Organizing Time to Learn
Tags: wecoded, javascript, beginners, codenewbie
Published: 2020-08-10 20:12:58

Hello Friends,

My first learning week has gone by so fast! At one point I thought my brain was going to explode tags and variables all over my computer. I don't think I would have lasted if I didn't schedule out some time to dedicate to myself. 

I like to stay organized and I have to say, scheduling really helped me through this first week. If anyone is curious how I blocked out my day, here it is.

![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/i/t8ipxvxiah56osxxdzzf.png)

According to this calendar, it says that I should be dedicating 28 hours to learning code and two hours to social media. Then I have my "me time" to get myself pumped then dolled up for the day. I'm sure you've probably noticed that I have "Work" on there as well. *But why Lynne? I thought you said you quit your job?* I know, I know. I did, or at least I tried. My company asked me to stay on to help train the program's faculty on back-end responsibilities. Wanting the majority of my time dedicated to coding, I agreed to 10 hours a week. 

Of course my time is flexible with social media floating between tutorials and coding games before bedtime, but this breakdown gives me a sense of daily accomplishment and helps me find out what I'm spending more time on and what I'm breezing through. 

I had already completed the Responsive Web Design Certification on freeCodeCamp.org last month and I felt good. I felt like I understood what was going on and I liked it.  Now, last week. Last week I started the JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structure Certification. I don't know why, but my mind struggled to connect the dots--to really understand what I was doing. I just did it. I read the instructions and just figured out what to do, but struggled to understand *why* I did it. I ended up watching a couple of videos that helped me  say out loud, "Omg! Really? That's it?!" and "Ohhh! That makes sense!" There were definitely many "ah-ha!" moments. 

Last week I was also able to attend my first ever Live Stream on Twitch from @chrisoncode. That was a very cool experience to get a live tutorial on Hashnode. I've also started to read more blogs and look at dev portfolios. This really helped me feel great that I am a part of this wonderful community. Everyone is so helpful and encouraging. It's also a great way to find inspiration. Some of you are doing great things!

**Last Week's Accomplishments:**
- JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structure Certification:
  - Basic Javascript
  - ES6
  - Regular Expressions

**Check it out:**
- Videos I watched
  - [HTML, CSS, JavaScript Explained [in 4 minutes for beginners]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=gT0Lh1eYk78)
  - [JavaScript Tutorial for Beginners: Learn JavaScript in 1 Hour [2020]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6NZfCO5SIk&t=2389s)
  - [Learn JavaScript - Full Course for Beginners](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkZNo7MFNFg&t=10160s)
- Dev Portfolios that caught my eye
  - [Cassie Evans](https://www.cassie.codes/)
  - [Sean Halpin](http://seanhalpin.io/)
  - [Robby Leonardi](http://www.rleonardi.com/)
- Blogs I've read
  - {% link https://dev.to/connor11528/11-courses-to-help-you-become-a-better-developer-2m8c %}
  - {% link https://dev.to/nghiemthu/how-to-stay-motivated-while-learning-coding-or-everything-4nb4 %}
  - {% link https://dev.to/jackdomleo7/how-i-optimised-my-online-presence-to-get-opportunities-2a77 %}
  - {% link https://dev.to/misslorsx/learning-web-development-using-books-as-an-additional-resource-2ic3 %}

**On my mind:**
- I'd love to see more dev portfolios. Please share if you have one!
- Do you have a favorite JavaScript cheat sheet, video, or blog that really helped you? I would love to attack this language in as many ways I can.

Until next week!
![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/i/275euk01jp1xfh6kg3jd.png)