The Journey to My Capstone: A Glimpse Into My Time at Flatiron School
Tags: react, python, codenewbie, softwareengineering
Published: 2023-06-30 16:25:21

The clock has been ticking down on my time at Flatiron School, and as I stand on the brink of the next chapter of my life, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The past weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind. Between the exhaustive late-night coding sessions and a strict regime of time management, my journey culminated in the creation of my Capstone project—an application that not only allowed me to apply the skills I've acquired but also provided a tangible representation of my journey thus far.

**Breaking the Ice with Time Management**
During my capstone journey, the principle that stood out as a cornerstone for me was time management. One of the most effective techniques I adopted was the 50/10 rule, a strategy where I would commit myself to an undisturbed 50 minutes of work, followed by a rejuvenating 10-minute break. I found this method not only kept me focused during work periods, but also helped maintain my energy levels.

The essence of these 10-minute breaks was movement. A quick walk on the treadmill, a few jumping jacks, a brisk yoga stretch, or a couple of minutes of wild dancing were more than enough to get my blood flowing and refresh my brain. This simple method kept me sharp and invigorated throughout my coding sessions.

**Mapping Out the Workflow**
Another pillar of my success was effectively mapping out my workflow. With a clear, precise plan, I felt equipped to tackle the myriad challenges that the project presented. This strategy was especially useful given the size and complexity of my capstone project.

To begin, I created a comprehensive list of all the features I wanted my app to include. Then, I drafted out how these different features would fulfill the project requirements. I also created mock-ups of my site designs to better visualize my ideas. The final step was the creation of a detailed timeline for small deliverables, acting as stepping stones to achieve the larger goal.

One of the most vital things I learned from the process was that when a piece of code was not working within the allocated 50 minutes, it was best to leave it with a note to revisit later in the day. This allowed me to maintain productivity and often, when I returned to the problematic code later, I had less trouble resolving the issue. I realized that being stubbornly fixated on a problem didn't equate to perseverance. Sometimes, stepping away was not quitting, but rather, a strategic move towards finding a solution.

**A Heartfelt Farewell to Flatiron**
Flatiron School has been the launchpad for my career in software development, and I could not be more thankful for the experiences I've had, the lessons I've learned, and the people I've met. The rigor, the challenges, the ups and downs, all contributed to my growth and prepared me for the real world of programming.

As I move forward, I take with me a profound sense of gratitude for the Flatiron experience and a head brimming with knowledge and skills that I'm eager to put to use. I am now prepared to embrace the next chapter of my life as a software developer, to continue learning, exploring, and growing in this dynamic, ever-evolving field.

In conclusion, I encourage all aspiring developers to adopt effective time management strategies, map out their workflows meticulously, and above all, remember that stepping back can often be the best way forward. On this journey, there's no giving up, only learning and progressing.