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Embracing the role of "Mom-in-chief" is an exhilarating experience for any new mother, regardless of whether it's their first child or their fifth. Each journey is unique, prompting mothers to cherish every moment and make up for any previous lessons learned. While bonding with their new child, many mothers on maternity leave find themselves reflecting on personal growth. Conversations with these mothers often revolve around the desire to enhance their skills before returning to work, driven by the fear of being left behind in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Navigating the Return to Work: Amidst the quest for the perfect burping technique, an important question arises: How can one effectively plan for a successful return to work without neglecting their own well-being? Although the baby's welfare and your own health should be the top priorities, here are a few steps to help you prepare for a seamless transition back to the workplace:

1. Stay Updated with Industry Changes: Keeping abreast of industry developments is crucial for understanding where your focus should lie upon returning to work. By staying informed, you can identify the skills and knowledge that will make you valuable in your field.
   
2. Map Out Your Career Path: Consider where you want to be in your career and align your next steps accordingly. Use this time to envision your goals and plan the necessary actions to achieve them. Mapping out a clear career path will provide a sense of direction and purpose as you resume your professional journey.
   
3. Embrace Continuous Learning: Take advantage of mini-breaks to engage in various learning experiences, not necessarily restricted to work-related topics. Every learning opportunity, regardless of its nature, holds value. Cultivating a growth mindset and seeking new knowledge will not only enhance your personal development but also contribute to your professional growth.
   
4. Progress at Your Own Pace: Above all, remember that you are in control of your journey. Each activity and decision you make during maternity leave contributes to your overall success. If you dedicated your entire leave period to nurturing your baby and couldn't find time for other pursuits, consider it a triumph. Embrace the idea that progress can be achieved at a pace that suits you and your unique circumstances.
   

As you prepare to transition from maternity leave to the demands of your professional life, it will take time to find a balance between your role as a mother and your career aspirations. By staying informed, setting clear goals, embracing continuous learning, and acknowledging your own achievements, you can confidently embark on this new chapter and build a successful future that integrates both motherhood and professional growth.

In a viral interview, Giannis Antetokounmpo famously stated, "There is no failure in sports." This sentiment can be applied to motherhood and the return to work as well. Every action and decision you make during this journey, regardless of the outcomes, contributes to your overall success. It's essential to relax, enjoy the process, and embrace the idea that each step forward is a step towards achieving your goals.

Mother's Day Edition

The Techne Times | Issue 11 | May 2023

www.TheTechneTimes.com

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Mission Explore

AI for human advancement

Women history month

i Am,

because

you were

"Greatness is in our DNA. Women are the beacon of modern civilization and the foundation upon which it all began. They have forged our paths with battles won."

arch is the month we celebrate women and their contribution to society. It is inspiring to know that women have worked and are the foundation of any civilized society today.

In this edition, I will share the women that inspire me, my mother, sister, and great queens of the Bini Kingdom.

In my mom’s eyes, I never failed an exam. You don’t have a passing grade try again, she would say. I saw her work her 8-5, have a pop shop and still be with us for breakfast, dinner, or any event possible. It all seemed so easy, but now I see that was no easy fit. So, when people say it is impossible to have a career, kids, and other passions, I say I had a role model who made me understand all you needed was balance, an excellent support system, and an enabling environment.

My sister continuously renovates herself currently pursuing a master's in global health at Harvard Medical School. I have always admired her growing up. How is it that one could be so beautiful, with silks of hair , and still be exceptionally brilliant at anything she touched? She wrote and had her stories published in the newspapers. She is artistic too, which she says was all prep for her journey to being a doctor. Leading the center for sexual and gender-based violence, helping men and women of all ages. What greater impact could there be than to help the oppressed feel seen, heard, and get Justice?

You might wonder why I mentioned the Bini women earlier. I guess because my mother, sister, and I all have one thing in common. We are Bini’s, and I want to believe that the blood of the women warriors runs in our veins. Before movies of the woman king, we had had the great queen mother Queen Idia. She is said to have led the Bini’s in battles and won. An army general by all standards, but still a Queen to her people.

People often say, “one can’t have it all” but then I read about Queen Idia or without looking far into the history books, I look at my mother; I know that it’s possible to have a career, family, and whatever else you want on top of it. The prize and recognition might not be as grand as a Nobel prize or an award on the big stage, but in the eyes of those that matter, you are truly a SHEro.

I am who I am because of the women before me who forged the path for you. We are because they were. Happy International Women's Day. I hope you never give up, even when the path appears fuzzy.

