4 Tips on Tackling Javascript for the First Time!

Derick Castillo
Sep 9, 2018 · 4 min read
Gotta love those lightbulb moments!!!

I’m halfway through my coding bootcamp and I can’t believe how much Javascript I’ve learned in 2 weeks! Having never learned this language before, this was no easy task. I’ve learned more than just the language, I’ve learned how to struggle well, how to study in a way that works for me, how to deal with stress better, and how to keep learning even when I keep failing and it feels like I’m not progressing.

1. Getting Used to Being Uncomfortable

What the heck, Javascript?!!!

So much easier said than done! I remember being told early on that learning a new language is hard and that you have to get used to being uncomfortable. You’re going to make mistakes, misuse things, and get it wrong several times…but then you’ll start getting it right too. Progress will sometimes be a flat line, but then it might be up and down like a roller coaster. There were many times I hated being uncomfortable and became very frustrated, but I remember being told that the “uncomfortable” place is where you learn. It’s where you get stretched and challenged the most, and if you can stick with it, you’ll grow. So even though my functions were failing, I forgot semicolons, and I couldn’t understand how to properly append my elements, I stuck with it, eventually figured it out, and with enough repetition, it became second nature.

2. Embracing Study Groups…but Avoiding Them Too!

I need you, but I don’t need you!

At first I exclusively only wanted to study in groups. I wanted to be able to learn from others and have strength in numbers. But then I started to see that I also needed time to struggle with the material myself and figure it out on my own. In fact, I found that I needed more moments like that where I learn on my own. While a group setting can be helpful sometimes, there’s also the possibility that you won’t be able to struggle and learn it on your own because someone else already knew the answer, quickly went through it, then moved on. There’s also the possibility of the group moving too slow or too fast and it’s not always a perfect flow every time. To summarize, I personally lean towards more self study, utilizing study groups if I know the direction they’re going and believe that I would actually benefit from it.

3. How to Deal With Stress Better

I’m a sucker for sunrises!!!

There was so much information to take in and learn. So many small projects, labs, and it was overwhelming at times. Not to mention, getting used to messing up and trying to understand all the major concepts. I had moments where it was hard to sleep and moments where I just felt overwhelmed and stressed. I knew I had to manage my stress or I’d go crazy. REST and RELAXATION! That’s the best way I can answer this. I needed to get adequate rest and I needed to do whatever works for me in regards to relaxing. So for me it was exercise, listening to music, taking breaks with friends, and enjoying the sunrises I was fortunate to see every morning. I was able to relax and rest and that was very helpful to my self care. It might look different for someone else, but do whatever is necessary to relax and get rest…you’re gonna need it after all that coding!

4. How to Get Better at It

From PlankClub squats to this!

Every time I asked others how I can get better at Javascript, they basically all said the same thing in different ways…just keep building stuff! Keep using it! I had several small projects to keep me busy and when I encountered something that didn’t make sense, I re-watched recorded lectures, looked at my notes, asked someone, or reviewed the online docs. When I had lectures or labs, I tried to code along so that I’d get used to the syntax and how it works. Ultimately, it’s the constant repetition of coding out small projects that helped solidify major JS concepts and led to my passing my major JS exam!

Derick Castillo

Written by

Data Driven Investor

from confusion to clarity, not insanity

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