Boot Camp Experience

Picture this. You are new to programming. You went to college or university and did a totally course. But because you have passion for programming you sign up for boot camp. You are going against dozens of very able, ambitious young people. You have to make it no matter what. Do you have what it takes?

You look at those who made it to fellowship and realize that they had what it takes. They went through the same boot camp experience as I am right now. The lessons learned in a season of intense training can be applied to overcoming difficult experiences and achieving goals no matter the era. So here I am on a third day of boot camp. What makes me special?

I came expecting immediate, difficult change.

I knew for a fact that accomplishing my goal will require my current situation to change, and it won’t be easy. In fact, it shouldn’t be easy, otherwise everybody would do it.

I pace myself

Being new to programming taught me to read a lot, practice a lot and interact a lot with my superiors. I happen to have the best facilitator to accomplish this goal.

I learn rules quickly and follow them explicitly

The expectations of boot camp subculture are often not clearly communicated at first or may appear arbitrary. Nevertheless, we have a study curriculum and my job is to learn this subculture’s specific practices so I can function within it.

I respect the leader with low voice.

True respect is earned, not demanded. If you find a mentor who keeps their cool, learn all you can from them. Watch how they speaks under pressure — confidently, directly, and to the point.

Having explored my culture, I am enjoying my boot camp experience so far.