Learning Plan

September 2025

Long-Term Goal / Career Pathway

I'm into cybersec (pentesting / ethical hacking), network stuff, and UI/UX frontend stuff and also backend, but I'm not locking myself into one path yet. I'll try things, see what I vibe with, and choose as I go. If I end up a senior full-stack dev, I'm sweet with that too - the goal is solid skills, decent money, and interesting problems that help people (esp. Maori and immigrants/refugees). I'm also keen to dabble in AI/LLMs for language-learning tools down the line.

Other areas I'd consider:

• Backend engineer - maybe working toward a senior position.
• Consultancy in the future or might move to Australia 2027.
• Doing work with Maori and immigrants/refugees for better outcomes.
• Building language learning apps with AI (I definitely want to work with ML + LLMs and that kind of stuff).

Strengths & Limitations in Learning

Strengths

• Humour, bravery, creativity, love of learning -> aligns with Eagle's boldness, Owl's analysis, and Big Five openness. (from prev personality test that I agree with tbh)
• Relational style -> value intimacy and compassion
• Leadership -> introverted but assertive, so I'm fine in smaller groups but can take charge when needed.
• Driving force -> strong mix of imagination, emotional awareness, and justice-seeking.

Limitations

• Self-discipline -> biggest thing I've had to work on.
• Neurodivergence -> I've got undiagnosed ADHD and autism, which makes focus, stress, and procrastination a bit harder. Working toward a diagnosis + treatment in the next few months/early next year.
• Stress & sensitivity -> can disrupt productivity, but I'm actively learning strategies to manage it.

Human Skills I Want to Develop

• Reframing procrastination -> getting more done while being kinder to myself, not shaming myself.
• Self-reflection + meta-skills that make me better in every area of life.
• Reframing networking -> instead of scary/ass kissing, see it as a skill I already have (just applying it to a new industry).
• Generally want to grow in balance, resilience, and communication.

My Commitment to Managing Workload

• I'll manage myself productively and safely with faculty, cohort, and industry/community reps by sticking to my values:
  • Respect
  • Willingness to understand
  • Being okay with being wrong
  • Staying open to learning and constructive feedback
• As an immigrant and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I don't take belittlement, discrimination, or harassment lightly. I'm comfortable calling it out in the moment (in a healthy way) and will escalate to faculty if needed.
• If I feel my emotions or stress are getting too much, I'll:
  • Step away to calm down.
  • Ask to be excused if I'm in a call or presentation.
  • Use breathing exercises or jot thoughts down.
  • Come back when I feel level headed and ready to re-engage.
• If I'm stuck (after trying for 15-20 minutes on my own) or confused about course work, I'll reach out to facilitators and wait patiently for a response.

What I Expect From the Facilitation Team

• Basic respect (the same I give).
• Patience if I ramble or need to process things in a more neurodivergent way.
• A gentle nudge back on track if I go off course.
• Honestly, everything I've seen from Dev Academy so far has been great, so my expectations are already being met.

Scheduling / Availability

• Absolutely no block-out times.
• I'm fully dedicated to this course for the rest of the year.