14A – Halfway Reflection
1) Tenaciousness is a competency.
Behaviors that I have undeniably used as well as developed in order to keep up with the requirements of the course are time-management, communication, and dedication. Since assignments are due at noon on either Friday or Monday afternoons, you have to manage your time effectively - especially depending on the assignment. Several assignments, if not the majority so far, have required conducting interviews. This is a time commitment that you must plan for ahead of time, you cannot just open up the assignment the night before for the first time.
Moreover, communication is an essential tool and skill within the class - both written and verbal. Written communication is important when completing our posts as well as commenting on the posts of other individuals - if they cannot understand your idea from how you communicated, they cannot give you any valuable feedback. Verbal communication is exceptionally important when conducting interviews, you must know how to pitch your idea and what to ask in order to get the information you need to continue developing your idea. Lastly, as mentioned previously, dedication has been essential so far in the course. You must dedicate time within your week to work on and edit your assignments. You cannot merely finish it in one night most of the time.
Moreover, communication is an essential tool and skill within the class - both written and verbal. Written communication is important when completing our posts as well as commenting on the posts of other individuals - if they cannot understand your idea from how you communicated, they cannot give you any valuable feedback. Verbal communication is exceptionally important when conducting interviews, you must know how to pitch your idea and what to ask in order to get the information you need to continue developing your idea. Lastly, as mentioned previously, dedication has been essential so far in the course. You must dedicate time within your week to work on and edit your assignments. You cannot merely finish it in one night most of the time.
2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude.
A moment that I felt as though I wanted to "give up" was at the beginning of the semester. I was overwhelmed with working two part-time jobs, extracurricular involvement, and taking twelve credits and hard courses this semester. However, I just needed time to get my time management for the semester figured out - and I'm in a much better head space as of now. Therefore, I do believe I've developed a tenacious attitude. After truthfully a rough first two years at college, and being on the Dean's List last semester, I finally feel on track. Bringing in this positive perspective and small success from last semester to this semester, it enabled me to get over that initial moment of wanting to "give up." It motivated me to stay on track this semester and in this course.
A moment that I felt as though I wanted to "give up" was at the beginning of the semester. I was overwhelmed with working two part-time jobs, extracurricular involvement, and taking twelve credits and hard courses this semester. However, I just needed time to get my time management for the semester figured out - and I'm in a much better head space as of now. Therefore, I do believe I've developed a tenacious attitude. After truthfully a rough first two years at college, and being on the Dean's List last semester, I finally feel on track. Bringing in this positive perspective and small success from last semester to this semester, it enabled me to get over that initial moment of wanting to "give up." It motivated me to stay on track this semester and in this course.
3) Three tips.
#1: Think futuristically! Look ahead!
Look at the assignments at the beginning of the week so you have time to plan as well as time to brainstorm ideas. I find that I am much more creative when I look at an assignment and think about it ahead of time. As stated previously, you do conduct many beneficial interviews - but you must prepare to know who you need to interview, when, where, and what you are going to inquire about.
#2: Implement your feedback.
The feedback that you receive from your classmates, interviewees, and even friends can help bring your idea to the next level or solve problems you hadn't foreseen. Don't just read what individuals comment on your posts or conduct interviews just to complete the assignment - proactively implement that feedback into your idea and your following assignments.
#3: Know your strengths and weaknesses.
When developing a business idea, it's essential that you know your own strengths and weaknesses. For example, I don't consider myself very detail-oriented. I am good at looking at the big picture and thinking futuristically, but forget or neglect more minor and day-to-day details. Since I am aware of this, I can proactively focus on improving this competency. I have done so within this course. There have been moments where individuals have commented on my posts regarding aspects or areas that I hadn't even considered. Knowing and sharing your strengths and weaknesses not only enables you to improve them, it enables you to connect thereby establishing credibility.

Look at the assignments at the beginning of the week so you have time to plan as well as time to brainstorm ideas. I find that I am much more creative when I look at an assignment and think about it ahead of time. As stated previously, you do conduct many beneficial interviews - but you must prepare to know who you need to interview, when, where, and what you are going to inquire about.
#2: Implement your feedback.
The feedback that you receive from your classmates, interviewees, and even friends can help bring your idea to the next level or solve problems you hadn't foreseen. Don't just read what individuals comment on your posts or conduct interviews just to complete the assignment - proactively implement that feedback into your idea and your following assignments.
#3: Know your strengths and weaknesses.
When developing a business idea, it's essential that you know your own strengths and weaknesses. For example, I don't consider myself very detail-oriented. I am good at looking at the big picture and thinking futuristically, but forget or neglect more minor and day-to-day details. Since I am aware of this, I can proactively focus on improving this competency. I have done so within this course. There have been moments where individuals have commented on my posts regarding aspects or areas that I hadn't even considered. Knowing and sharing your strengths and weaknesses not only enables you to improve them, it enables you to connect thereby establishing credibility.

Hi Caitlyn , I definitely agree and it is good that you mentioned: looking at assignments ahead of time is necessary to best prepare for them. I have made the mistake before of looking at it a few days before and needing to scramble to find answers. It is good to see you are welcoming to comments to reveal your strengths and weaknesses. This is a skill that is necessary for any business endeavor or entrepreneur project. It would be helpful for you to note how other avenues in this class can help students overcome this fear or challenge. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCaitlyn,
ReplyDeleteWhile most people focused on the virtues of working ahead in this class, I like how you noted the importance of communication. Using blog posts, although confusing at first, adds a classroom-like element to the class that makes learning easier and more exciting. Great advice!
Hi Caitlyn!
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing your tips on this class, I have decided to attempt to think more “futuristically” with every assignment. I am always rushed to get my interviews and blog posts done so I think that planning everything out ahead of time would be super beneficial to me. Thank you for sharing these tips and putting time into every assignment.
Good Job!