A Wealth of Knowledge

Photo by Eugenio Mazzone on Unsplash

As we come to the home-stretch of our time with the Iron Yard (sadly, as the final cohort to pass through), we choose a programming language specialty. With this specialty, we are deciding a launch point from which our careers can begin.

It is as exciting as it is anxiety-inducing. There are several languages we can choose and, with talented instructors, can learn more if we choose.

Let’s back up a second: weren’t we just learning HTML/CSS, JavaScript. Didn’t I JUST start get my head wrapped around programming logic? Why in heaven’s name would I want to deviate from that to pursue a new language in a new environment? Oh, and while I’m at it start learning SQL for my Back-End specialization!

Listen, I know this sounds like a lot to take in — but don’t worry! I’m also learning the Unity Engine with C# (another programming language).

Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash

So here’s where I explain why this isn’t a terrible and insanity-inducing decision.

In my time as a musician, educator, and with the guidance of our instructors I have come to embrace a certain group of archetypes of learning. Or perhaps it is a paradigm<insert link Doug sent>. Comment to me if you’d like to start that discussion.

Regardless, here is what I’ve learned on my life’s journey and I guarantee it can help you:

  1. Learn as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Don’t settle for learning a little and then taking a long break. Then:
  2. Learn it again. That’s right, all that hard work you did? After a little bit of time (and while learning something new), go back and learn the info again. You might surprise yourself with how quickly you grasp the info!
  3. Share what you know. Talk about it. Blog about it (improvement needed for myself). Pester your friends to look at your work. Even better, try explaining what you’re doing in a layperson’s terms.
  4. Do not get complacent. Go learn and practice more! The moment you decide you know enough, you will realize that the world is passing you.

This doesn’t mean every venture you take will be successful. Lord knows, I’ve had my shares of that experience. This I do know: it is the most fulfilling way to become great at something.

Our time at the Iron Yard will soon be finished we will be searching for jobs and building new projects. I know more — and more clearly — than I did a month ago. Certainly more so than two months ago!

If I stop myself from absorbing more knowledge and practice, this is will all be in vain. Full-steam ahead, folks!

The Ascent

A community of storytellers documenting the journey to happiness & fulfillment.

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Casey James Edwards

Written by

Music educator, software developer, blessed partner. Purveyor of absurd thought streams and very obedient to my dog.

The Ascent

A community of storytellers documenting the journey to happiness & fulfillment.

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