#hackingmyeducation

                                            Embrace Change by:Erin Orr

It’s time to buckle down! I am ecstatic to let everyone know that I am now enrolled in a Web Development Blueprint program. woohoo!

  This class is offered by Skillcrush.com. There are many different choices when it comes to learning how to code. I have learned so much about technology over the past 30 days. I have reached…

    I did it! I have formed a habit of re-learning Algebra in the morning for at least 30 minutes to an hour.  Of course, this means that I am rising at dawn - before my kids are up for the day.  Oh what a mom can get done in just 1 hour if she knows the next time she will have to herself is after they fall fast asleep for the night.  Which brings me to the second habit I have formed, reading my ‘liberal arts’ assignment in each night.  I usually read at least 20 pages during this time, if I'm feeling froggy I’ll leap for more!

    Here is a blog posted by Uncollege.org that explains why habits work.

  The new book is “A Whole New Mind: Why Right -Brainers Will Rule the Future“.  My mentor/husband @sorriv chose this one as well because he believes Daniel Pink (@DanilePink) does a great job in explaining the human traits that are essential for personal and professional success/happiness.

  I have always been interested in neuroscience so the title of this one pulled me in. Stay tuned to my blog as I highlight the lessons learned from this book.  For those who don’t know me personally I am “right brained”. At least, I think I am.  

  I also just finished the 10-day boot camp at skillcrush.com and I am coming out of it with a good understanding of what a programmer has to know and understand to be successful.  I feel confident that learning to be a computer programmer is something that I can do.  Kudos for me!  I really enjoyed this FREE boot-camp.  After reading and completing each task for the day I found myself looking ahead to see what I would be learning the next day.  Curious?  I think so!  Would you believe me if I told you it was super fun as well?  I am a hands-on learner and what I liked most was being able to practice what was taught within the interface provided.  I learned the basics of HTML along with some Ruby.  I thought it was awesome to able to go back in the saved code throughout the week and update or change what I did before.  I have bookmarked a great HTML resource and recommend you leverage it too!  I recommend using SkillCrush to determine if you are interested in learning to code. Thanks @SkillCrush

I am about 10 days into hacking my education.  I have learned so much since starting this journey - and it's only been a little over a week! I'm still trying to find time to balance meeting the demands of my family and learning time.  If I told you there was a set time of day I am able to carve out, or that it's easy, I would be lying.  It's hard work, as it should be.

So let me show you what I have accomplished.  On the first night I wrote some sample code based on a lesson provided.  I did not do this with my imagination, it was part of a lesson. The instructions were to use the HTML tags that were taught in the lesson that day. Nevertheless, it's a start and I am proud of it. 

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To the left of the image is the HTML code whereby I programmed a heading and a paragraph.  To the right of the image is the result. 

I am very excited about learning to code.  I have signed up for a 10-day boot camp (yes ladies I said boot camp and it's not the get-you-ripped kind).  The organization that offers the boot camp is called Skill Crush. 

Then, the following night I accomplished all of what you see in this picture.

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I learned that HTML has over 50 different tags? I'm still learning them all, but I am catching on quick. Skill Crush has also taught me the difference between the Internet and the world wide web.  What a website vs. a web application is, and the type of coding languages used to program each.  It's amazing how much you can learn in 7 days and still be a stay-at-home mom that plays with kids, does some laundry, has play dates, etc. If this is something you would like to learn I encourage you to join me in hacking your education. You can give advice or ask questions below. 

There has been a lot of "talk" about women in the tech world lately. Here is a quote from Sheryl Sanburg, author of Lean In. “Talking can transform minds, which can transform behaviors, which can transform institutions.” So let's talk!  After all we are the "millennials".

Today I am wanting to shed light on "Lean In", the book I am reading. First and foremost, I am thoroughly enjoying the book.  It is a great read and I have gained a large amount of knowledge about leadership roles in America.  It has opened my eyes to the need of women leaders for our great nation.  My favorite quotes from this book is “Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder."  This was a a saying used at Googlewhen they were a startup.  The author also speaks of a poster hanging on the walls inside Facebook that stated, "Done is better than perfect". I will forever remember this quote while 'hacking my education'. I tend to be OCD about things and this is a reminder that it doesn't have to be perfect... Just do it! 

The key points that stand out for me thus far are as followed. 

Having confidence in your leadership abilities.

Working with your peers to break the gender bias. 

Taking a leap of faith to do what it takes to become the leader you want to be. 

Learning to withstand criticism is a necessity for women and learning to control emotions. Although she suggest that you do let your emotions show on some issues that you feel passionate about. 

For those that do not know Sheryl Sanburg is Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Facebook. One of the 14% of women that are in leadership.  She dedicates two chapters to family and husbands.  Making sure your marriage is 50/50....bragging rights... I got lucky or as I tell him, he got lucky ;) My partner in life does help with family, leadership roles, chores, homework, cooking and bills, etc. This of course on top of his full-time career and part career where he is a Professor at UMUC and now my mentor.  I feel as though I married Superman! So that makes me Superwoman right?! 

So am I leaning in? I believe so.. There is no perfect time to lean in.. you have to have faith.  I am creating my own opportunities right now by #hackingmyeducation at 33 because I want to challenge myself.  Moreover, a career in coding and help change the future of education for myself and my children. I am now curious about every aspect of coding. Here is a good article on why stay-at-home mothers should learn to code.  And I am even more motivated now that I have a daughter.