THE DEFENSE OF THE YEAR
The Journey I Took
PROBLEM SOLVER
Whatever you set out to do, some sort of hardship will be implemented and found in the face of progress. This could definitely be said about projects, and I've always tried to allocate the best possible plan for the incoming solution that is needed. It’s always possible to face a problem when planning, and knowing what to do or staying cool under pressure has been. If I wasn’t a problem solver, I would’ve failed my courses long ago. With that, let us investigate the artifacts, and how they improved me not only as a person but as an entrepreneur.
TESLA DOCUMENTARY
Using existing products to guide me to my goal in Physics.
In my physics class, I had a week to complete a documentary about a selected scientist that made profound discoveries and/or accomplishments in the field of electromagnetism. Already, that sounds like quite a lot. At least it does to me. With some basic understanding of the fundamentals of electromagnetism, I chose Nikola Tesla and begun my research, navigating websites, and already made documentaries in order to discover what would be the grandest of Tesla's accomplishments. In the production phase, however, I had trouble with finding video clips that related to what I had to say. Based on earlier video projects, I set out to create a script that lessened the magnitude of the actual project. Also quickly assessing existing artifacts related to the project made the whole segway to actual production eased the load, and gave me an idea on what to expand upon and what to implement. It gave me more time to ideate on what direction to take the documentary, rather than actually think about the contents.
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
Designing a website in Business Incubator
Business Incubator was a place where I could go free range on website development. Alongside our CTO and team, we created a few designs and wireframes and got straight to business. We had a lot of problems in the beginning, having complications with the true end goal of the design. With the help of everyone, some inspiration, and a whole lot of cheering, we were able to complete the website. Each member had a goal in mind, and with our select wants and needs, along with our tests to see what customers would want and need, we managed to narrow the implementations of our website, while expanding what direction our website needed to go in.
DEMO PRESENTATION
Leading a video project with limited time and guidance.
I will be the first to admit this video did not go well. The video was hastily made and did not receive the care and attention to detail that it deserved. What it was, however, was a good stepping stone, and a lesson on what to and not to do for future projects. The project had to be done within a few days and was a major time crunch full of problems from the beginning. However, with some wit on me and my team's behalf, we were able to push out a video. Even though it was rough around the edges, we were able to showcase it to judges. With more time, the video would've been amazing. However, not everything can go the way you hope, and that's when problem-solving has to kick in.
“We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”
Albert Einstein
RULE DEVELOPMENT
Developing a set of rules for U.S. Humanities
This project was a group assignment that I personally jump-started. Though I don't discredit my team's overall work in the Toy Expo Project this relates to, I managed to develop the rules and system for our game that was needed. It was a problem in the beginning, finding a way to develop rules for a game that doesn't even exist. However, with a bit of research and ideation, I managed to develop a cohesive game with manageable rules.
REFLECTION
How have I grown as a problem solver throughout my junior year?
Problem-solving is a part of me I suppose. I've been known to crack under pressure, but I sincerely feel like my problem-solving skills have helped me relax up on my natural nervousness and have improved my leadership and independent qualities. The Tesla documentary showed me that true planning and a clear mind can lead to a grand end product. Using my design thinking skills and a level head carried me throughout the project. The website development was fun and interesting. Having a good team and a good incubator teacher let us solve the problem of our future goals that our website must meet. Teamwork, clear direction, and early implications resolved our problems quickly. The Demo Presentation was a downfall from the beginning, but it was a lesson. A lesson to just talk to everyone about the problems, and to quickly do double-takes in order to ensure project deadlines are meant on time when something goes unexpectedly wrong. Problem-solving led me along the path of confidence and assurance in my own ability, but also to show faith in my team and their abilities to solve problems. It showed me the extent I must take in order to solve any problem, and what to do to prevent any future problems from occurring.