1) This semester, I took on a part-time volunteer job with a local non-profit organization. I was tasked with coordinating publicity efforts for the organization's latest campaign. One of my primary responsibilities was to arrange opportunities for the organization to be featured on local radio stations. At first, I was so excited to be a part of this project; it seemed like a valuable learning experience and a great way to add to my resume. However, as the semester got underway, I quickly began to realize that I had over-committed and put way too much on my plate. I started to feel like I was drowning in work. I was so nervous to tell the organization that I couldn't keep up with all the work they were giving me, but I knew I just didn't have enough time to do everything that was being asked of me, and I needed to re-prioritize. They were so nice when I told them; they completely understood my situation and were grateful for the work that I had already done, and even helped me re-arrange some things on my plate so that I could still be involved in their organization.
2) Through this experience, I learned that I have a tendency to spread myself too thin. As much as I want to be involved in everything that sounds fun or interesting, I learned that I need to focus on the few things that are most important to me. I learned that balance is key, and that it's okay to say no sometimes.
3) It seems like my perspective on failure is constantly changing, and this semester has proved no different. Historically speaking, I don't handle failure well; and really, who does? It's frustrating and embarrassing and discouraging. However, I am realizing more and more that as cheesy as it sounds, it's only failure if you quit, but if you regroup and keep going, then it becomes a small bump in a long road. It's okay to take a break, or change direction, but don't give up entirely.
I completely understand the stress of trying to juggle way too many things at once, and that happens to most college students, so at least you're not alone in the struggle. The great thing that you did in your situation is that you communicated. Success at work depends on healthy and effective communication. Hope your semester ends strong! Here's mine: http://lfrancie.blogspot.com/2016/04/celebrating-failure.html
ReplyDeleteHey Isabelle,
ReplyDeleteI understand the struggle of trying not spread yourself too thin. There are so many great opportunities at UF to join different organizations, and we can do volunteer outside of UF as well. As students, we have to remember not to do too many extracurricular activities because we won’t be able to focus on our schoolwork. My blog post was about a different scenario and talked about my failure with a course I took. You can check it out at http://entrepreneurshipblogs.blogspot.com/2016/04/celebrating-failure.html
Hi Isabelle,
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard balancing extracurriculars that are just as demanding as classes or a job, even though it is failure it does teach you how to re-prioritize and that is okay because it is how we learn. There is nothing wrong with being a university student going through trial and error, after all, we have so much drive and not always enough time to do everything we want.
http://saraentrepreneurshipjourney.blogspot.com/2016/04/celebrating-failure.html
Hey Isabelle,
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how difficult balancing all of those responsibilities must have been, I'm having a hard enough time with college alone right now. I really liked your line "it's only failure if you quit" I never thought of it like that and I might use that line more often. Great job on the post, keep up the good work!