This blog post is the fifth weekly update as a recipient of the DAOpunks cohort to Grant.

I have to admit this week has been filled with waves of highs and lows for me in all of the different areas that I contribute to in the DAO.

Generally, beginners exploring Web3 and DAOs get started by getting involved by spreading out small increments of time amongst a few different DAOs, trying to find where they fit in, while other newcomers start contributing at one DAO, not testing other waters anywhere else, for me, the latter is true.

I organically landed at BanklessDAO after reading Bankless Mission and attending the New Joiners Session for the first time after I tried to get involved, but it felt awkward. Not being used to getting involved where ever I wanted to, as I was used to either working for myself and being the leader or working for a company and being told what to do. I felt overwhelmingly uncomfortable and frustrated because I was unclear about this gray area. I started exploring the Discord server to acclimate myself more. At this point, I first saw the two letters “gm”. Within seconds, another member responded with “gm”. I scrolled back a bit and realized dozens of "GMs" were written throughout the channel. Not understanding the DAO structure, how to get involved, or what gm meant, I attended the new joiners session for a second time, but this time I was determined to step outside of my comfort zone, ask questions, and get involved with the DAO every way that I could.

Fast forward ten months and switch directions 180 degrees, now overwhelmingly frustrated with how immersed and involved I am and how many areas I contribute to in the DAO.

Last week, I spoke about balance, and this week I was determined to find some. For me, this meant completing various projects that I was working on without starting something new or taking on anything extra, trying to tune out distractions, fully reading anything that I am reading, and not listening to anything I am listening to at 2X speed.

As I was reviewing the Grants proposals on the forum for Season 8 I found myself actually reading through publications of projects that I never had before. After a couple of hours, I stopped to realize that I had just learned something from almost all of these publications.

Then, tonight while reading A love letter to DAOs written almost a year ago by HiroKennellyᵍᵐ I came to an enlightening epiphany. Not only because the writing in this piece captivated me or how Hiro’s story vividly illustrates the exact moment in time I am at, but also because I immediately realized a crippling area where I had gone wrong. I rushed to get involved and did not learn everything I could have.

Do not misunderstand what I am saying: during my time as a contributor at BanklessDAO I have learned more and gained more skills than I could have learned anywhere. I learned how to be a Project Manager, How to produce a podcast, and A/V skills such as making audiograms, editing podcasts, timestamps, and transcriptions. I have learned how to design a brand and how to design graphics. I have learned the basics of tokenomics. I even learned about Decentralized Governance - and found Governance enjoyable. Attending college for four years and obtaining two different degrees did not teach me 1/10th of the skills that I have learned since joining Bankless DAO.

By nature, I tend to be a problem-fixer. I immediately jump to trying to improve a situation. This time was no different, but the solution came after some self-reflection and acceptance.

Originally, I intended to create this onboarding program that utilized projects that previously had been created by the talented contributors at Bankless DAO, with every Guild and Dept. playing a part in the process.

While that idea still is my hope for the future, it may take a bit longer with a few more steps along the way.

With a heavier focus on education utilizing content previously created as so serve as a basis for the onboarding platform. Along with advice from previous/current members for help to the newcomers along the way.

The Project Management Guild has been working on a Web3 project manager education course that uses the platform Bnakless Academy had created. Last week, I finished getting the content for the first 11 lessons, formatted the lessons and prepared a blog article to publish along with the lessons.

This week I will work on getting those courses live, I will update the Miro board during the week for updates and modifications, a roadmap, document what is needed and I will put together notion.

I have heard this sentence: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together many times. My choice is usually fast. It will not be my choice this time. I will be headed west, following those that have come before me, the ones that can teach me a thing or two.