for a quick walk. I will reach out to my husband or talk to some of my fellow students and will also reach out to my facilitator. I will also try to help other students if I sense that they are struggling.

What do I expect from the facilitation team

  • To create a safe environment for us where it is ok and encouraged to show some vulnerability and to ask for help.

  • Maybe to have an extra ear open at the check-ins to listen for signs if someone is struggling but doesn't really speak it out.

  • To talk about their own bootcamp experience and their struggles. It helps to hear it from other people who went through it and succeeded even though it was tough.

Blockout times

It's just my husband and I :-) So I don't really have other "responsibilities". I will blockout my lunch time and will try my hardest not to do any work during this time. And I don't want to start earlier than 8.30am so that I have the early mornings for myself to do yoga etc.