Introduction

Coming into the course, I knew that this was going to be a big learning moment for me, partly because I have never purposefully worked on a prototype outside of my own Canva designs; I’ve often avoided the “professional” or legal steps to actually put my ideas out there, especially in a group setting, with intention of it becoming a reality. 

Bootcamp Days

With the bootcamp, I was very excited to learn from all the presenters, I mean my notebook is literally filled with information I have been using since the day I got it. 

One unexpected thing from the boot camp was actually just the genuine support we got from the presenters. It also felt more valuable because these are from people who are living day-to-day doing what they love. They have taken a leap, they’ve merged their creativity and used technology to share their work, and they felt like my biggest cheerleaders in this process. 

If I was doubtful before, or if for a moment I felt like I was an imposter, that immediately left the second I heard from Kianne. Their main comments were, “just do it”, and “you guys got this, you can do it”. Those words really pushed my creative boundaries. 

I mean, just hearing another writer express her passions or how the consistency of maintaining a blog helps with even just your consistency in general, really helped me feel encouraged in my writing that I've been consistently trying to improve and put out there to build my discipline and passion.

Build Days

With the Face-to-face build days, now that is a room I wish I was in every week day! Just the community that has been built. I mean, we know Jamaicans bring the vibes wherever we are, but just the immediate family nature of everyone really felt like something divinely orchestrated. 

Kingston Creative is absolutely an amazing co-working space. Just meeting those we heard on zoom the previous week, was enticing. I also cannot forget the food from downstairs, shoutout to Miss Yvonne, the most amazing lady I have ever met; she feels like sunshine on a summer day!! 

We have our internal jokes, we spend productive time together, have our lightbulb moments, and just witnessing people from different spaces, with different experiences in the various industries come together and create something so life-changing, you just cannot find that anywhere else. 

PS, my team is the best team, go DesignWave (yes our group name is different from our prototype)!!

Personal Growth and Learnings

Over the past few weeks, I've learnt that I have a lot to learn. I have the ideas, I have the passion and ability to do entrepreneurship. Even though years before I've tried and failed, I have built a confidence in my craft now that is unlike before. 

I've also learnt that even though I am young, I have a lot of supportive people, cheering me on. The Creative Tech Lab has cleared my vision. I am a creative and I'm ready to integrate tech in my ideas and really pursue them. 

I'm mostly proud of my team because we really believe in our prototype. We see this being successful beyond CTL. I've had a lot of uncomfortable moments, but looking back, they made me stronger and more driven to accomplish my dreams. 

Closing Thoughts

Now we are just looking forward to presenting at pitch day!! This is the day we have been preparing for right? We have had so many conversations in person and online. I know we will do great!

With that said, I'm grateful I got accepted into the Jamaica and Honduras Cohort. I'm eager to see how my creative tech journey unfolds, who knows, I might become a woman in STEM.