Contribution to my Learning 5318 & 5389
This semester has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my academic journey. Between personal losses, family challenges, and health struggles, I’ve faced obstacles that at times seemed insurmountable. Yet, through it all, I’ve managed to stay focused, complete my work, and continue collaborating with my peers. For that reason, I believe I deserve a 98/100 in EDLD 5318 and a 95/100 in EDLD 5389.
One of the hardest challenges I faced was the loss of my beloved grandfather. Before his passing, I literally had to drop everything to travel to Austin to see him before he took his last breath. That painful experience left me grieving and emotionally drained. During this time, I had to balance my personal loss while ensuring my academic responsibilities didn’t slip. In addition, my sister had a baby in the NICU, which added another layer of stress as I supported her through such a difficult time. On top of that, I was struck by the flu for a week, which left me physically weak and struggling to keep up with my coursework. As an educator, mother, and scholar, there were times this semester when I just didn’t know if I would be able to get everything completed.
Despite these challenges, I stayed committed to my education. I pushed myself to complete assignments, meet deadlines, and engage in meaningful collaboration with my peers, all while managing my personal life and health. I turned to my classmates for support when needed, and in return, I contributed to group discussions, shared insights, and learned from others. The collaboration was crucial in helping me stay connected to the course, and it reinforced the importance of teamwork and resilience in the face of adversity. My peers Melissa Richards, Khelia Olison Williams, and Patricia (Patty) Hamilton were a great help in conversing and bouncing ideas off of. I have been fortunate enough to share both courses with these women this past semester, which allowed for seamless conversation, collaboration, and communication. After class sessions, we would have separate Zoom video calls to provide feedback, clarification, and input on assignments. Through this collaboration, I was able to better make sense of many of the assignments and get the most out of my EDLD experience. With two courses remaining until graduation, I am proud of the relationships I have built as well as the skills I have cultivated, especially in creating and editing my online website.
EDLD 5389 with Dr. Harapnuik was very rewarding and one of the most meaningful courses thus far. Because I had taken Dr. Harapnuik for two previous courses, I was familiar with his standards and expectations. The discussion posts served as great feedback gateways and allowed me to easily build on the conversations when it was time to complete the assignments. The Call to Action assignment was simple but set a solid foundation for Planning the Alternative PL, which was all about creating meaningful and impactful non-traditional professional learning/development.
Taking 5318 simultaneously with Dr. Bellard was a great combination. Although the course required a lot of work, I enjoyed the video recording component, which served as a new method for submitting assignments. At times, it was uncomfortable to record myself in front of the camera, but I do feel it was a necessary skill to practice. I was also able to gain more experience using Canvas as a recording and editing tool for videos. The first assignment, Instructional Design, caused me to think of the type of learning I wanted to create and why. Instructional Design Implementation, was more in depth, detailed, and laid out the resources and details of how the course would operate and navigate.
I’m proud of my ability to push through these difficulties while continuing to prioritize my coursework and personal growth. The fact that I’ve managed to balance it all and still produce quality work speaks to my determination, resilience, and commitment to my education. These experiences have shaped me as a learner and as a person, and I believe they reflect the dedication I’ve shown in both EDLD 5318 and EDLD 5389.
