Weekly Reflection: Generasi GIGIH
July 2021, Week II
Before starting my learning journey with Generasi GIGIH, I have always felt like there are many things that I needed to learn, especially about Data Analysis. At times, I didn’t know where to even begin.
With this week’s reflection, I admit that I didn’t know much before this program commenced. All I had was mostly textbook knowledge, technical skills unrelated to the topic, and out-of-practice statistical basics.
The starting point
Long story short, I learnt about the process of Data Analysis, Statistics 101, and writing Analysis Documentation, throughout this week’s tech class. It wasn’t all theoretical, but also case-by-case. With the help of online learning, we were taken to breakout rooms often to discuss in a group.
On the first day, I remembered an individual take-home assignment was given. I wasn’t entirely sure about how I felt, so I decided to call my close friend who was also in the same class. To my relief, I wasn’t the only one feeling confused starting out. We were new to this, but that drove us to try our best even more. We then worked in silence and supported each other.
There were more assignments and group discussions coming later that week. Practically, I enjoyed working in groups more because I got to learn from others. It also didn’t cause me to be stuck by my own struggles, but it opened doors by actively discussing with a group of passionate learners.
More doors and windows
Other than the tech classes, I had also discovered something in English class. Having the privilege to learn in a national plus school during high school, I realized that grammar and vocabulary wasn’t my lack, but confidence.
During the school years, we barely communicated in English outside class. Not only until my exchange program in 2019 that I got to fully use them. Though it had changed my life and improved my whole being, I still had much room for improvement. Fortunately, this class helped me fill in that gap.
With a class of 10 people conducted in full English, we experienced a productive session on our reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. Everyone felt safe pushing themselves with challenges, thus resulted well.
Last week, we also had our first self-development mentoring session. Each of us had written our Individual Development Plan and we talked about it. To be honest, it was my first time being so vulnerable with my goals towards a group of people I had only known for about 2 weeks. Yet, the atmosphere made us excited to share.
Even though it was only my first time, I feel like giving and receiving feedback is the key to fruitful group mentoring. Everyone needs to be on board, to trust one another, to fall and rise together. It was a wholesome session.
On the weekends, I also learnt more about personal branding. The 5W+1H to making others aware of our values, I think it is often overlooked. Through this, we have the power to let others know about our influence, what impact we want to bring. For example, mine is about taking action in raising awareness on mental health and environmental issues in Indonesia, while still wanting to contribute more on the tech side. It is important to explore, but remain true to ourselves. Don’t lose your own sight.
Keeping the momentum
Technically speaking, this week’s sessions have driven me to be more courageous in my learning process. It is okay to not know everything. On the contrary, it should even be questioned if one proclaims to know everything.
“Being weak is nothing to be ashamed of. Staying weak is.” — Fuegoleon Vermillion
I have come to terms that Data Analysis has the power to change systems in various sectors. Hence, it is of utmost importance to keep my momentum. Within my English capabilities, it needs to be polished consistently in order to become sharper. I believe it would come in handy in the long run.
Lastly, my experience with group mentoring is quite memorable. I am curious to see how I can implement it in my future projects. Let me know if you have any thoughts to share. Feel free to reach out! :)
The writing above is a part of Generasi GIGIH’s weekly assignment.
Read my first-week reflection to find out more about the program.
Keywords on what I learnt:
- Data Analysis Process → Determining the purpose, measurement priorities, data preparation, data interrogation, data visualization
- Statistics → Analytical vs statistical thinking, descriptive statistical, statistical inference, doing experiments
- Analysis Documentation → The essential steps
- Personal Branding → LinkedIn & CV tailoring, writing for impact
