Lessons I have learned from this project is that I have the ability to be a good coach. I have never desired to be a coach as I always wanted to be the player, but I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy coaching at the Table Tennis Club. I grew in my ability to explain how to play the game simply and I became more patient with those people who were trying to learn. I honestly still don’t want to be a coach in the future, but I was glad I had the opportunity.
I feel I made a positive influence on others lives as I helped them make new friends, develop a new skills, and for the varsity group they were able to be collegiate athletes. I offered the chance for several people to meet with me one on one to learn how to play better than they did and I had that chance with three students. I met with them a few times and gave them individual advice and practice. I have had several people thank me for this club and it is a good feeling.
Things that I will apply in the future projects I do is explaining things simply, becoming an expert on the subject so I can teach passionately, and being cheerful even when there is a lot of work to be done. Explaining things simply helps everyone understand what to do. It makes it easier to know what questions to ask and it helps you to stay on the basics. I plan to always stick to the basics and learn how to explain things simply. Becoming an expert in the subject goes hand in hand with explaining simply. If I learn all that I can on a project it will make the work go by faster and more efficiently. I will be more passionate about the project which will be easier on everyone. Last, being cheerful even when there is a lot of work. Choosing to be happy will make the work go by faster and help you have better relationships with those you work with. I hope to apply this in the future.
Things I would not do again is not delegating the work load. I had a lot of duties that had to be taken care of and it stressed me out. It almost made me not want to do the club again this year. I would improve on finding people who are just as passionate about the project as me and have them share in the work load. It will make them more committed to the cause as well as give me more time to focus on playing/coaching.