Absolute best learning experience would be building my own computer. It started with a book. It walked me through all the hardware components I would need, how they would fit together and how to make sure they were compatible for each other and the software that I wanted to use. Next, I had to find the hardware that would fit both wants and needs. This consisted of hours of clicking back and forth between NewEgg.com pages comparing prices, sizes and other specifications. Eventually, all my pieces arrived and I had to put it all together. I watched a video tutorial on how to safely remove and apply thermal paste. Was called a “newb” when complaining about trouble shooting woes on facebook, (apparently you don’t put everything together straight away, just a few parts to make sure they work first). Spent a few hours near tears because I couldn’t get power and I swear I plugged everything into the right ports (I didn’t.) Then finally, after about twelve hours (not straight, there was a break for my actual job and sleep) My beautiful, beautiful machine was up and posting, and I was able to install my operating system.
The twelve hours was only the building it. I can’t tell you how many times I read and reread that book, and checked back for specific information. Met a guy on the NewEgg FB page who was super encouraging (got a lot of trolls telling me to go back tot he kitchen and make them sandwiches) The thermal paste video, probably saved me from frying my mother board and ruining my CPU. And of course there were the endless hours of shopping. It happened at least twice, I was already to ‘check out’ and I would find that one of my items wasn’t available, which meant, not only replacing it but other components. Over all, the pace was, about two or three months. And damn was I committed. Not a single person, including myself, was going to get in my way. As of today, not even a year later, I’ve built two computers, and am looking forward to my third.
As for my worst learning experience. I don’t think I’ve ever been in an “un-learnable” situation. However, two situations that didn’t exactly help the learning process. Once, was last semester for an online English class. The instructor was absent. She didn’t help lead or guide discussions, beyond the question or two that was to be addressed. There was no feed back until after the semester was over, so at no point was I or any of my classmates aware of strengths or weaknesses, or just plainly, where we were standing. The other, would be a few years back when I tried teaching myself guitar. I was doing pretty well, teaching myself to read music, and was able to play “Ode to Joy” without mistakes, though a bit slowly. However, there was one person that kept telling me it was a waste of time, and my money, or made me feel guilty for spending the money on myself instead of on them. Even though I got supportive words from friends and family, the negative ones won out and I eventually quit playing.
The difference between these two situations is mostly the support. The good experience, I didn’t give a flying &%^$ about any of the negative comments, because they came from people who didn’t mater. The two bad experiences, well, I got either no support or negative support from an instructor and a significant other. Those are pretty important people not giving encouragement when and where needed.
In regards to my learning and crafting experiences and what they have taught me about relationships with other people, is that these success have the same characteristics of the best relationships. You start off excited for something new. Maybe you fumble at the start, or get comfortable and make mistakes. Some enough to pull your hair out, but you end up with something beautiful in the end and worth all the strife. Crafting, and I will include computer building in the, because there is a delicacy to which one must handle the components, and an accuracy for it to turn out usable, just reminds me that you can’t quit when things don’t go as smoothly. That there is more satisfaction, when you can work through problems, instead of not bothering with them. As for day to day interactions, well, I have a new pool of knowledge to share and discuss, relating to a wider selection of people I share interests with.
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