14A – Halfway Reflection

14A – Halfway Reflection

1) Tenaciousness is a competency. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 
Balancing work, school and several other extracurricular activities can be a challenge. Especially with all of my classes are online. I have learned that in order to get any work done, I have to leave my apartment. I can’t sit in bed and attempt to work, because it ends up becoming a three hour Netflix binge then a nap. I have developed a habit on my days off to go either to Panera, the library or Starbucks. Really anywhere that does not have a bed.
Another small habit I have developed, is writing down my assignments. The beginning of the week I go through all of my classes and see the assignments listed. That way I know how much work I have and to see where I need to focus most of my effort. Using these two tactics, it has kept me afloat and never late on an assignment.  
2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?
It happened about two weeks ago when a few of my classes had test. I spent the whole weekend plus Monday and Tuesday, studying and taking this test. Then I had to cram for another test the day after. By the end of the testing week it was already Thursday. By this point, I hadn’t started any of the assignment that were due Friday. On top of that, I had work all day Thursday and Friday. I woke up Thursday morning thinking in my head, how am I going to get it done? I was trying to figure a way out, seeing how bad my grade would be if I didn’t do the assignments. I came to the conclusion, I needed to get this done.  I will be struggling the rest of the semester trying to bring back up my grade. So after work, I went to Starbucks and ordered the largest coffee I could. Then grinded away for several hours. Did the same thing Friday and somehow finished all the assignments.
3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset' ?
1. Professor Pryor had a kid during the hurricane and came to work the same week. Life happens, there will always be stuff getting in the way. That doesn’t matter, sit down, grind out the work and deal with the other stuff as it comes at you.
2. Imagine where you want to be after college, if that’s a hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, a cook, whatever your passion is. And remember, all of what you’re doing now, is to get you to where you want to be.  

3. Take each assignment as a separate challenge. Accomplishing each challenge little by little until you have finished. It makes doing a daunting list of assignments into something manageable.




Comments

  1. Good read Kai - you offer a lot of good feedback in your halfway reflection. I find it funny that you cannot study in your room. However, you have the ability to do your work in a Starbucks with all the commotion of people coming and going. Oh yes, it is Netflix and your bed calling your name! As you suggest, stay focused on the fruits your efforts will reap after you completing your degree. Keep up the good work. I'll look for you at Starbucks!

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  2. Great tips I think that would help a wide variety of students ! I can relate with you on getting over whelemed and cramming. Keep it up I liked ready this!

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