Reflection- Using feedback to improve

Based off of the feedback and my performance during week one, I made some changes that made things easier and I believe they will continue to do so moving forward. In order to better understand what I did wrong I contacted my instructor and setup a meeting. This was immensely helpful as I was able to talk through my confusion and truly learn from my mistakes. Moving forward I will continue to reach out and seek clarification when I really need it. I also made sure to remove myself from distractions and go to an alternate environment to work. The standards that I hold myself to have not changed and I remain dedicated to producing the best possible work I can. As week three quickly approaches, I know that I will be away on family vacation. In preparation for that I have been working to get all assignments for both weeks two and three prior to arriving in New York. In doing so, I forced myself to manage my time better and because of that, I will be able to enjoy this time with my family more. I will continue working to get assignments done earlier in the week as the sense of accomplishment and relief that I feel once they are complete is extremely rewarding.

While I did a better job of seeking help during week two, I also believe that I obsessed over the minutia too much. I do feel as though the clarity I received helped me understand the content more. As a graduate student though, I need to become more independent and confident in my abilities. Before I ever contact an instructor, I make sure that I research as best I can to find the answers. That is something that I should keep doing but I also realize that I should believe in myself more. Most of the time I have discovered the correct answer through my research. Finally, while it is extremely important to take breaks and walk away from things sometimes, this must be done within reason. Occasionally I am good at limiting the amount of time I take for a break while other times I go to the extreme. I either deprive myself of any kind of break or take too long of one. Typically, I will take too long of a break and feel guilty for not being productive for such an extended period of time. As a result, I will then wait until I am on the verge of burning myself out before taking another one. I need to learn how to find a happy medium in which I afford myself the breaks I deserve while limiting them to a reasonable length.

As I work to complete the assignments for week three, there are some things that I need to start doing in hopes of improving my success within my graduate program. In order to more fully engage myself I need to create more of a set schedule. Right now, I just work on my class until I get burnt out and need to take a break. This is highly inefficient as my breaks then become longer than they should be. Establishing a well-balanced, structured routine will not only help me in IDT520 but all of my other classes. Due to our current financial situation, I also need to restrict my spending as well as increasing the amount of time that I look for scholarships or jobs. In finding potential scholarships, less money will have to be allocated to schooling. That way my wife and I can focus on supporting each other and our new child.