Project 6

When we started the project, we had big goals and wanted the CPX to respond to a specific word. But quickly, we realised that wasn’t realistic with our time and tools. So we pivoted and decided to have it react to the falling of someone’s hair instead. That shift was a moment where cognitive flexibility came into play. We had to abandon the original idea and find a new, exciting, creative direction. The fishbowl activity showed me how much I need to work on active listening. I’m usually so excited and engaged that I want to jump in immediately with my ideas, but being “in” the fishbowl pushed me to listen first. It was hard at first, but when I waited my turn, I noticed that my thoughts were better received because I gave others the attention I wanted.

Working on the project with people from different backgrounds brought in a lot of new ideas, which were helpful, but also a little tricky. As a CS major, I had a clearer sense of why certain things wouldn’t work, but I found it hard to explain without sounding like I was shutting people down. I wanted to give feedback without seeming like I was trying to take over. Looking back, I think I could’ve been more direct and confident in explaining things. Watching the class videos on feedback helped with that. It made me realise how important feedback is not just giving it, but also being open to receiving it. That’s what helped us move forward and improve.

In my Real Analysis class, I could do everything independently. I didn’t go to office hours or TA sessions; I just followed how I’d been taught to approach problems. But I realised I needed to change things when my grades started slipping. I started taking TA hours and working with other students, which changed everything. I saw how different people approached the same problems in totally new ways. They gave me feedback on where I was going wrong and helped me think through better strategies. That shift helped me improve my grades and feel more confident in the class.

Cognitive flexibility also shaped how I thought about my major. At first, I planned to double major in CS and Math, but I also wanted to study abroad. I realised I was stretching myself too thin, and that taking more math classes was starting to hurt my GPA. On top of that, I wouldn’t be able to finish the major and still go abroad. So I had to make a choice. I decided to prioritise my bigger goals and pick the path to reach them. Looking back, I know it was the right decision, even if it meant changing plans. If I could talk to my past self, I’d say: it’s okay to pivot. Just because something was your plan at one point doesn’t mean you have to stick with it if it no longer fits.