Introduction
For this first half of the semester in CODES, I was introduced to a lot of new information, such as the importance of water infrastructures, the dangers of contaminated water, wicked problems, and what we as the community can do to ensure that we continuously receive clean water. Since attending CODES, I’ve been able to work on my collaboration and writing skills. We spend most of our research class doing open discussions, which has also helped enhance my communication skills because before the class I wasn’t very confident with conversing with new people; I would always second guess myself before speaking. Now I feel more comfortable with discussion leads and speaking out without second-guessing myself. For the next semester, I want to continue to develop in the skills that I feel like I’m successful in because I know for a fact if I don’t than I can easily lack in them.
Goal 1 (45%)
[Written communication]
(Use language to communicate with clarity skillfully)
“…To address Wicked Problems we must 1.) recognize the interconnections of issues and consider holistic approaches 2.) Become more flexible to new information and changing conditions 3.) Engage multiple stakeholders to incorporate a variety of perspectives and 4.) accept that solutions are final and need time to evolve. By us acknowledging these strategies for achieving sustainability can be more effective…”
This assignment allowed me to get a better understanding of the importance of water infrastructures as well as how difficult it is to come close to a solution for this issue; even if everyone does try to ensure that they play their part in the works of a solution for the contamination of waters, it will still be a problem along the way.
Goal 2 (22%)
[Reading]
(I want to be able to use different perspectives to understand given material.)
THE POISONING OF AN AMERICAN CITY
[Reading this article has really helped open my eyes to a critical issue and helped enhance my reading skills. I encountered new vocabulary related to environmental science, which better expanded my understanding. This article sharpened my focus and deepened my empathy for thoes affected. Prior to reading this article I had no idea about Flint and it’s water issue so this article definitly push my engagment with the complexitiy of contaminated water and its impact on the surronding community.]
Goal 3 (35%)
[Collaboration]
(Push myself to work with my peers more often)
[Since my MC1 will be me working with 3 of my other peers on a project for the next two years, my collaboration skills will progress as time goes on because I’ll be working with these people more often and learning how they approach certain ideas and that it may be different from I approach certain things; allowing me to understand the importance of having grace when it comes to working with other people.]
Goal 4 (28%)
[Critical and creative thinking]
(Think outside of the box when it comes to the completion of my assignments and also in my approaches)
“…Understanding these dynamics allows prioritizing actions based on potential impact and likelihood of support. Investing in a stakeholder relationship is essential for creating a supportive environment for sustainability. This could be constant communication, building trust, collaboration, ensuring that stakeholders feel valued and engaged in the decision-making progress…”
[Doing source analysis has significantly enhanced my critical and creative thinking. I’ve learned how to take different approaches to complex issues as well as find a way to present the authors’ idea/argument through my POV to show my understanding of their thinking. ]
Goal 5 (30%)
[Oral Communication]
(To use more clear organizational patterns and skills when presenting content)
[Our open-ended discussions have helped with my oral communication skills. As someone who has severe anxiety I always second guess and doubt myself when it comes to presenting information because I feel like my choice of words comes off as “slow” and that I sound dumb so doing these weekly open-ended discussions has made me more confident in myself when it comes to presenting information in front of my peers.)