A Learning Process.
Reflect on the group project. How’s it going? What’s working and what could be improved? What is your specific role in the project team? What are you learning?
I am very lucky to be in a group where all of the members are enthusiastic and genuinely interested in the project. Additionally, everyone is very open about their ideas on the project! It’s so nice to have engaging conversations during our weekly meetings. For example, as a team, we decided on switching the medium of the project from the original video documentary format to a podcast since some of the group members have past experiences in making podcasts! It’s nice knowing that each group member feels like they're in an environment where they can vocalize their opinions and contribute their strengths. One thing that could be improved is communication and overall organization. Some things still feel like they are up in the air, which I feel a bit guilty about as the team leader. Since it’s my first time ever doing a project at this scale, it has definitely been a learning process. My role specific role is the project leader and the designated student check-in person.
I am learning how to be in a team, how to be a leader, and how to be less hard on myself. Making sure we’re on top of our timeline and ensuring that everyone on the team is on the same page, especially as we are working in an inter-collegiate group, can be a bit overwhelming. And since we only have until the end of the semester, which is not very far, to finish the project, I do feel a bit of stress. However, I am really grateful that my project was chosen. I am really passionate about the topic of the project and knowing that my idea resonates with others helps keep me going. Also, I would like to shout out Kendal and Aziza. If any of us are stressed or struggling with the project, we have each other's backs as people in the same position as team leaders to talk to and ask for advice.
How have your thoughts on Baltimore shifted or changed since the start of the semester?
Growing up, I only ever heard of Baltimore spoken about in a negative light. Dangerous, poor, and unsafe. As I was raised hearing such rhetoric, I definitely believed it. If I am being honest, even in class, whilst doing our readings, I still believed it. However, during our Baltimore walking tour, there was one moment that really changed my perspective. While walking down a street that from the outside looked “dangerous,” I felt a sense of vibrancy, family, and humanity. It felt safe and homey. People walked up to others on a first-name basis, people were smiling, and people were simply living together.
One time in class, Professor Madhi asked, “What do you want to bring from this project?” This really made me think of my “why” for this project. I have vivid memories as a kid of driving up to Ellicott City just for the Korean food with my family. Seeing the hangul words on buildings, smelling the aroma of the food the ajummadil spent the day preparing, and sitting amongst people who speak Korean. There is an indescribable sense of community and home whenever you go to a Korean restaurant filled with Korean people as a Korean. And this is how it felt at that moment in the tour. I saw in person how universal this feeling can be. I learned how vital it is for everyone in the city to have the right to the community. And showing this essence of being a person within a community is my “why” for this project.
Are there things that you need assistance with or have questions about?
As of now, I think we are good! Although the project is a bit stressful, knowing that we have support from our professors is reassuring. I know that if we need any help or have any questions, we have people to talk to!
Have you or are you heading into Baltimore City?
We are planning to head into Baltimore for the interviews. If we stick to our timeline, we should have contacted and cemented two people to interview by this Wednesday. From there, we will coordinate a good time for them to either have in-person or virtual interviews, depending on which method they are more comfortable with.
Comments
Post a Comment