Learning more than just lesson: My skill-building journey
Online learning has had the most significant impact on my personal and professional growth. In this post, I’ll explore how it has transformed my life and how it could do the same for you. Alongside pursuing my degree, I’m actively honing skills in tutoring, coding, and learning a new language. I also dedicate time to researching my passion while pushing myself to become a better writer, drawing inspiration from my love for reading. Let’s dive into how I’m shaping my skills for the future.
Each of these skills plays a key role in my journey. For instance, tutoring not only reinforces my knowledge but also teaches me patience and communication. Coding opens doors in tech, while learning a new language connects me with diverse cultures. By diversifying my skill set, I’m building a well-rounded foundation for my degree and future career.
Curiosity About Economics: A Field That Chose Me
Economics wasn’t exactly what I imagined for myself, especially since I was a science student in high school. But with my health issues, traditional learning wasn’t an option, so I ended up exploring online resources—and somehow, economics caught my attention. I had no background in the subject, but I wasn’t about to let that stop me. I started by reading high school textbooks to grasp the basics and diving deeper into the subject. It’s a massive field, but little by little, I’m finding my way. Along the journey, I stumbled upon coding and the idea of learning a new language, both of which turned out to be part of my semester requirements. What started as a necessity has now turned into an exciting quest for personal growth.
Expanding My Horizons: Coding and Language Learning
My coding journey started back in high school when I decided to take Computer Science, even though I had no prior experience. I was lucky to have a teacher who sparked my interest in the subject. I remember the excitement of figuring out logic and building algorithms—it felt like solving a puzzle. Even though coding can be tough at times, I enjoy the challenge. It’s something that pushes me to think critically and creatively. As I learned more, I realized that Python and R are essential tools in economics, so I decided to dive deeper into coding. At the same time, I also started learning a new language. Though I’m already fluent in a few Indian languages—English, Malayalam (my mother tongue), Tamil, and Hindi—I wanted to challenge myself to learn something new. Learning a new language is a great way to boost memory and critical thinking, and I find it to be a truly rewarding challenge.
Research and Writing: Exploring New Frontiers
I try to set aside time for both research and creative writing because they play an important role in my growth and intellectual development. Right now, I’m working on a research project about “Gamification in Life and How It Can Lead to Economic Changes.” I first discovered how gamifying personal tasks could boost productivity, and it sparked a question in my mind: Could this idea have a broader impact on the economy? That curiosity has led me to dive deeper into the potential economic effects of incorporating gamification into our everyday lives. Through this research, I’ve also found myself exploring various other areas of economics, learning more about the intricate systems that shape our world. It’s fascinating to see how all the pieces fit together.
Alongside my research, I also enjoy creative writing to tap into my imagination. It’s a great way to foster creativity and think outside the box. Both my research and writing help me build a more well-rounded skill set, and I’m excited to see where these pursuits might take me in the future.
Managing It All
I’ve shared how I’m learning so many different skills, but the real question is: how do I juggle everything? Honestly, it all comes down to time management and self-discipline. Motivation alone isn’t enough to keep everything on track—it’s easy to lose steam. What really keeps me going is intrinsic motivation, that inner drive to dive deeper into the things I care about, whether it’s my degree or something entirely new. Of course, I’m not always perfect at balancing it all. There are days when it feels like I can’t manage everything, and that’s okay. I give myself permission to take rest days and do things that feel fun, treating some of my activities more like hobbies than tasks I have to get done. The goal isn’t to rely only on motivation but to build systems that help me stay consistent, even when my energy dips. By creating these systems, I can keep moving forward, and when I need a break, I know it’s okay to slow down and recharge.
In this post, I've shared my journey of finding myself in economics and diving into computer science, both of which were unexpected choices with no prior experience. I know some might wonder if I’m just going along with things or if it all sounds too easy, but the truth is that it's okay to take unconventional paths to shape your future. You don’t need to have all the knowledge upfront to get started; curiosity is what really matters. If you’re curious about something, dive in headfirst—trust the process, stay curious, and allow yourself the freedom to learn at your own pace. Online learning has given me the flexibility to explore new topics, and I’ve learned that sometimes the most fulfilling journeys come from embracing the unknown. So, don’t be afraid to take that leap and explore new possibilities. The only thing that’s truly important is your willingness to grow.
-Fathima Sahla (B.Sc.Economics)
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