When I first started this class, I wasn’t sure I would make it to the end. I began late due to a death in my family that took a lot out of me emotionally. I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to catch up or even keep up with the assignments. But looking back now, I can truly say that every bit of effort was worth it. I’m so glad I pushed through, and I understand now why the DS-106 community is so beloved. It’s more than just a class—it’s a space that helps you unlock talents you didn’t even know you had.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned in this course is how to dig deep and think critically about my creative process. I’ve always had an interest in design, but DS-106 challenged me to approach things from new angles. Whether it was crafting stories, designing art, or learning new software tools, this class pushed me to think outside the box. It forced me to embrace challenges head-on, especially when learning unfamiliar programs or techniques. I’ll admit, it wasn’t always easy—sometimes it felt like the hours I spent learning a new tool or software would never pay off. But now, I can see that all that time and effort were worth it in the end.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how my skills in design have grown. At first, I was intimidated by the idea of creating art on a weekly basis. But the more I did it, the better I became. I learned how to refine my designs, how to bring my ideas to life with the right tools, and how to find my own artistic voice. I used to spend hours agonizing over every little detail, but now I can approach each project with more confidence and creativity.
If I could go back and do one thing differently, it would be to take advantage of the tutoring resources that the school offers. I didn’t make use of the free tutoring early on, and looking back, I realize it would’ve saved me a lot of time. Instead of stumbling through tutorials on the internet, I could’ve gotten more direct guidance from someone who could help me work through challenges more efficiently. But, hey, live and learn!
The most exciting part of this course is that I now feel fully equipped to create a website from scratch. I always wanted to learn how to build a website, and now I’ve got the skills to do it—maintaining it, uploading photos, audio, and video content, and even experimenting with different design elements. It’s a huge accomplishment for me, and I’m really looking forward to using these skills in the future. Whether it’s for personal projects, helping others, or even starting my own website, I feel ready to take it on.
Overall, DS-106 has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It challenged me, it inspired me, and it gave me the tools I needed to take my creative skills to the next level. If you’re considering diving into this journey, I highly recommend it. Sure, it’s not always easy, but the payoff—both in terms of skills learned and personal growth—is absolutely worth it.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this class, it’s that creativity knows no bounds. The only thing holding you back is your own willingness to push through the tough times. And with the support of a community like DS-106, you’re never truly alone.
I’m excited about the future and all the creative projects I can now tackle, and I’m thankful for this class and the incredible community that helped me get here.
What’s something you’ve learned that surprised you during your creative journey? Let me know in the comments below!
