As we near the final stretch of our MMA prediction model, it’s been a mix of challenges, lessons, and growth. One of the toughest obstacles I faced was debugging data migration. We had to restructure our database, but inconsistencies in how each teammate handled data cleaning caused errors when we tried to migrate everything. At one point, this became frustrating and even burned us out. A big part of the issue was a lack of communication, we were all working on our own tasks without syncing up enough.

Handling moments of being stuck was another learning experience. Whether it was debugging scraping scripts or figuring out how to structure our database efficiently, I found that taking a step back, breaking down the problem, and discussing it with teammates helped get things moving again. Sometimes, just explaining an issue out loud was enough to find a solution.

Eventually, we realized we needed to change how we collaborated. We started communicating more frequently, checking each other’s work, and make sure our cleaning processes were aligned before moving forward. That shift made a huge difference, and we were able to solve the migration issues together. Now, we’re in a much better place, our API is coming together soon, and we’re about to dive into the algorithm development phase.

A few life hacks that helped me manage this project alongside school and other commitments:

1. Use Asana – Keeping track of tasks in a visual way prevented things from slipping through the cracks.
2. Break big problems into smaller ones – Debugging was easier when I focused on fixing one thing at a time instead of tackling everything at once.
3. Ask for help early – Waiting too long to address an issue only made it worse.
4. Keep communication casual but consistent – A quick message in the team chat (Discord) often resolved things faster than long, formal updates.
5. Take breaks when stuck – Walking away for a bit and coming back with fresh eyes always helped.

The reason I chose this project was because I wanted to gain data analytics experience. Working through the challenges of scraping, cleaning, storing and processing data has already helped me build skills that I know will be valuable in the future. This kind of hands-on experience, even with all the hurdles, has reinforced why I want to keep exploring data-driven applications.

Looking back, this project has been a huge learning experience, not just in terms of technical skills but also in teamwork and problem-solving. There were moments of doubt, but seeing how pushed through and adapted makes me feel more confident in tackling a similar challenge in the future.

Balancing a rigorous course load and personal projects is a substantial challenge. Here’re some hacks I’ve found useful:

Time Management

Prioritize tasks using tools like Trello or Asana. Break tasks into smaller, manageable goals. The Focus Timer app is particularly helpful for maintaining focus during study sessions or project work. It uses the Pomodoro technique to allocate specific times for focused work and breaks, ensuring you stay on track without burning out.

Stress Management

Regular exercise and meditation have been crucial in managing stress. Tools like Headspace provide guided sessions that help. Incorporating structured breaks with Focus Timer also helps in managing long study hours without increasing stress.

Handing Team Dynamics

Clear communication and regular check-ins are vital. Tools like Slack can facilitate seamless communication.

Overcoming Stagnation

When stuck, stepping away to take a walk or talking it out with peers can provide new perspectives. Sometimes, setting a short Focus Timer session to brainstorm or think differently about a problem can lead to breakthroughs.

Every step in this journey has been a learning opportunity. Whether it’s adapting project goals to meet user needs or exploring new technologies to enhance my skill set, the key has been to remain flexible and proactive. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the new challenges and innovations that await in the ever-evolving teach landscape.