Starting at the Data School has been very exciting, but also very challenging. The first few weeks of training were full of new tools, new concepts, and new ways of thinking. At the same time, I found myself falling into a trap I didn’t expect: constantly comparing myself to others.
Because we all come from very different backgrounds, I often felt unsure of where I stood. Coming from a background as a lab technician, I had very little experience with data before the application process. That made me question myself in the beginning, and it sometimes felt like I was already behind before I had even started.
Some things that really helped me were:
- Compare only with myself
I realized that the only meaningful comparison I can make is with who I was yesterday. Each week I’m learning something new, building on what I couldn’t do before. When I look at my own progress instead of others’, I see growth and that’s what matters.
- Ask for help and share openly
Asking for help actually builds connections. Most of the time, others are happy to explain and I can do the same when they need support. We help each other, and that collaboration benefits everyone.
- Celebrate small wins
Small steps do count. Finishing a task I couldn’t do last week or understanding a concept I struggled with before are achievements worth noticing. Keeping track of them helps me see the bigger picture of my progress.
Now, as I finish my first four weeks of training, I feel proud of how much I’ve already improved in such a short time. It gives me confidence that growth will keep coming, step by step. I’m excited for the next three months of training and to see how much further I’ll go. 😁