Hi, I'm
Joy Real
I find joy in crafting tools that empower others
thus Motivational Wednesday and TefaqPractice came to fruition.
I'm also stepping into a Scrum Master role, developing strong leadership and project management skills.
My coding journey is not conventional, but I hope it can still bring inspiration.
Before I made my first ever HTML , CSS, Vanilla JS website, I was a Civil Engineer turned into a wedding and events photographer and freelance pitchdeck designer for many years.
Active Side Projects
These projects were made using Svelte (Sapper) and Svelte Kit
Project Inspiration and Importance
This project is important to me because I wanted to build something that would make a positive impact on other people's lives.
I understand that life can be challenging, and I wanted to create a platform that provides daily doses of motivation and inspiration to help people navigate those challenges.
The inspiration came from my own experiences and the realization that a little motivation can go a long way in achieving one's goals and in maintaining a positive outlook in life.
Unique Features and Comparisons
When I started this project in early February of 2023, ChatGPT API was somehow new at that time. My passion for quotes and curiosity about AI fueled my interest with how a Large Language Model (LLM) operates.
I found out on my research that most quote generators either rely on manual curation or connect to static APIs. While I did find an AI quote generator in the form of Inspirobot, I aspired to create a more substantial and purpose-driven platform for generating motivational quotes.
Project Origins and Collaboration
I really liked Svelte and I have been using it for three years (at work), so I decided I will use it as my framework (or compiler) of choice for this side project.
This website was crafted from the ground up - no template was used and I also designed the branding myself.
Upon completing the initial draft, I asked inputs from my friends. I am lucky to have this diverse group of friends such as: a UX designer, a photographer, and an engineer. I implemented most of their suggestions and it truly improved the quality and functionality of the site.
Challenges and Obstacles
One of the significant challenges I encountered during coding was the limited docs and support within the people using Svelte. I remembered spending several days grappling with a routing issue!
Fortunately, having ChatGPT proved to be a valuable resource during those times.
Additionally, I was stuck on optimizing the SEO aspects of this project. The manual labor of keyword researching, the daily creation of articles, and the challenge to rank in Google.
Project Learning and Impact
Truly this project helped me better my understanding of the OpenAI's API and technical SEO.
It also taught me the value of asking user feedback.
Project Inspiration
This project holds a special place in my heart because it directly relates to my journey as an International Student in Canada.
To achieve Permanent Residency (PR) status, I had to get a B2 in the Tefaq exam.
The Tefaq exam is a standardized test specifically designed for Quebec immigration, measuring proficiency in the French language.
Project Dedication
My journey to prepare for the Tefaq exam led me to search the web for resources, but unfortunately, I found no options available for free.
It was this realization that motivated me to start creating this website, with the aim of providing a valuable resource for individuals facing the same challenges as me.
It's worth noting that I crafted this website from scratch, without relying on pre-made templates, and I personally designed the branding, drawing inspiration from the UI of Duolingo.