My recent interactions with my research team, community partner, and CODE320 mentors have significantly shaped how I plan to approach my work moving forward, particularly in terms of accountability, collaboration, and overall project quality. At the beginning of the semester, there was a noticeable lack of cohesive collaboration among my group members. Communication was inconsistent, and it often felt like everyone was working independently rather than as a unified team. This experience made it clear to me how important it is to not only complete my own responsibilities on time, but also to actively contribute to team morale. Moving forward, I want to be more intentional about encouraging collaboration. Whether that means checking in with teammates, helping to keep everyone aligned with deadlines, or creating a more supportive and communicative environment. A strong team dynamic ultimately leads to a stronger final product, and I want to play a key role in fostering that.
In addition to my team experience, my professor has had a major influence on how I structure my work. Initially, I had set a goal of conducting around 40 interviews, which, in hindsight, was not realistic given the time constraints of the semester. Through their guidance, I realized that focusing on a smaller, more manageable sample size, around 10 participants, is not only acceptable but actually more effective. This shift in perspective has allowed me to prioritize depth over quantity, ensuring that each interview is meaningful and well-analyzed rather than rushed. It has also helped me better organize my workflow, making the process of transcribing, coding, and analyzing the data feel much more achievable.
My interaction with my community partner, although brief, was also very impactful. Before spring break, I presented my updated plan, which includes completing my interviews, transcribing them, coding the transcripts, and ultimately editing the audio into a visually appealing podcast. Her positive response gave me a sense of reassurance that I am on the right track and that my work aligns with the expectations and needs of the community. This feedback has motivated me to stay committed to my timeline and to focus on producing a polished and meaningful final product.
Overall, these interactions have reinforced the importance of setting realistic goals, maintaining consistent communication, and contributing positively to group dynamics. By striving to meet deadlines, uplifting my team, and staying organized in my individual work, I am better positioned to deliver a high-quality project that reflects both collaboration and intentional effort.