angelikodes

[angelikodes]

Day 01 02

So much has happened I didn't remember to post. Today was not as busy. Still have homework to finish .

Day 01 was mainly about finishing up what we started at orientation...getting our badges and equipment and resources.

Then it was straight to learning about hit github and version control within a group. The main thing being making sure we can work in the same repository without getting in each other's way.

How to fork, clone a repository. Then when changed are made how to git add . commit and push into your cloned repository. The instructor wants us to do this for every assignment to prove we are doing the work in a timely fashion. Commit velocity --our ability to make and commit changes--must be high. It's the same on the job.

Everything zip code does is simulating the real job site so well be better equipped to not only get a job but to thrive.

I'll add more later but it's time to do homework--more and more coding

[angelikodes]

Can't forget exercise. It, too, will help me succeed. I LOVE this website. And this workout is the one I go to when I haven't weight lifted in a week or two. My goal is to touch a weight 2x a week. I'm up to 12 pounds but it's getting a little light. I'll just double the reps until I can buy my 15 pounders. After that it's time to hit the gym because I am not lifting anything more than 30 pounds without supervision.

[angelikodes]

A big lesson I must learn during these 3 months is how and why to connect. Networking is clearly something I have no idea about. I will be all ears and writing down all the notes. But most important I must DO and TRY. Over and over. I must accept today I will be horrible at it. I must accept I'm not as bad at it as I imagine and only need to do it repeatedly and methodically. Over time I won't be so bad. My goal really is not to think about it and it will just be a part of who I am. Connecting. I do it all the time without thinking but now to do it in the service of my career and employers.

An example: I went to the hairstylist last night. And Delaware is a SMALL state, so you know I met a woman who works at JPMorgan. She is the "bridge between business and technology". People on the one side come to her and she gathers requirements. She then takes those requirements to the tech side and the techies create an app to fill business needs. And what did I do? Say absolutely nothing. I don't even remember her name. But I'm here to see the lesson in this moment and not beat myself up. WHY didn't I say something to this woman?

My thinking: * Surely, she doesn't want to talk about work while she is getting her hair done. She is relaxing. * I don't want to sound like I'm bragging when I talk about the bootcamp. * I don't want to seem I care just to get a new connect on LinkedIn. I want it to feel real.

People love complaining about their job and giving advice. I like to stay on the positive side. So possibly next time ask her advice. What do I have to expect working at her employer. Things like that. Next time I see her I'll at least ask her name and remember it. She could be a future co-worker.

This and many more questions will be answered.

I'm excited to hone my connecting skills.

Day 01 is coming up. I gotta be there bright and early.

[angelikodes]

Day 00

Orientation went well. My class seems like a good group of people. I can feel we will accomplish great things as long as we don't go insane.

We met several people who either just graduated or been graduates for years. Most had said the cohort is rough. It is true you are working 80-100 hours a week.

But they all said not to give up. Just push through. Rely on your cohort. We're meant to make it out together. All 10 of us. So, I'll remember that when times do get tough.

We have been warned by students and faculty it is a rigorous 3 months, but all the resources are there if we need them.

We also need to know when to take a breath, step back, and do the things that keep us happy and healthy. I know I'll continue my sleep routine and be in bed by 9:30-10pm at the latest. I don't care what I'm working on it can wait till tomorrow.

I also need a set time to leave Zip Code and either do some work at home or call it a day. I'll probably leave to have dinner at 5pm and come back to work another hour. Or work until 6pm, leave, have dinner and go home. Depends how hungry I am. Weekends I may stay longer but during the week I'm gonna need my rest and sleep.

More tips given by graduates:

Keep track of progress, keep track of your growth (this blog will help with that)

Network, network, network. If you make all your connections during the cohort you won't have to do it when you graduate.

You won't understand everything. You got to know what to learn now and when to learn something else at another time.

Rely on your cohort for everything.

Communicate your problems. Everyone is here to help you.

I think as long as I can get my rest, eat good food, drink my water/tea, and take a lot of walks-- I can do this!

Some things I'll need:

A nice tea/water mug with an infuser so I can have fresh tea or water with lemon.

Business casual dress pants. I have no professional pants. Just 3-4 pairs of black ones will do.

Laptop bag

Faculty has said this boot camp is life changing. And meeting the real people who went through the program and changing their lives for the better makes me believe that. I can feel there was a transformation in the little time the graduates had at Zip Code. I look forward to this change. I need this change. I'm not only here to learn and get a job but break down what has kept me back for so long. I'm going to become that person I knew I would become if I just had a little push and Zip Code will be a great giant push.

Day 1 is up next!