Andela Learning Community(ALC) 2.0 made it possible!
I used to tell myself that writing codes and programs was the most difficult thing one could ever do and I most times wonder how those people who are already excelling in the field made it to be where they are. In fact, I practically kept telling myself that I could never succeed in that path, hence, scared away from it even when I had a handful of friends who encouraged me to give it a try.
I knew nothing about Andela Learning Community(ALC) until a friend who was a participant in ALC 1.0 introduced me to it and urged me to apply. However, since I did not have the chance to apply then, she promised to let me know when application for the second one would start so I could register. I was excited, but at the same time not sure I would be able to do it. But one thing was that amidst my fear, I wanted to learn, to be part of a team, a community that proffer solution to problems. When the application was open, I registered and took the assessment test. My result was sent and later a mail that I was not chosen, and that was very disappointing. They however offered an alternative to register on what they call Custom Program, I just had to do it, even when my interest in ALC Program was totally gone.
Several weeks and I heard nothing from them then after a while I got a mail that the Custom Program was actually kick-starting. I did not know how neither where to start from. But as time went on, through the help of my co-learners on the slack work space, I was able to get an head-way on the next step to take. Somehow, I was a little bit reluctant because I felt that it was not the main ALC 2.0 I hoped to be part of. But as SAM ESIDEM, my mentor would say
“It is not where you are that matters, it is about the knowledge you get and the fact that you are learning”.
From the misbehavior of my IDE to my system breaking down and even losing my phone during the period, all these did not stop me as I thought it would.
I completed the courses and submitted before the deadline. most excitingly, I was added to the ALC awaiting list and then the main ALC 2.0, wow!
As my final project, I made a simple quiz app called NG.TECH. The questions explore some key technological aspects in Nigeria. I remember in 2015, I never knew there was anything like the world of tech in Nigeria not until I came in contact with one of the technological hubs in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State which is Start Innovation Hub. Before then the only knowledge I had about technology was the phone and computers we use, nothing more. So I decided to build this app to provide a background knowledge.
Several times in the course of the program I have had the feeling of giving up, but the fact that I thought it was difficult made me hold on and want to succeed in it at all cost. I love daring. And anything that stops me dreaming, that is what I strive to become because I believe anyone’s fortune is in the things he is so much afraid of doing.
THINGS I LEARNT
· Never assume you cannot do a thing when you haven’t even tried it.
· I learnt collaboration. In the course of this programme I have learnt the importance of team work and collaboration. I did not find it difficult getting through the programme because I had people who were always there to offer help. They have also taught me how to solve my problems as an individual.
· I have learnt to make good use of the Google search. I used to get infuriated when I asked someone a question and the first reply would be ‘ask Google?’. Nsikak Thompson is a great fan.
· I have learnt to work remotely and still get result. as well as multi-task.
· And I have learnt to accept criticism, in fact, I appreciate it more than praises. Mfonobong Umondia, my co-learner played a very vital part on that aspect and it has made me better.
There is nothing as bad as one doubting his/her capabilities. I have always been passionate about tech, Android Development to be precise but I was not sure I could do it. I long to see a world where at every nook and cranny, one could solve a problem with just a click, of a truth, every one dream same, but how many are ready to give in what it takes?
ALC 2.0 has proven wrong my assumption that I could not write a single line of code; that programming is infact difficult. I have realize that Nothing is too difficult to achieve. It all needs continuous practicing and perseverance. I keep telling myself…
If Blessing Akpan could do it, every other person(especially the ladies) out there can.
Thanks for reading. If this inspires you, please don’t forget to give it a clap, share and follow.
