Reflections from the Break Room: My Comeback to Technical Writing
Introduction
Hello Fans (excuse my imagination) š! I havenāt come up with a name for you all yet, but welcome to another amazing article from yours truly. I promise itāll be a great read! And to the new readers, welcome to the family (still no name) š«. Iām Olufikayomi, not a professional writer but definitely not your average writer.
The weekend is over. Itās another Monday, and everyoneās looking sharp, heads up, feeling unstoppable, determined, and full of energy š. Sunday might start the week, but Monday just hits differently, doesnāt it? Maybe thatās why I decided it was time to get back into technical writing āļø.
The Unexpected Break š°ļø
Why the break?
I recently got admitted to university as a second-year student through Direct Entry š. I planned a quick break to adjust to my new schedule and find the perfect place to fit writing back in. But I got a little too comfortable with the extra time, and, honestly, I was just too lazy to write š.
Another reason? Shortly before resuming school, I got into a new tech skillābackend development š„ļø! Iāve been learning it alongside my coursework, which made my schedule super packed. So, to cut myself some slack, the break was a bit unavoidable.
The Comeback: Rediscovering My Passion for Writing āļø
But sometimes, stepping away gives you a new perspective. As I got into the rhythm of university life and kept diving deeper into backend development, I started missing somethingāwriting. Sharing insights, connecting with others in tech, and putting my journey into words. That feeling kept coming back, and here I am, ready to officially pick up the pen (or, well, the keyboard) again!
Lately, Iāve been inspired by the rapid growth of my friends in tech. My designer friend, for example, has been making leaps with his skillsānot only improving his designs but even learning to incorporate animations into his prototypes šØāØ. Another friend is building a startup thatās all about uplifting people in tech, providing both financial support and mentorship to help others grow šš¤.
Seeing their progress reminds me of the value of documenting my own journey. Writing helps me capture these moments and allows me to feel the passage of time in a way thatās both tangible and inspiring. Itās a way to pause and appreciate every step, both mine and theirs, as we navigate this tech world together.
Achievements While Away š
Even though I stepped back from writing, I didnāt pause my growth. In fact, I used the time to dive deeper into the tech world and build a strong portfolio. Hereās a glimpse of what Iāve been up to:
Mastering Backend Development: I took on the challenge of learning backend development and building full MERN stack applications. Iāve worked on everything from E-commerce sites š, a hotel booking platform šØ, and a dating app š, to my latest projectāa blog website š. Each of these projects pushed me to level up my skills, and Iām proud of how much Iāve grown!
Expanding My Language Toolbox: Through my coursework, Iāve been exploring C, C++, Java, and even Assembly! š Each new language has given me a broader perspective on programming and helped me become a more versatile developer.
Sharpening Data Structures and Algorithms: Iām currently working on data structures and algorithms (DSA), diving into concepts like doubly linked lists. Itās a tough but rewarding journey, and I know itāll pay off as I tackle more complex problems.
Freelance Wins: Although Iām not in a full-time role, freelancing has been a huge part of my journey. Iāve had the chance to work with clients who put their trust in me, and nothing beats the satisfaction of delivering results theyāre proud of š.
Building for Startups: Iāve also been working part-time with a few startups, including an LMS project where Iām contributing as a frontend engineer šØāš». Each startup brings fresh challenges and new learning opportunities, and Iām excited to see where these projects will go.
Conclusion
What Iāve come to realize is writing is more than just a skill; itās a way to connect and contribute. The break gave me fresh insights, and now Iām excited to bring a new perspective to my articles.
So, stay tuned! š Watch out for more amazing content aheadāwhether itās personal reflections, insights from my tech journey, or deep dives into technical topics. Thereās a lot Iām looking forward to sharing, and I canāt wait for us to grow together on this journey. Thank you for being here and letās make this next chapter unforgettable!