Week 2 in the Cloud Mastery Bootcamp: Rest, Reflect, and Recharge

As I wrap up my second week in the Cloud Mastery Bootcamp, I’m feeling a mix of accomplishment, curiosity, and gratitude. This week was packed with learning, hands-on practice, and a few moments of self-care that reminded me how important it is to listen to my body and mind. Let me take you through the highlights.

Diving Deeper into AWS

This week, I delved into some of the core services that make AWS such a powerful platform. I got hands-on experience with EC2 instances, learning how to spin them up, configure them, and understand their role in cloud computing. I explored S3 storage, where I practiced creating buckets, managing objects, and setting up permissions. The concept of Elastic File Systems (EFS) was fascinating — seeing how scalable, shared file storage works in the cloud was a game-changer for me.

I also tackled DNS (Domain Name System) basics, which felt like unlocking a new level of understanding about how the internet works. Then came Load Balancing and Auto Scaling, two concepts that blew my mind with their ability to ensure high availability and scalability for applications. I can already see how these tools will be critical in building resilient systems.

The hands-on labs were a standout part of this week. They allowed me to apply what I was learning in real time, and I found myself getting more comfortable with the AWS Management Console. To reinforce my learning, I used Amazon Skill Builder, which provided additional resources and quizzes to test my knowledge. It’s amazing how much more confident I feel after just two weeks of focused study.

A Big Step Forward: My Domain Name

One of the most exciting moments this week was purchasing my domain name for my future portfolio site. It’s a small but significant step toward showcasing the projects I’ll be building during this boot camp and beyond. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together as I continue to learn and grow.

Taking My First Practice Exam

This week, I decided to take my first practice exam for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification. I scored a 53%, and honestly, I’m thrilled with that result! Considering I’ve only completed about a third of the course material and had to make educated guesses on many of the questions, I feel like I’m already starting to see how the different AWS services connect and work together.

The exam was a great way to gauge where I stand and identify areas where I need to focus more. It also gave me a sense of confidence — I can see the progress I’m making, and I’m starting to believe that I’ll be ready to schedule the actual exam in the next week or so. It’s exciting to think that I’m on the verge of earning my first AWS certification!

The Importance of Rest

Amid all the learning and progress, I hit a point where I realized I needed to slow down. I’ve been studying every day, juggling my work schedule, personal commitments, and the boot camp. By midweek, I could feel the fatigue setting in — both mentally and physically. On Wednesday, I made a conscious decision to take a rest day. After work, I didn’t open my laptop. I didn’t watch any tutorials or dive into labs. Instead, I permitted myself to recharge.

When I woke up on Thursday, I was so glad I had made that choice. I felt refreshed, re-energized, and ready to dive back into my studies. It was a reminder that rest isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity, especially when you’re pushing yourself to learn something as complex and vast as cloud computing.

Looking Ahead: VPC Networking and Beyond

As I move into Week 3, I’m excited to dive deeper into VPC Networking. I’ve just started the lessons, and I can already tell this is going to be a challenging but rewarding topic. Understanding how to design and manage virtual networks in AWS feels like a critical skill, and I’m eager to get hands-on with it.

This boot camp has been an incredible journey so far. Every week, I’m amazed at how much I’m learning and how quickly I’m growing. But it’s also teaching me the importance of balance — pushing myself to learn while also knowing when to step back and rest.

To anyone else on a similar journey, whether it’s in tech or any other field, remember this: Progress isn’t just about how much you can cram into a day. It’s about consistency, curiosity, and taking care of yourself along the way.

Here’s to Week 3 and all the challenges and triumphs it will bring. Onward and upward!

What about you? How do you balance learning and rest when tackling a big goal? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your thoughts!