A week ago, my summer vacation ended after my end-semester exams. It was one of the most productive times of the year! I had almost two months off, and I learned some amazing skills in conversation and computer science. Overall, I've developed my personality and changed the way I understand things. Here are the few things I did during my vacation:
1. Zero to Python 🐍
I created a GitHub repository with more than 100 Python programs. It's perfect for someone who knows basic Python and wants to enhance their skills through practice. I started it for my personal learning, but now it's available for everyone! I'll add more code and projects in the future.
2. Film Recommender Chatbot 🎬🤖
I saw on YouTube that everyone was making film recommender systems as projects. I wanted to make one too, but with a twist. So, I created a film recommender system with an integrated chatbot. It's still in progress, but I've made a simple version.
3. Fine-tuning GPT-2 🧠
While making the film recommender chatbot, I realized I needed to fine-tune GPT or another language model. I learned about fine-tuning models, Hugging Face Transformers, and how to fine-tune Google Colab. That's the beauty of making projects – you learn different skills along the way!
4. Freelance Project 💼
This is probably my biggest achievement! I completed my first freelance project. I created a website for someone and got paid ₹1500. It's a big achievement not because of the amount, but because I proved it's possible to earn money online. I'm excited to continue until I get my second order.
5. Distance Calculator 🗺️
Ola recently started OlaMaps in India and offered a free API for a year. So, I created a distance calculator app that can measure the distance between two cities. It's a basic project, but it was fun to start with OlaMaps. I'd love to create more projects with it in the future.
6. Learned Machine Learning 🤖
Before the vacation started, I decided to learn machine learning. I was amazed by how machines can learn on their own. To cover the basics, I completed a FreeCodeCamp video on machine learning by Ayush Verma. Then I created some projects – even the film recommender chatbot and fine-tuning were results of that ML learning.
7. Active on LinkedIn 🔗
I started posting regularly on LinkedIn and became more active on the platform. The vacation gave me time to explore this community, and I love it! I've made amazing friends there.
8. Deleted Instagram 📵
I deleted Instagram from my phone (but kept my profile) because it was taking up too much of my time. As a computer science student, it wasn't adding much value to my life. My brain feels lighter now, and I'm proud of this decision.
9. Joined Dev Communities 👥
I've joined many communities to make friends and build networks. Dev is one of them, and I love being here. I'm learning a lot!
10. Cold Calls 📞
After getting my first freelance order, I decided to start a small agency business offering web development services. I created a basic portfolio and started making cold calls. I've made about 60-70 calls overall. Although I haven't gotten any orders yet, I've learned how to talk to strangers and it has boosted my confidence.
Special Mentions 🌟
Made a friend named Sujal on LinkedIn who shared cybersecurity study materials with me.
My first freelance client was very humble and encouraged me. He even offered to help with future job opportunities.
Started a YouTube channel (not regular yet, but it's a start!)
Learned Linux and Vim (#realcoder)
Watched a movie that changed my perspective on thinking
Also i started Leetcode and take part in competitive programming.
The github repo of every project is available in my github: divyanshtiwari20.
Now that college has started again, I'm happy and ready for new adventures. Thanks for reading to the end – it means a lot! Love you 3000!! ❤️
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