One of the biggest challenges I faced while learning quantum science and computing was reading highly technical research papers without a formal background in quantum mechanics. I quickly realized I needed to approach them differently than any other material I had studied. Instead of rushing, I adopted a slow, deliberate process—pausing at every unfamiliar term or concept to look it up and build understanding piece by piece. While this method was time-intensive, often taking hours, it proved to be an effective way to develop both comprehension and confidence in engaging with complex research.