An Important Thing I forgot when Starting my Data Science Journey
Which is having the “instinct.”
In college, I majored in Biology. Eventually, I got to a point where I developed an instinct, like a solid hunch about the subject, when I read new scientific articles on biology. Like I knew what to search for next, where to look for information, and verify the validity of my newfound knowledge.
But what I forgot about was the hustle and hard work I put in the first 2 years, solidifying my understanding of the fundamental concepts of biology. I forgot how my fingers hurt a lot from writing my note and how much paper I used to try and frame a mind map that connects the different speciation methods in my evolutionary biology class.
So, when I started taking courses, I started watching the videos like how I would watch my school’s lecture videos. I listened to it while making connections in my head and will try to note what I learned on a blank paper after.
However, I noticed it was more challenging, especially when I started learning Machine Learning. For example, I always have to rewatch the video and make notes while pausing. And doing projects were such a pain because I constantly thought that I was learning it wrong. It annoyed me so much I felt demotivated and frequently wanted to give up.
On my evening walk today, alhamdulillah (a phrase to express gratefulness to Allah), I realized my mistake all along.
I started learning data science courses with a mindset that I already have an instinct around it, when in fact, I haven’t even mastered the foundation of the subject itself. I was reminded of the days when I would wake up at 4 am just so I could write a “cheat sheet” to reframe and connect different concepts of my biology courses, which subsequently rewarded me with a (for lack of a better word) “the science and biology instinct.”
I have to reshape my learning plan to fit my current learning needs. And eventually, I know that I will be rewarded with a “data science instinct” like all of the instructors who are generous in sharing their knowledge.
I wanted to share this “epiphany” because I find it ironic. Comical actually. I am an avid believer in seeing myself as always open to learning. To be curious and inquisitive.
But I’ve been punishing myself, negatively thinking that maybe data science was not meant for me. When in fact, I haven’t tried to reflect on changing my learning techniques at all. (I kept smiling to myself as I’m writing this)
I’m glad that I persevered through this and will continue to share my journey in data science. Hopefully, I will have a good ending (fingers crossed!)
Thank you for reading and have a great weekend!