The highlight of writing this March special is reflecting on my strengths and not letting situations define me, but harnessing my potential.

March 2023 | Special Edition

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Healthy Data

Data Recipes

By Iria O

There was a small town called Dataville just along the data lake in NoSQL city. Robots and humans lived well together in Dataville. They put together a five-star data recipe, which they used to create products and services that can help Dataville.

However, some people started stealing the data recipes and creating products that could cause harm to everyone in Dataville. With the help of the data engineers, the robots swapped into action by implementing data governance policies and having people set their preferred settings on how they want their data to be used.

These data-driven policies monitored all the data collected and sent a trigger if something was off. Thanks to the data team in Dataville, everyone lived happily and ensured that everyone's data privacy was according to their settings.

Dev-Tech fiction from Ruby Techne Series - A Newbie's Journal

After taking a breath. Yes, breathe, it all comes together.

The Techne

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January Recap

With the new year, I have been gaining strong momentum in some online learning and reading. Started with Data Engineering Cookbook by….. It is a beautiful book with a pleasant flow, even for those just starting in data. I love a book with hands-on activities so that you do not figure things out solo based on reading. If you are not familiar with Azure, it’s a double win for you. Get to learn core Azure technologies too. I have been looking at the Azure Data Engineer Associate certification so found

It is an added resource to the self-paced path on Microsoft Learn. I 100% recommend the book and learning if you looking to get into data.

Now!!! Appears January has been busy as one goal was to take this freestyle blogging up a notch so I could apply both at work and also personally, so you guessed right. Technical writing. There is a twist to it really, so could make people fall in love with a product or hate it based on how you write about it. So I am curious about how these learnings will manifest in the next couple of months. Maybe I could even survey so y’all could grade me😄

My two recommendations are based on my January reading. Early Coders is an introduction to computer science with some thorough analysis that I think not just the young but parents and guidance will find useful.

Azure Data Engineering Cookbook is another amazing hands-on book using cool products from Azure. Looking to start a career in data engineering? Go grab a copy of this book.

A recap of our current books. Visit our website www.TYTtechED.com, Barnes & Noble or Amazon to grab a copy.

We also have free videos on our YouTube. Please like, share, and subscribe.

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New year…Goals

When does it starts?

We can liken executing our goals to practicing the Agile methodology. Flexible enough to change with the times and steady enough to at least have an MVP.

The question of having it for the new year? When does a new year's resolution start? January 1st? Or the day you make that resolution? Some people might argue that a year is a timeframe that we define based on the start date.

The pressure of the January 1st resolution can be intense, that a brief diversion comes out as a failure and a spiral downhill continues.

In the last 3 years, I have not specifically had a resolution for the new year but have created an epic with a breakdown of work items on how to achieve it. Open to making modifications with the goal in mind. Guess that was why I likened goals and resolution to being Agile.

Happy 2023… keep it simple but track and ensure it fits into the plan.

Space

By Iria O

Ruby finally took some days off, and she went to Silicon Valley. It was only proper for a Techne to visit a place that resonates with tech innovation. Wallstreet is to banks or investors, while Silicon Valley is to techies. It is funny that this would make it her fifth time in California, but her first time taking exploring the city.

She had dreamed of moving here after graduation, but when she got her first break as a Rotational Database developer with Bricks Retail (BR) in Toronto, she just could not turn down that opportunity. Helping teams engineer their database and ensure their applications could withstand the peak sales period.

Getting the role, she worked on a POC design for the insights warehouse team. One problem they had was storage space.

“How can we have all the raw data for analysis and not exceed our budget?” Drew had asked her during onboarding.

Drew had been with BR for a little over five years and started the AI team when the business moved analytics in-house from vendors. He seemed cool during the interview, but she will get to know more in a matter of time.

“Data storage does not have to cost so much if you have the right design,” she had replied to Drew.

“And of course, the right provider if we went cloud,” she added.

Talking about space, how is it that houses here in California were so expensive and the space didn’t match the price? Oh well, living space and storage space of any kind comes at a cost.

"Enough space to accommodate growth," Ruby mumbled.

A recap of our current books. Visit our website www.TYTtechED.com, Barnes & Noble or Amazon to grab a copy.

We also have free videos on our YouTube. Please like, share, and subscribe.

High with plans for the new year but ensure you have breaks to relax, refresh, and reboot.

The Techne

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This is a skill, I mean if applied correctly; it is a ​wonderful skill to have. I think for me it is a ​mixture of imposter syndrome; I know with the ​number of talks and videos out here in 2022, no ​one should still talk about it, but then I can't say ​this does not creep in sometimes.

