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.