The last time I worked in a group was probably during my undergraduate years, so I admit that, at first, I was a bit hesitant. I'm not usually the kind of person who easily starts conversations with people I don’t know, and group work can sometimes feel forced, but joining this group felt surprisingly organic and smooth. What helped ease the moment was my genuine interest in the theme of “transitions,” even though, at the time, I wasn’t entirely sure where the idea came from or where it was headed.
As we began meeting before class to discuss our goals and the transition framework we were using for the project, I became more engaged. These early meetings were incredibly valuable for deepening my understanding of the theme and building real connections with my team members. It became a space where collaboration felt natural and where learning and relationship-building happened side by side. Then, when we began working in the maker space, it was interesting to see how each person brought different strengths, expertise, and enthusiasm to the table. It made me realize how valuable diversity in skills and approaches can be in a collaborative setting, in addition to recognizing that other people's enthusiasm is contagious, I felt excited and eager to work in this new space. However, it was a challenge to go there every week without having clear expectations or knowing exactly what would happen because I like structure, so navigating that ambiguity pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Learning to adapt, trust the workflow, and appreciate how creativity often emerges in uncertain spaces became crucial to my personal growth throughout this project. I was stepping into a role that felt quite different from what I’m used to. This time, instead of needing a clear outcome or strict plan, I allowed myself to try things without knowing exactly how they would turn out. What made that possible was the trust I developed in both the process and my team. I genuinely believed in their ideas, skills, and creativity to solve problems as they arose. Rather than taking on a leadership role, as I might have done in the past, I chose to act as a companion who supports, listens, and contributes collaboratively.
This project felt like a true transition for me as it challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and, in doing so, introduced me to a new version of myself. I found space to express my creativity in ways I hadn’t before, exploring ideas and perspectives that surprised me. It wasn’t just about the work but also about the people. Through collaboration and shared effort, I connected with others on a deeper level, and those connections have grown into meaningful friendships.
The experience has been personal and communal, and I’ll carry it forward with pride and gratitude.