Halfway Reflection

It’s hard to believe we are halfway through this course already! Dr. Pryor does an outstanding job of giving a baseline of information and asking us to interpret and dissect it into real world practical application. I really enjoy the style and structure of this course, and the ability to make the information individually relevant. We are not simply quoting or memorizing, but building a lasting understanding of the entrepreneur’s journey. The difficulty of assignments varies from simple self-reflection to way out of my comfort zone recorded interviews and elevator pitches.

I have set up a schedule for myself that up to this point is working out pretty well. I read the assignments for the upcoming week when I have completed the current week’s assignments and begin brainstorming and figuring out the logistics. Next, I work on reading and commenting on other student’s blog posts. A lot of valuable information can be gained from this as well as the comments made on my own posts. I watch the lectures for the week prior to jumping into the assignments because often tips or direction is given which makes the assignments easier or at least better defined. I then complete the assignments and start the process over again. I try not to forget about the free extra credit quizzes on Fridays. I know that if I stick with this schedule, I will succeed in the class, so that’s what I do.

Some of the assignments cause a little stress when first reading them but I try to remember that every one of us is in the same boat. I trust in Dr. Pryor’s techniques and move forward with the exercises knowing that the process is what’s important and not necessarily the final product. I’m not sure if I would call that tenacious as much as simply overcoming a little stage fright and just doing what needs to be done. For the most part, everyone in class is very supportive and constructive in their comments and it feels good to accomplish a goal no matter how small.

The advice I would offer to future students is to set up a schedule that works for you. I have detailed my schedule above, and it feels logical and productive. After a couple of weeks it just starts to flow. Next, don’t worry about what your classmates think of your ideas or how you perform your assignments at first. Follow your own intuition and then utilize the comments and suggestions to fine tune your process. We are all on the same path and there is no need to be embarrassed or scared. Lastly, I would recommend watching the lectures and then doing some additional research on the topics that are of interest or seem particularly relevant to your cause. This is an introductory class with no textbook, but Dr. Pryor gives multiple resources and recommendations of where to go for additional information. Digging a little deeper on your own can give you valuable knowledge, and knowledge makes everything that much easier.