Halfway Reflection

Webster defines "tenacious" as "not easily stopped or pulled apart" or "very determined to do something."

1) Tenaciousness is a competency. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course?
In order to keep up with the requirements of the course I have had to make a habit of setting aside scheduled periods of time to do homework for this course. Additionally, I have been sure to thoroughly read all of the assignments at the beginning of the week so as to best organize my weekly homework schedule and ensure that I make the appropriate contacts, if necessary, with good time. At times where I fear I will not complete an assignment I have showed tenacity in different manners: I have pushed myself to complete the assignment through dedicated periods of work, and also when I have just simply not had the time or opportunity to complete an assignment, I graciously took the L and looked onward to the assignments ahead which I could still complete.

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?
There was certainly a time or two when I felt like I was not going to be able to keep up with the demand of this course amidst my other 5 courses that I am currently enrolled in, aside from my involvement and employment. One specific moment was for the Information Awareness assignment. During the week which this was assigned, I was flooded with homework assignments, extra credit opportunities I was obliged to complete, several meetings for different organizations, and I simply didn't think I would be able to set aside the appropriate amount of time with enough individuals to conduct thorough interviews. I thought, "this is going to be another assignment I will just have to drop." When I told my friend, who had taken this course before, that I decided not to complete the assignment and I would no longer be interviewing her, she convinced me that it would be silly to drop such a simple assignment, and that she had two friends with her that were more than happy to also be interviewed over the next hour. Of course, with that opportunity I packed up all my belongings and ran from Target Copy to Marston Library to meet the group and complete the interviews and assignment. There have been a couple different occasions where individuals who have graduated from this course have encouraged me to "just do the work". My tenaciousness has since flourished, and has been completely inspired by others who have taken this course before me, serving as my mentors. They have ensured me that as long as I stay dedicated, confident, and tenacious, I can complete all of my assignments in good time and pacify my worries regarding my grade in this class.

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. Make a schedule! In order to stay determined, you have to give yourself the opportunity to be. If you set deadlines for your goals and set aside time to complete them, you are more likely to stay determined and also make a habit out of being tenacious.
2. You're not alone, so don't act like it. Feel confident reaching out to others for help, to conduct interviews with, to seek guidance from, and to run your ideas by. Don't restrict your abilities by creating barriers between yourself and your success, this will suppress your determination and make you incapable of completing all of your goals and weekly assignments. Being tenacious doesn't mean you are too proud to ask for help! Utilizing your resources and network to the best of your ability is a major key to making progress!
3. When you reach the point of "giving up" change your perspective on the class, and the assignment. These are wonderful learning opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to complete tasks that widen your perspective on relevant topics. Instead of "giving up" on the task think about the skills you may miss out on developing if you don't attempt the assignment. Later on you may even want to reference or reflect on these blog posts and assignments!