Programming. Where even the small victories feel like championships and everything else feels like a kick in the face.
Programming bootcamps are a relatively new thing, and only recently becoming accepted as a real method of learning how to code (albeit with extra scrutiny). So it follows that there aren't a whole lot of first-hand reports of the bootcamp experience. There are a few stories on Medium, and handfuls of articles about "how to choose the right bootcamp for you". But not too many stories from the trenches. I've also not found any other bootcamp blog similar to my own. Probably because most students are using their "blog time" to actually complete their homework assignments and create real working React to-do apps. Not me. I'm here for you.
But that means that my blog is somewhat of a rare resource and I've got the unique opportunity to pass some serious knowledge down to people doing research on bootcamps. And that's what I will be doing, at least today. Because today was finally the day I threw my hands up in the air and admitted that my brain was fried.
As you've noticed over the last few days I've been posting more and more about struggling through lessons. It went from being a bit shaky with the material, to confusion over when to use "state" vs "props" to an outright feeling that my brain cannot process anything at all. And that's not just talking about programming related things. That included driving directions, my morning routine...almost everything that required some kind of thought. I felt that my brain was literally cooked inside my head, like some kind of hard-boiled egg. So when it came to learning code and new concepts this week, I just could not get knowledge to stick. Other students in the class were having a difficult time with setting up our Express back-end and React front-end, so our instructor took today to walk us slowly through the details of how an Express server would work running on a local machine. And even with all the details and the hand-holding, when it was time to put fingers on the keyboard and get to work I just. Went. Blank.
So just like I'd mentioned in yesterday's post I scheduled an appointment with my instructor to ask questions and get some advice. I explained everything and expected a response of "Why didn't you say anything sooner?" or "So how much don't you know?". Instead, I was told that this kind of thing happens to multiple students in any given cohort. It is the result of pushing too hard and not giving your brain the chance to relax, so it "rebels" against you and just shuts down. Its perfectly normal. So I was ordered to take the day off from any serious coding and go for a walk, or do something where I can zone out for a bit and let my brain have the chance to relax a bit.
So I walked around the Arts District of Las Vegas for a bit. I stopped in a couple of galleries and looked at some nice artwork. It is too hot to be outside for very long, so once that got too boring I just went back to class, put on my headphones and listened to some BabyMetal until I felt ready to ease back into coding. And sure enough it was 10x easier to think about my plan and what code I would need. So I used the last 2 hours of class to leisurely write out and check the coding for my Express server and make sure everything worked fine. When it didn't, I just took a breath and thought it through slowly. And when it did work, I took another small break until I was able to think of another thing to work on. After class I went to the gym and pledged to be finished with my homework by 10pm whether it was actually done or not (spoiler alert...its not done). But I can feel my brain unwinding and plans coming together about how to tackle this project.
I've got some of tomorrow to work on this assignment. And if its not done by Thursday I'll get some assistance from my instructors and just keep working on it. Because I have a clearer understanding of what is expected from me it takes a little of the pressure off. And even that little bit helps.
So if you are reading this blog you might be someone interested in joining a bootcamp or you might already be attending one. The advice I want to give to you is not just to ask questions to your instructors but to also let them know how you are feeling. This particular feeling of panic or self-doubt might be new to you, but I can guarantee that it isn't new to your instructor. And he/she will be able to help you deal with it and make sure you know that you aren't alone...someone else in your class could be going through the exact same feelings. And you will probably find that all your doubts about your ability to learn are just the result of your brain being overworked. Allow yourself to have a break even if it seems counter-productive. In the long run you will save time and headaches. You will keep more of your learning momentum, protect your self-confidence and just be a better student in general.
