[Launch School] Community Update - September 18, 2024

Hello, everyone. It's Clare with our first Autumn 2024 update. It feels like it's been a long Summer, and I have much to catch you up on. Firstly, duty called, and I took a field trip to Cornwall to continue researching tea and scones (I dressed this up as a two-week holiday to my family so they wouldn't get suspicious). Oh my goodness! Cornwall has some amazing bakeries and tearooms, so it was difficult to commit to only scones. Which means I had a plethora of different snacks. But most importantly, we did sit down for a traditional afternoon cream tea. I was asked if I would like my scone with "jam and butter" or "jam and cream," which seemed a bit odd. I asked whether anyone ever chose butter, and they replied that sometimes people did. Weird. Anyway, pics, or it didn't happen: [cream_tea] Patrick, please note the tea composition here, and JDF, [coffee in a glass is fine](, but don't go there with tea. Lastly, an attraction that must not be missed when visiting Cornwall is the Bude Tunnel. Check it out on [Trip Advisor](. It's currently rated as #4 of 32 things to do in Bude, and my review is the most recent. Keep reading to the end; I have more exciting news for anyone who does not subscribe to [#gratuitous_pet_photos](. (Is there anyone that doesn't subscribe to that channel?) --------------------------------------------------------------- Important Updates Core Live The first Core Live cohort has completed their live sessions, and it was a resounding success. The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're all proud of their achievements. This included eight live classes over four weeks, including live programming demonstrations, feedback from TAs, and problem-solving practice with peers. Again, don't worry if you missed out this time. You can join the waitlist for the next cohort on our [Core Live Page](, which also contains more detailed information about this exciting new program. Smooth Start The Smooth Start program starts again this Monday, September 23rd. It is a valuable opportunity to meet peers, learn study techniques, and talk to graduate software engineers. We're excited to see the impact it will have on your learning journey. Signups for this cohort are now closed, but don't worry if you missed them; the link to sign up for the waitlist is [here](. Programming Essentials Workshops Our next series of workshops is underway. These offer additional support for students working through the prep courses and are taught live, providing an interactive experience and the opportunity to ask questions. The next few coming up are: - Overcoming Study Blocks at Launch School with Brenno on Thursday, September 19th - How to Study at Launch School with Trevor, on Tuesday, September 24th - The Internet for Programmers with Trevor (again!), on Thursday, September 26th [workshops] Please visit our [Workshops Page]( for a complete list of all the workshops and details on how to sign up. --------------------------------------------------------------- Routine Updates Women's Group We have our regular Launch School Women's Group Virtual meeting coming up. Our September meeting was very well attended. We encourage you to join us for the next one on Sunday, October 6th, at 11 a.m. EDT. It's a Q&A with another Capstone graduate, Wendy Kuhn. We can't wait to hear about her experiences, and we hope to see you there. Don't worry if you missed out. The next meeting is on Sunday, October 6th, at 11 a.m. EDT. It's a Q&A with another Capstone graduate, Wendy Kuhn. I can't wait to hear about her experiences. Check out [this forum post]( for more information, including how to sign up. SPOT Lead Recruitment The SPOT (Study Practice Over-learn Teach) is a student-organized group of volunteers who host study sessions for each core curriculum course. As a volunteer-based group, leads are needed to host sessions. This is a great way to get more involved in the community—you'll meet people, hone your communication skills, and keep your fundamentals sharp. [spot] Student articles Steven has written an [insightful article](grahampjarvis/when-to-take-an-assessment-after-you-have-dispelled-your-illusions-of-competence-e84905216504) on judging when to take an assessment. Self-paced learning can be a double-edged sword, which is one of the trickier aspects for me. But Steven has some great tips for ensuring we are properly prepared. Remember, if you write any articles, we would love you to share them on our [Sharing page](. On the Grapevine Frey started a [great thread]( asking about study habits and materials to help smooth the LS journey, and the community enthusiastically obliged. There are lots of tips and sound advice to be mined in there. In our [#showcase]( channel, Ralph shared his [OnView]( website. It's inspiring to see what our students can create! Jason asked about people's experiences using an [Ergonomic Kneeling Chair](. We probably all spend a lot of time at our desks, and it is essential to consider how to keep our bodies healthy. Joshua suggested using a stool, and Scott (Physical therapist) gave many suggestions and advice. [stools] Finally, and this is something we can probably all relate to, Wonnie asked for advice on [dealing with test anxiety](. The biggest takeaway is that you are not alone if this concerns you. Also, eat two bananas 30 minutes before the test (thanks, Derek. Are you sure scones wouldn't work, too?), practice with others, and keep perspective. --------------------------------------------------------------- And finally, we have new additions to the MacAdie household. Please meet Gilbert and Sullivan. [gilbert_and_sullivan] If you are unfamiliar with the music of Gilbert & Sullivan, you are in for a treat: [start here](. "I am the very model of a modern Major-General, I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral, I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historical, From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical; I'm very well acquainted, too, with matters mathematical, I understand equations, both the simple and quadratical, About binomial theorem I'm teeming with a lot o' news, With many cheerful facts about the square of the hypotenuse. I'm very good at integral and differential calculus; I know the scientific names of beings animalculous: In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral, I am the very model of a modern Major-General." — The Pirates of Penzance (W.S. Gilbert, Sir Arthur Sullivan) --------------------------------------------------------------- If you wish to stop receiving emails from us, you can use the one-click link below to unsubscribe. [Unsubscribe From All Email]( [Unsubscribe From Weekly Summaries](