My reflections on Andela’s EPIC values

When I first read about Andela a few years ago, I deemed it be like every other tech company out there sourcing for young brilliant minds to capitalize on. Permit me with that being said, that’s what every skeptical native Nigerian thinks. But as one whom is ready to take risks and make betterment of every opportunity, I soon came to the realization that Andela is completely different. After applying and qualifying for their Bootcamp.
On my reach, to Andela, it struck me that, being a software developer is not only enough to be a world-class developer but also be of conduct, intent, and communication.
Please don’t misunderstand me, by believing technical skills are not a necessity for getting into Andela. For it is of a great requirement if one must make it into their apprenticeship after boot-camp, however having this alone is not enough to qualify as a fellow.
Being a fellow is to be an executor of this four little but mighty words.

Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration

These words known as the Andela EPIC values are the foundation on which the organization is built in, and is that which distinguishes Andela and its fellows from other organizations. These EPIC values are held so high in esteem even as an applicant you expected to exhibit this as characterisms.

EXCELLENCE

Permit me to say this, my little but must challenging time being here for the Andela boot-camp has been a game changer, I’ve never done much of blogging but in less than a week am expected to share values and make constant feedback at everything I do. which interest me most, cause they adhere to their values that of which I mean by being excellent, I learned as a software developer it’s not just about the codes or things you build, you need to be a value giver, the best possible version of yourself by pursuing perfection in all you do for its that which breeds excellence, for your work is a representation of who you are.

PASSION

As we all know as a software developer, not everything comes plain or easy, sometimes we stumble on hard walls and its only left for us to strive through it or give in to the pressure.
Around here at Andela, passion is preached most often as noticed, cause it is merely impossible for a beginner to withstand the tasking pressures and requirements to be fellow. From my own little experience here, the boot-camp is structured to test the level of your commitment through all setbacks as a developer. Without question, it’s quite difficult to handle all requirements on the introduction of tools you unfamiliar with. but with a growth mindset, It is understandable that setbacks are inevitable, that’s why the scenery around Andela, is built for self-motivation and inspiration from others, to reflect on one’s goals and dreams to keep moving.

INTEGRITY

The “Heart and Wheels” of Andela, A simple but very pronounced word around the hearts of Andelans, its believed to be, that as fellows here in Andela, we are our words and our words are our actions by which we all are a reflection of the values we possess. That being said I found the scenery here in Andela full of respect to we the boot-campers, from their encouraging speech and heartfelt words at our on-boarding.
Another notice is the trust Andela has for us as boot-campers, by which they expect us to adhere to their values, is we being honest, sincere and kind to each other, even as to the relation of help to a teammate and also been open to blockers while undergoing our boot-camp challenge, And also entrusting us enough with the office space to work with, for those of us whom have internet and electricity challenge, A very big step to that, cause not every organization does that, without the fear for loss or damage of property.

COLLABORATION

Collaboration is a principal to Andela and its fellows, around here, its believed that together we achieve better. That’s one reason boot-campers are broken into groups with the supervision of a senior Andelan, known as Learning Facilitator Assistant (LFA), which helps to receive into the mind and retain imbibe moral principles for good communication and teamwork.
A song lyrics by Crosby, Stills & Nash explains this concept.

“They are one person
They are two alone
They are three together
They are for each other”

For with this note, our collective efforts and collaboration together can achieve much more than anticipated.
Having pondered intensely on these values, I subject to adhere to this kind, warm, tender and generous synergy between Andela and its fellows.