Tenacity and Paying It Forward

The behaviors that I have developed during this course include consistent communication and time management. These past few months have also helped me in my critical analysis, self-reflection, open-mindedness to others' opinions, and innovation in problem-solving. 

A time I felt like giving up was when I was looking at others' ideas and the unmet needs that they were addressing. The plans that they were developing were so innovative and impactful that I felt as though my idea was inadequate and not worth pursuing. I thought that maybe I should give up this particular path, and use my creativity and dedication towards something more worthwhile. However, talking to friends and family, as well as hearing from my peers in the class, helped me return back to the center of why I was pursuing this plan and gave me the encouragement to see that there is a need. Their input helped me see that my idea also helped people, just in a different way from the ideas that others' have. The support and criticism I received from the conversations I had with both loved ones and strangers helped me develop a tenacious attitude. This tenaciousness leads me to believe more in my ideas and my ability to put them into action.

Three tips that I would offer students in the next semester to support tenacity and a 'tenacious mindset' is to 1) plan ahead and persevere in following through with the way you outlined your time, 2) always be open to revision but never lose sight of your main concept and the reason why you're pursing it, and 3) don't rely on just yourself, surround yourself with people who constructively encourage and criticize your work.