PRECOURSE WEEK 2 CONTENT {Let's Git down to business!}

Today is a Sunday, also frequently referred to as Sunday Funday. Since I finished the Week 1 material early, I was given the go-ahead to start Week 2 material on Version Control. Now we explore Git and Github! I started by doing the precourse Introduction to Git and I am now knee deep in the Git Immersion tutorial. I have to say, labs 1-7 seemed relatively easy but I struggled a bit with number 8. Fortunately, before beginning the precourse, I had some exposure to this tutorial from numbers 1-8 and learned a few things along the way. Now, I am making my way through lab 14 and while all has been more or less smooth sailing with the exception of a small issue on lab 11, I am beginning to (kind of) get the hang of things.

I have realized that with this particular tutorial, the instructions are not always clear for a beginner. I have found that in these types of situations, I typically try tackling the issue first with what I know and if I am still confused, try my luck Google-ing for a hint of sorts. Then, as a last resort, I ask another student, Makers mentor or Makers graduate. While I can figure out the majority of things on my own, I am definitely very grateful for all the support I have received for the issues I have not been able to solve by myself.

So far it seems that I have no problem being open with people and asking for help, but I know that there will come a time when I will be expected to have a certain level of independence.

I remember my first day of daycare when my mum brought me to a strange new building with strange new faces and strange new things. When she tried to let go of my hand I hung on for dear life, screaming and crying. When she finally got away, I felt this frightening void - the absence of someone who had always been there to protect and take care of me. But I eventually got over it and later that same day I made some new friends, found my favorite naptime spot and became queen of the jungle gym.

What does this have anything to do with learning to code?

I know that day is coming - that day I go from someone just following tutorials, to someone who can manipulate code without having my hand held. But I also know that I will be ready, and that while it may hurt the way it hurts to rip off a Band-Aid, we are resilient, and we shall prevail. Getting used to the discomfort is only the beginning, and to be honest, I'm starting to like it.

Some things I've learned:

- Don't worry about what others think about your questions. They've been there too, and if you never find yourself feeling uncertain about anything, you aren't pushing yourself enough.

- Google is a powerful tool when you know how to use it. Learn to use it well, you have a nearly infinite world of wisdom available if you can weed through the irrelevant stuff

- Be brave! Try things you haven't before. Go beyond what's asked, because you get out what you put in.

- Put every project you ever do on Github. Everything.

Happy coding!