In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Recognizing this need for continuous learning and growth, I embarked on an extraordinary journey by joining the TIIDELab pre-fellowship 3.0 foundational class. Throughout this transformative experience, I witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration, innovation, and mentorship in shaping the future of technology.
It all began when I stumbled upon the TIIDELab — an intensive, immersive initiative renowned for its ability to equip aspiring tech enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital era- from my sister who is an alumni of the TIIDELab fellowship 4.0 cohort. As I approached the end of my last as an undergraduate, I realized that I would have a lot of free time ahead of me. Wanting to make the most of this opportunity and add value to my life, I decided to challenge myself and explore new horizons.
I long awaited the application form to be released and it eventually got released towards the end of March, 2023. I applied and was welcomed with the major criteria to join the pre-fellowship which was writing a CCAT test and having a pass mark of 60% and above. With full determination, I wrote the test and made the pass mark, my journey with TIIDELab fully began.
As I embarked on this life changing adventure at TIIDELab, a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation filled my mind. We were welcomed warmly by our esteemed coordinator Mr. Shamsudeen Aderoju (Mr shams) who walked us through a crucial foundation for the journey that lay ahead.
The first few days were a whirlwind of orientation sessions, team-building exercises, and getting to know my fellow participants. We were a diverse group of individuals, each bringing unique perspectives and skills to the table. The energy in the room was infectious as I eagerly anticipated the challenges and opportunities that awaited me. Not only was I able to make few friends, I was also opportune to dive headfirst into the world of coding and programming.
Learning commenced with introduction to the very basics of web development, I had the opportunity to learn and re-learn the basics and foundation of HTML, CSS and javascript as a result of the pain sailing process that was used by our tutors to help us understand the basics of coding.
The program began with an introduction to HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), the backbone of every website. From the very first lesson, I was captivated by the simplicity and logical structure of this language. TIIDELab’s expert tutors presented HTML in a comprehensive and easy-to-understand manner, using hands-on exercises to reinforce my understanding.
With HTML, I quickly learned how to structure web pages, create headings, paragraphs, lists, and add images. The straightforward syntax and the ability to see immediate results made the learning process effortless. I appreciated how HTML provided a solid foundation, allowing me to grasp the core concepts of web development before moving on to more complex topics.
As I advanced through the training, I found the power of visual design and the art of presentation using CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). CSS enabled me to turn simple HTML into aesthetically beautiful websites.
The most appealing aspect about CSS was its simplicity. As I watched the instant visual changes on the computer, the ability to change fonts, colors, margins, and layouts seemed like magic. The separation of information and presentation made my web development process more clear, and I soon grasped the concept of cascading styles and the need of organizing my code.
The hands-on projects and practical lessons at TIIDELab assisted me in quickly mastering CSS. From designing responsive layouts to adding animations and transitions, I was able to explore my creativity and gain a deep understanding of the visual aspect of web development.
After finally grasping what HTML and CSS was all about, we were tasked to building a portfolio website showing and definining what we learned so far.
JavaScript, the web programming language, advanced my grasp of web development. I was astounded by how simply I could alter homepage components, develop interactive features, and manage user input. The TIIDELab application presented us with an interactive environment in which we could explore with JavaScript and see its potential in action. The learning method was entertaining and aided my comprehension of programming principles, from variables and functions through conditional statements and loops.
Aside from the programming languages, we also learned some basic data analytics tools like Excel and MySQL. These were useful skills to have, especially since they are widely used in many different industries. In Excel, we learned how to perform basic calculations and also some basic analysis steps while in MySQL, we learned how to create and manipulate databases, as well as how to write basic SQL queries to retrieve and modify data.
One of the standout aspects of the TIIDELab Pre-Fellowship Program was the inclusion of personal development classes led by our remarkable coordinator, Mr. Shamsudeen Aderoju. His guidance and mentorship not only nurtured our technical skills but also instilled in us a sense of confidence and professionalism. Mr. Shams’ dedication to our personal growth was evident as he encouraged us to explore our strengths, set goals, and cultivate a growth mindset. His passion for empowering individuals was infectious, and his unwavering support played a crucial role in shaping our journey.
Throughout the program, Ayodele Samuel Adebayo (UncleBigBay) played a pivotal role in our learning journey. His comprehensive classes on hosting our codes on platforms like GitHub, Vercel, Hashnode, and Netlify were invaluable. UncleBigBay's teaching style involved breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible chunks, making them more accessible to learners. His patience and willingness to address our questions ensured that no one was left behind. Whether it was helping us set up our repositories, deploy our websites, or troubleshoot any technical issues, Uncle BigBay provided us with the guidance we needed to navigate the world of web development confidently.
TIIDELab Pre-Fellowship Program was not just about learning; it was also a platform for growth assessment. Twice a week, we underwent CCAT (Comprehensive Competency Assessment Test) evaluations, which tested our comprehension and application of the concepts learned. While the tests were challenging, they served as one of the valuable means to gauge our progress and identify areas for improvement in addition to the weekly tasks we performed. Unfortunately, not everyone made it to the next stage of the program, and a selected few were evicted. However, this emphasized the importance of perseverance and motivated me to give my best every day.
While the program was intense, we also made sure to have fun and celebrate our achievements along the way. To mark the completion of our first month, we organized a vibrant celebration where we bonded, shared our experiences, and acknowledged the progress we had made. This event served as a reminder that learning can be both fulfilling and enjoyable.
During the program, I faced the challenge of managing my school project alongside the intensive learning schedule. Balancing both commitments was demanding, but I persevered by prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and seeking support from my peers and mentors. This experience taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of obstacles.
As the program drew to a close, we were tasked with a final project. Working in teams with functional mentors, we collaborated to develop a web application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This project allowed us to apply our skills in a real-world scenario and further enhanced our understanding of web development. Throughout the process, we had regular sprint presentations, where we showcased our progress and received feedback from our coordinator and mentors. These presentations not only strengthened our technical abilities but also improved our communication and presentation skills.
My experience in the TIIDELab Pre-Fellowship Program has been nothing short of transformative. From the basics of HTML to the artistry of CSS and the interactivity of JavaScript, I have gained a solid foundation in web development. The easy learning process for each of these languages, facilitated by TIIDELab’s expert guidance and hands-on approach, allowed me to grasp essential concepts quickly and efficiently.
By immersing myself in the world of web development, I have unlocked a new realm of creativity and technical skills. Armed with the knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, I am now ready to embark on further learning and explore the endless possibilities.