The Project that almost broke me…
Three weeks into the Data science BootCamp and I was thrown in the deep end. The last weekend was a 60hrs fight to complete my project 2 on Linear Regression(LR). Having next to no idea how to code in Python and my lack of understanding on LR, I soldiered on bravely into the trenches. I web scraped as hard as I can to get every bit of information needed for the task. Little I know that was the easy part *face palm*. The “best” was yet to come.
On top of the 60hrs to the deadline requirement, we planned for a staycation which was non-cancellable. I had no choice but to bring my work to the hotel. After settling in and bringing my kids to Black Tap for a Crazy Shake, I continued working on the LR Project. At this point, I was running on fumes. For the last 3 days prior, I averaged 3hours sleep and my eyes were giving way and mind froze. I could code no more. I need rest. Hello, Bed.
The journey was coming to an end in the last 24hrs as I managed to build up momentum and came up with something decent. Data Analysis, Linear Regression, Ridge Regression, Cross validation with Lasso Model and Ridge Model have become part of my new found language. Please see my repo here. As I made my final push towards the time of presentation, my heart is full. A sense of accomplishment washes over me as I delivered the presentation in minutes. Nevermind about the feedback and the shortcomings of my powerpoint slides. I DONE IT!!! I completed the most difficult task in my life. It is over now. Although, my eyes are suffering from the lack of rest, I found myself satisfied. I am on my way to become a Data Scientist at a ripe old age of 42. “This is not a degree course. This is a BootCamp”, echoed in my mind, as I drifted into a well-deserved slumber. Good night, World. Hello, Tomorrow. Tomorrow, we meet SQL… I wonder what will that be like.
