Adventures in Tech Wonderland: My Ongoing SWEP 200 Journey

A part of the August edition focused on the Student Workshop Experience Programme (SWEP), 2021/2022 Session

Welcome to the August 2023 edition of The Computer Newsletter. This edition is focused on the Student Workshop Experience Programme (SWEP) 2021-2022 Session.

This is the third article in the edition by Egbeyemi Olabisi Blessing, Computer Science with Economics student, Part 2.

Egbeyemi Olabisi Blessing; Computer Science with Economics, Part 2

"In the thrilling world of SWEP, we dance with code, wrestle with wires, and surf the waves of technology – all in pursuit of becoming tech wizards!"

Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts! Grab your ‘As e dey hot puff-puff balls’ as I take you on a ride through my ongoing SWEP200 journey as a Computer Science and Engineering student.

Let me begin with our daily ritual – some of us dash like Usain Bolt just to ensure we never arrive late, while others gracefully make their way, embracing the joy of punctuality. It's a delicate dance between hastening to our destination and calmly arriving on time, knowing the excitement lies in evading any unwanted detentions or penalties.

SWEP200 is no ordinary experience; it's a tech wonderland! From delving into computer networking to unravelling the mysteries of databases using MySQL, we explored the vast landscape of technology. Product design becomes our canvas, and we unleash our inner artists. Game development, though not a grand epic, is an exhilarating journey into a virtual wonderland.

We might not create the next best-selling game, but we were having fun piecing together the basic building blocks of our digital creations! And all along, we were mentored and inspired by fantastic trainers/lecturers who guided us as we watched them, absorbing their expertise like sponges.

While the journey through SWEP200 is like a thrilling rollercoaster ride, it is also undeniably stressful. The constant challenges and tight schedules kept us on our toes, pushing our problem-solving skills to the limit. But it is all worth it as we emerge more skilled and confident tech enthusiasts.

My friends cannot contain their excitement as they recommend @NIIMO_TECH_HUB on IG to other coursemates, urging them to get their laptops from there and embrace the tech revolution fuelled by SWEP200. It's the perfect start to their tech journey.

During one of these engaging lectures, a remarkable lecturer shared his tech job journey, emphasizing the importance of broadening our perspectives.

He encouraged us to know all aspects of computer technology, even as we pursue our areas of expertise. It was a powerful reminder that versatility and a well-rounded skill set can open doors to extraordinary opportunities in the tech world.

Amidst all the technical buzz, we had this hilarious lecture where we heard the quirkiest stories of people hailing our beloved Great Ife from across the seas. It's a moment of sheer pride, reminding us of the legacy we inherited as students of this prestigious institution. "Great Ife! Great Ife!!" we cheered, with hearts swelling with school spirit.

One of my absolute favourite parts of SWEP200 is the project teamwork. We transformed into a tightly-knit family of tech enthusiasts. There were days when we triumphed together, high-fiving over a successful stage and days when we struggled together, battling lines of code like knights facing a dragon.

But we had each other's backs, always ready to lend a hand or a debugging eye. It's not just about individual brilliance; it's about harnessing the power of collaboration.

As we continue this SWEP200 journey and approach its conclusion in August, I cannot help but wonder if a three-day schedule, rather than four days in a week, would allow us more time for personal development.

Taking a breath would allow us to explore additional tech interests, participate in skill-building workshops, or simply recharge our creative batteries. Through the rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs, SWEP200 is like a catalyst for our growth. It's a concoction of stress, excitement, and invaluable learning.

There are moments when we felt like tech superheroes and others when we felt like curious explorers venturing into uncharted territories. But every step of the way, we acquire the superpowers needed to thrive in the tech world.

As I continued this SWEP200 journey and approached its conclusion in August, I carried a heart filled with gratitude and memories that will forever sparkle like lines of code.

If you ever embark on a similar adventure, remember this: embrace the challenges, cherish the camaraderie, and dive headfirst into the wonderland of technology. The journey is one you will never forget.

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You can read the main article of the August edition below.