Slowly But Surely

Feb.1st, 2021

Over the past week in ISM, I was able to conduct the first half of my research for developing an SDD, or Software Design Document, completed the first half of my research for QuickBooks Online, an accounting software program, and wrote an Evidence of Learning Assessment. I was able to successfully complete the first half of my research for the SDD and QuickBooks Online by creating a step by step process of what I need to get done, as well as the order it needs to get done in, and and paced myself without getting too overwhelmed. As far as completing an Evidence of Learning Assessment, it helped me analyze how productive I truly was during the past week, and I was just that: successful in working on my Original Work product.

As a result of what I’ve learned from past work in ISM, like doing research on the specific profession I want to pursue, I was able to be successful in conducting research on developing an SDD, and digging into the pros and cons of QuickBooks Online. Things like creating a plan, being proactive and getting things done beforehand, and being patient and pacing myself helped me out, as doing so has helped me in the past. I also found that doing research beforehand for my Original Work product has eliminated the stress and pressure I would have felt if I had jumped straight into creating the actual product.

Some challenges that I’ve faced during the past week were keeping myself from getting overwhelmed about my Original Work, as well as keeping myself calm with everything going on in my life. As mentioned before, I’ve had to do other work for ISM in the past that overwhelmed me, like preparing for speeches and presentations, practicing leaving voicemails and voice messages on the phone, and building my digital portfolio, or website. The way I was able to push forward and accomplish these things was by going slowly, and taking small, baby steps. So, I did the same thing with my Original Work. To prevent me from having an anxiety attack, I created an outline of all the research I need to do, and divided it into parts. Now I have a way of pacing myself without falling behind and slacking off, as well as a way to make me feel more calm. In terms of being stressed out, school is always something that’s played a big part in my stress level. But on top of that, I have other things in my personal life that are adding onto this big weight that I’m carrying on my shoulders, and at times, it feels like I can barely move. Like I’m stuck with no direction to go in. However, I know that the one thing I can always count on to calm me down is music. So, to push myself away from having a mental breakdown, I listened to music while working, and when I had free time. Music is a safe space for me, so listening to it definitely helped. I also spent time watching Netflix, playing Mario games with my siblings, and surrounded myself in my family’s company, because those are all things that help me feel better as well.

During this next week, I’m going to work on putting more time into my Original Work product. By doing this, I will be able to reach my goal in the next 2 weeks: completing the second half of my research for both developing an SDD, as well as finishing my research on QuickBooks Online. However, I also want to make sure that I can be this proactive and dedicated to my other school assignments, so I will be working on that as well. My plan will be to put in an hour everyday for my Original Work, leaving the other time for completing other school assignments and studying.

To conclude this, I would like to say that I’m excited to continue working towards completing my Original Work product. I’m also thankful for my mentor because they have not only helped expand my knowledge in the field of accounting, but they also push me to take opportunities that will further my knowledge. She continues to show me the importance of going out of my comfort zone, and for that, I am thankful.