When I started the tech story series, I never ​really shared like I was behind it. It was more of ​"here is this beautiful piece of art and I love it." ​When it should have been "see what I made, I ​love it and I am proud of it."

So how do you tell your story? Self-promote ​your work while recognizing these areas you ​still need to work on. Do you ever let the "what I ​am yet to do" affect what you have done?

I am taking the steps to be more conscious of ​that. So cheers to my first feature on ShoutOut ​Atlanta for my book series and more speaking ​engagements.

In the winter months, it is important to keep your ​skin moisturize to prevernt dryness and irritation.

Learning about storyboards. I ​think this is important in ​today's world of presentations ​or writing of any form. How do ​you create an interesting story ​enough to, if not convince but ​make an impact?

ABOUT ME...REDEFINED

There is some kind of magic that is ​wrapped within science concepts.

Somehow there is a rational behind ​it but then again the beauty of what ​it does, removes any mystery from it.

www.teachtoddlerstech.com ​www.bigdataprincess.com ​www.thetechnetimes.com

THETECHNETIMES

Self-Promotion

README

By Iria O

Ruby had just cloned the repo for the data pipeline project when trying to set it ​up. She realized the README file was empty. She double-checks the logs, ​thinking that she cloned the wrong repo.

“Oh, no!!! she,” she mutters under her breath

“How am I supposed to set this up?”

Understanding the relationship of the entities would take her a day's work, but if ​the readme file had details, she would have been up and running.

“I wish I had not pushed this off for so long,” she says to herself.

Just then Petra walks by her cube.

“What’s up Ruby, ant to join us for Taco Tuesday?” Petra asked.

“I would love to, but just realized this handoff from Jimmy does not have the ​setup documented,” Ruby responded.

Having proper documentation is important for any project. How can one ​understand the code? We could liken it to going to a new location without a map.

“Is it for the dashboard ask from Santos?” Petra asked as she walked into the cube.

Ruby nodded her head and spun her chair around to meet Petra.

“My bad!! I have the update, stashed it, and forgot,” Petra said.

“I will go push the changes now,” she continued as she walks over to her desk.

“Then it is a taco lunch,” Ruby responded as they both burst out laughing.

Dev-Tech fiction from Ruby Techne Series

A little reminder to hydrate with the summer heat.

If you are a content creator and have yet to ​harness all that Canva is offering, then you are ​missing out on so much. I think it is a hidden ​gem for content creators. At this rate, I think. I ​need to start a gig on Fiverr because Canva has ​brought out a design part of me I was not aware ​of😆

I use Canva for video creation, books,

illustrations, and now website design. I know I ​am just scratching the surface of all the amazing ​things I can do with Canva. Understanding ​Canva as a tool is a major skill.

We all, at some point, are product owners and ​Design-thinking is so good to have. I love how ​using Canva inspires me and builds that skill.

PS: This is not a paid Ad😆

Amy Cuddy wrote Presence: Bring your boldest ​self to your biggest challenges. I am happy I got ​introduced to her book, never heard of her TED ​Talk either, got to listen to it. I know!!! Better late ​than never. Go check it out.

DESIGN-DRIVEN

There is some kind of magic that is ​wrapped within science concepts.

Somehow there is a rational behind ​it but then again the beauty of what ​it does, removes any mystery from it.

www.teachtoddlerstech.com ​www.bigdataprincess.com ​www.thetechnetimes.com

THETECHNETIMES

Canva Tool & Skill

API design had taken a toll on her. Learning about the different protocols and working on ​the design at the same time.

“Sorry for the stress, Ruby,” Sam said.

Sam was the Scrum Master, Architect, QA, and Project Manager, which alone was a lot for ​one person. If we are going by the basic principles of Agile methods, then SM and PM for a ​project should not be the same person.

“It is okay. You had quite a lot on your plate as well,” Ruby said to Sam as she looked ​through the release announcement.

“Yes, I guess one person can’t do it all?” he asked with a smile.

"Nope," she responded, laughing.

When designing an application, should one stick to just one protocol? It depends, the ​expert says. One person has done what everyone else cannot do, REST. Laughing to herself ​as she had likened Sam’s workload combination to the REST API.

Ruby Techne series started out of love of ​tweaking a developer's thought and now I ​am excited we have random thoughts ​series for the Dev's Act. Currently on ​episode 5.

Wow!!! this all started as a word prompt ​and excited for all who have read, listed to ​our podcast. Thanks for the support.

