My strengths from StrengthsFinder are Restorative (likes to bring back to a state of "peace" or completion), Harmony (peacekeeper), Developer (encourager), Empathy (can understand how others feel), and Learner (continuing to take in information to better know a subject). I found this assessment to be very accurate. I really have a heart for people, and I really care about those around me. I've used these strengths daily at Turing. I make a conscious effort to encourage my classmates, relate with them when they share with me, and I'm learning new things everyday, which is very stimulating. I feel like I also have technical strengths that did not come up in my top 5. However, I think these soft skill strengths will help me with non-technical issues in order for my classmates and me to be successful. While I think I knew I had these strengths, I've been much more aware of them while at Turing.
I have struggled off and on at Turing. My biggest struggles come from managing all my competing priorities and coding CSS. I've dealt with the struggle by going to learning spikes about organization and learning and by relating with my fellow classmates. I've also signed up for pairings when I needed additional help. I've tried to use calendars and planners to block out my time to handle all my tasks.
My Turing story ends with success, fulfillment, and financial security. I've already learned so much, that I can't imagine what I'll know by the time I'm done. I'm beginning my preparation for after Turing now. I subscribe to Ian's interview prep emails, and I've made a commitment to begin attending MeetUps regularly. After Turing, I am going to find a company with good culture that also does something I believe in. Feeling good about what I do is a huge career goal for me, and many tech companies are doing great things. I'm going to find my place in that world.
I don't mind to tell my story. I feel like I have the opportunity to tell it frequently, especially when meeting new people, so it's familiar. The hard part for me is feeling like my story is worth telling. I'm here to better myself, and I don't particularly like sharing the path that brought me here because I have regrets about the path I've taken.
Practicing telling my story will improve my ability to tell it. Next mod, I plan to meet with a member of the PD staff to discuss which points are worth developing more and which may be better omitted. I have also made a commitment to go to more MeetUps, which will give me the opportunity to practice.