AWS Cloud Computing Certification 101

 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Educate offers multiple courses on Cloud learning for people. Since Cloud is a relatively new concept for me, I chose Cloud Computing 101, which is suitable for a new-to-cloud learner like me. The high-level course is designed to set a foundation for cloud knowledge and help someone decide where to focus next in the Cloud learning journey. This interactive course covers the fundamentals as outlined below (putting the content from the AWS Educate course outline):

·         Define cloud computing and describe its benefits

·         Compare and contrast cloud computing service and deployment models

·         Identify the AWS Global Infrastructure

·         Discuss the shared responsibility model

·         Describe the Well-Architected Framework and its role in building flexible and reliable architectures

·         Identify the use, features, and benefits of Amazon Web Services (AWS) core services

·         Practice using AWS core services in a lab environment

·         Describe four entry-level cloud computing careers

After successfully passing the assessment test, I recently finished this course and got my certification. I have an understanding of the fundamentals of cloud computing. 

Cloud computing is a new technology concept that allows users to access computing resources such as software applications, storage, and so on from any device other than a computer/local server. The way cloud computing works is that there is a central data center with a plethora of data storage and network equipment that can connect to any personal device. This sort of computing is becoming more popular for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to scalability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. All of these advantages are driving large organizations to adopt cloud computing. 

Amazon Web Service (AWS) is the most widely used cloud computing provider for various reasons. It has a large number of data centers around the world that can connect various devices all over the world and in different geographic regions. AWS pricing is quite flexible and cheap compared to other cloud computing providers. AWS offers high security and ensures that the user's data is protected. It also has excellent customer support. 

As a high school student who appreciates coding, I can use AWS as a development platform. AWS provides sample projects and will assist me in creating my project one day. Aside from coding, AWS can help me become a better student by providing several resources and learning materials to help me study my academic subjects better. I aim to continue learning and experimenting with various AWS Cloud services.

Machine Learning Foundations: Statistics

During this winter break, I decided to take a quick LinkedIn course on Machine Learning Statistics. Machine Learning is an aspect of Artificial Intelligence that processes data entered by humans to assist the AI in learning. Recognizing statistics will aid in gaining insights into the data, recognizing the uncertainties involved with predictions, and confidently making data-driven decisions. 

This course was a great introduction to machine learning, given that I had little prior experience with the subject. This course takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete, and you will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion. The learning includes short clips to view and learn about statistics throughout the course. It covers various statistics topics, including probability, data graph analysis, correlation, etc. The course includes a short quiz after each lesson to move on to the next one, and you could repeat the question or rewatch a video if you need help understanding something. This course is of appropriate duration for someone starting new on this topic. I recommend taking it if you are interested in Machine Learning or Statistics. 

My Second Covenant House Sleep Out & Learning as Team Captain

 

I joined the Covenant House SleepOut and Fundraising event for the second year. I was delighted to do this volunteering opportunity again after having an excellent last year. Instead of raising funds alone, I formed a volunteer team from my High School. I decided to start a volunteer group with a few of my friends. The recruiting procedure was challenging because many friends were too busy with other activities and needed clarification on the fundraising process. Eventually, I recruited six friends to form a team of seven. Our objective was to raise $5000, which was attainable.

I coordinated with Covenant House, IL Fundraising Specialist. She spent time with the team to provide tips and tricks for fundraising.

 My Learning as the Waubonsie Valley Highschool Team Captain:

Throughout the fundraising period, I found that some team members needed to be more dedicated because they were preoccupied with other things. However, as a leader, I continued reminding people to reach out to as many people in their network as possible to raise money. Eventually, some of my friends appeared to contribute funds for the team, but more was needed. We only raised $1000 as a team, but it was still a lot of money, and I exceeded my individual fundraising last year. It was worth the effort to create a team and experience team dynamics while raising funds.

My most significant learning was around recruitment. I needed to recruit people who would be dedicated to a cause and go all out to achieve the objectives. We fell far short of our goal since some team members were not committed enough to the cause and raised no funds.

Also, Fundraising is more complex than it sounds. People are too shy to ask for money. I have contacted my family, friends, coaches, and other known people. I have seen success in that approach.

Overall, this year was a valuable learning experience for next year when I can recruit individuals willing to devote time to this team and cause.

Please read more about Covenant House, IL, here.