We have an amazing three episode story ​coming soon. Thriller + Tech + Developer, ​now that is a good combo. Watch out.

Dev-Tech fiction from Ruby Techne Series

DEV’S ACT: REST

By Iria O

Ruby Techne Seires

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agile culture

Workplace Culture

This topic is ever fresh, and I had three different drafts. In summary of all drafts, "we all make up the culture of any organization we work in" was my thought.

The oxford dictionary defines culture as "The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social groups." it might only be best to say that as much as the leadership set the tone, employees also have a way to shape that culture and as we have celebrated Black History Month, Women's History Month, Autism Awareness Month and all future celebration, we recognize that they all share a common theme.

Hopefully, we take that knowing that there is beauty in diversity. They can belong if we are inclusive and allow for equity.

Dev’s Act: Renew

By Iria O

Ruby glances at her phone as she sees a notification come in. It is a reminder that her certification was going to expire in the coming months.

“Why that look?” Sara asked.

She had met Sara at the Techbyte Conference in Lagos. They had remained friends over the last year. So, when she called to say she was going to be in Cairo for the gamers' conference, she was excited to have someone with whom she could share accommodation.

“It’s a reminder notification for my certification. It is about to expire,” she said as she poured a cup of coffee.

The discount was something she did not want to pass over, she had missed some job opportunities not having a certification and the hands-on labs give you some sort of experience in building personal projects.

“Certifications can be tricky,” said Sara

“Yes, but the trick is picking one area that is used in the industry,” Ruby responded.

“So true and using the experience to build on personal projects that can help boost your job opportunities,” Sara added.

“True, that is a good thing,” Ruby concluded as she picked up her phone and moved the email to her favorite folder to signup later.

Self Development

I started the 30 Days to Learn It: Microsoft Cloud Skills Challenge. The path I am on is Azure Cosmos DB Developer Speciality. It is amazing, hand-on activity too. Try it out and get the 50% discount towards an Azure certification.

Take your PTO. Relax, Refresh & Reload

The Techne

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Tech fiction from Ruby Techne Series

TheTECHNETimes

Remote the new in-person

Conference

For the last two weeks, I was opportune to be a host for the Azure Cosmos DB Conf EMEA session. Amazing sessions, with our partners and community developers sharing how they use Cosmos DB in their businesses. Check out the link to recordings and on-demand videos to learn more.

The extra cherry on top was the Toronto Womxn in Data Science Conference. I was on the panel discussion about the future of data. Oh, the award ceremony was beautiful too.

Book Club

We have amazing books that explain core tech concepts and not just for kids, young teens but adults as well.

Reviews received so far have mentioned how detailed the books are. Currently, as part of the Easter celebration, TYT TechEd is offering you a deal if you shop at Barnes and Noble, use the code BNPEASTER22 and you get 50% off.

Take a walk outdoors and get some fresh air.

The Techne

Dev’s Act: Remote sprint

By Iria O

It’s a 30mins year meeting and Ruby is looking to go for a quick walk before her son, mac arrives. I mean Mac is a sweet boy but can’t seem to get the idea that mummy’s laptop is not for reading out the alphabet.

Just as she logs into the Teams meeting and shares her screen. “Please let me know when you see my screen” smiling to herself she laughs since the pandemic appears this is one of those lines you have to say before starting, just then Java says “oh sorry I was talking on mute” now that is a perfect combo to start of the meeting. 😂😂😂

Sprint planning can be fun but appears she never can work on her assigned task as something keeps coming up to bump it all. Guess this is what they mean by Agile. I mean, that is one way of looking at it, she thought. Oops!!! As she realizes the Scrum Master was asking for an update. Good thing her camera was off. “Sorry I was talking on mute” is the perfect reusable excuse or lie?

About TYT TechED

TYT TechEd started as TeachToddlersTech is passionate about teaching the core basics of tech through an interesting format of stories, videos and fun activities for toddlers, tweens, and teens. These resources help them understand the basic tech concepts through engaging storytelling and by exploring the surrounding environment. TYT TechEd is not solely focused on exposing the young ones to tech, but also aims to teach them core values that help in character building.

The tech field is becoming the goldmine of contemporary society. Every day, new technologies are being developed, with technology-related companies around the world reinventing and repositioning themselves, to remain at the helm of the digital tide. It is essential that children, who are the leaders of tomorrow, have a firm grasp of the basics of technology as a form of preparation for a more digitized world in the coming years.

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Tech fiction from Ruby Techne Series

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