I believe I may just have retcon'ed my whole previous post...

Developing in a foreign environment on a large project like the CNH district website is stupid, especially if you're starting from scratch.

While a lot of design goals of Model View Controler are extremely important, being able to get a working website working within the next month without having to fight new territory is infinitely better.

At least there's something I'm improving on between this website and the one I did for UC Irvine. I'm once again re-evaluating folder structure. Every iteration of the code-base I've been working on has significantly changed in how I organized my files.

When I first started out, this was my folder structure:

home directory

-> style (which includes stylesheets and images)

-> includes (headers and footers)

-> -> modules (libraries, yeah I made total sense as a 7th grader)

-> admin

...etc

Before I did the UC Irvine website...

home directory

-> public

-> -> css

-> -> img

-> -> js

-> private

-> -> includes

-> admin

..etc

This was much better than when I first started out, but then you realize... wait I can delve into Object Oriented programming! 

When I first started following the OO-programming paradigm starting in college, this messed up my whole workflow (this is still the case on UC Irvine's website).

It's my goal this time around to fix that mistake.

It is very important to keep learning new techniques and to not care how you do it when you first start out. That's experimentation.

When you adapt and fix how you go about things in the future, that is learning.

--

For your enjoyment, here's a sample picture of my WIP (work-in-progress).

Today is the day that most developers dread. Dread to the point where projects go unstarted, or abandoned. Today is the beginning.

I've been in web development for about eight years now, and day zero is always the day that makes me reconsider my life.

Unlike previous projects, I will be attempting new programming paradigms that I have never attempted before.

In recent years, I've been making strides to achieve that to no avail. But this project has forced my hands into building an application that is versatile.

To achieve that, I will be using a concept in software engineering called MVC: Model-View Controller.

--

Side note: the purpose of this devblog is to explain the techniques I use and outline the challenges and difficulties along the way.

--

What is the Model View Controller?

In software engineering, it is a good practice to separate code from the design/look of the application. This means that the Graphical User Interface shouldn't be managing calculations beyond its scope.

The GUI should communicate to the "model" to figure out what to display.

--

Along with using this technique, I will be using version control to manage the changes I make to the source code. This will also allow additional developers/help along the way.

As for that additional developer...

In my Public Relations committee application, I have a position named the Technology Assistant who will fulfill that role. 

It is my goal to not only have this term be solely for Circle K, but to better our professional careers. By developing, or taking part in, the district website, we will gain indispensible knowledge that we can use for the rest of our careers. This is real world experience that you can apply in jobs.

But for now... there's a lot of bootstrapping to do!

Until next time,

I did it. I was able to accomplish a lot at the 2013 International Convention in Vancouver, Canada. This was the event that closed this big chapter of my college career, so the feelings were bittersweet.

I had my own agenda for this event. A more detailed list than anyone can think of and I'm proud to say that I did it all. Here's what you may have missed from the weekend that really made this an ICON experience that I will never forget.

Host three workshops at the convention: Planning for Success, Marketing: Above and Beyond, and the Eliminate Project Tips and Tricks

Sold my Eliminate Leis as a fundraiser. I made enough to cover the costs, which is ok by me!

Placed 1st in Eliminate Fundraising ($25,870)

Danced with my Leadership Academy Class

The District Board members who applied for awards all won their awards. 16 awards in total.

Distinguished District and Governor... I applied for those.

Gave awesome spirit packs that was worth the money and that people could wear everyday.

Hosted a District Dinner

Brought the most people from CNH to ICON

Brought the most clubs from CNH to ICON

Won the most club awards

Brought pictures up of my District Board when receiving their awards

Attend the Kiwanis International Convention

Get free stuff from the vendors

Catching up with old friends and meeting new friends.

There were more like be in the Talent Show, go to LSSP, be on stage at Kiwanis International Convention, etc... but I'm ok with not doing them. (Maybe not LSSP... why is money such a problem)

My only biggest regret from the weekend was that Camille didn't get Distinguished Administrator. It hurts a lot because I completed her application and I put a lot of effort into it, but it wasn't enough. I'm happy for the other District Administrator who received the award because I know her... but I would've been 100% if Camille got that award. I feel bad whenever I say that we have so many awards and celebrating as a board, but the most important person on this board and the most deserving was Camille.

Overall, the experience as Governor was amazing and I'm so thankful for everyone who cheered me on with all my challenges, who brought me back up when I felt down, who brought me down to earth when my head got too big, and took care of me every step of the way.

This is my final post as Governor, but this isn't the end of my Kiwanis Family experience.

I have a recording of Stephanie saying "Jcao, love you, and you are the best District Governor ever."