January SDA Reflection

This project, as expected, was difficult. Surprisingly, I found writing the script oddly easy. I'm not sure if it comes naturally to me or what, but writing the script was the easiest part, and although I think I do better on my own, it was a good opportunity to get to know other people in the class since we don't meet like an actual class. Another reason the project went smoothly, for the most part, was because we managed our time well and communicated plans, setting up "homework" for each other. Meeting the deadline would not have been a problem, but after going home after recording, we realized we had not paid attention to the rubric and did not cite sources. We had to record the day off since it was the weekend and all of us were busy. We were not able to until late in the night, causing us to have to stay up a little. So, that is a part where I think we can learn from and grow by looking at the rubric. It also taught me to be patient because I was frustrated that we couldn't meet earlier to finish it. I understood that, especially when collaborating with people with a harsh due date, you must be flexible, especially in a group of 3. That is also why feedback was so critical to our project. If I had not texted them saying we needed sources, we would have gotten a 0 in that section. Our parts were also 3 minutes, not 5-7. Relaying information and communicating was vital. If I were to work on another similar project, I would most likely want to improve the pairs in the future. Of course, that is not my decision, but I found that, even when we were listening to the example podcast, the topics seemed unrelated at first glance. Surprisingly enough, I loved working around Jerush because it made me stretch my brains and take a different route with my projects, which connects to a larger idea. Having contrasting topics lends itself to more creativity, and although it is a challenge, once you think of an idea, it becomes enjoyable. 

When focusing on my group alone, not the project as a whole, I realized, after time, a "balance" was created. Our communication improved, and our group dynamic, although quiet and shy at first, became more open and joking, especially with the humor we shared and satire throughout the script. It was, of course, not a complete 360, but I felt more connected after spending an entire day fixing scripts and recording. Also, I was lucky with the people I got because, putting aside weekend commitments, everyone in the group responded quickly and worked around each other's schedules. That was part of why issues were efficiently resolved. We had good communication. Whenever there was a difference in opinion, we would combine ideas into one idea with components that everyone liked, which was our strategy. Due to this, roles were vital to make us function. These "roles" were never designated or stated but rather formed naturally. I still see the group as a democratic process, but we had a "leader" providing the options to vote on. These roles and responsibilities were divided within my group by our strengths and skill sets. For example, my contributions included being a sort of "leader" in the social aspect due to that being my strong suit. Other members had different roles and contributions, which were fair. We all did what we were good at, so it felt balanced and natural. Overall, even though the recording sounds a bit unprofessional due to having to record over Facetime, what matters is that we completed it on time with good information and teamwork with a side of entertainment.