I remember walking into MIDE-300 on the first day and getting so excited to not see a typical classroom setup, I loved the workshop feel as soon as I entered. I was worried because although I consider myself creative, my artistic abilities are a bit lacking and I didn’t want to embarrass myself. And that thought alone I would soon realize was my problem. MIDE-300 helped me target where I was falling short as a designer, innovator, and overall student. I always seem to be so concerned with what those around me would think. This class helped me target this problem and begin the steps toward fixing it. I love to talk about friends but when it comes to people I don’t know, I have an extreme fear of judgement. I decided I would force myself to volunteer in a class at least once a day, if the opportunity presents itself.
This habit helped me grow as a person and overall be more comfortable with myself and my ideas. This habit was unfortunately put on hold when the semester ended early yet I was able to continue the same confidence in my work and I feel as though I have completely ridden myself of the fear of what my classmates might think. Going forward I want to work on this habit even more and volunteer for public speaking opportunities as they come my way, in hopes I might be able eventually become completely self-assured in this area.
Another habit I began with this class was making sure to do something for myself each day. The eagerness to workout and be active has always come naturally to me, but I rarely do these things on purpose to benefit my mental health. I began taking walks or runs outside each day at school, and making sure to really take in everything around me. At home, during quarantine, this has become one of my favorite daily activities and something that I will definitely continue even after this is over. I have finally built the habit of taking time out of the day for self-reflection in whatever activity I choose; recently my favorite has been bike rides.
I really appreciate the things I have learned in this class, especially the pride I feel knowing I am successfully able to form habits. Going forward I plan to make new habits that will benefit me, such as, no longer checking my phone right when I wake up in the morning.