Recent Learning Experiences Within Group Projects

     With only a little over a month left of the semester, I have learned more than expected about working in groups. Two of my business classes both have semester long group projects. Assigned to read many Harvard Business Review articles, I have learned the dynamics of the ideal group, how to effectively work as a team, how to confront conflict amongst members and so forth. Many of these articles have come handy and have helped one of my groups successfully work together. We are able to function as a collaborative group without one member being too controlling and most importantly we enjoy working with each other. Fortunately, one of my two semester long group projects is smooth sailing (I'll call this Group A), however, the second group (Group B) poses great difficulty for me and the other members.
     A critical step was taken amongst the group members of Group A that's prove to be successful thus far that was not completed in Group B. Prior to beginning the project Group A met to construct a team contract. Together we mutually established group and individual expectations, goals, and how we expected to treat each other. We agreed that constructive criticism was going to allow our project to reflect our best work. Not only was the importance of attendance at meetings critical, but coming prepared and ready to work. This team contract has proved to be the foundation of our team's success and has established guidelines for us all to abide by. This contract makes our team sound all serious and no fun, but by creating this prior to the start of the project there have been many memories and laughs along the way. Last night after finishing our assignment we reminisced the good ole days of Aaron Carter. Huddled around the computer screen we watched the music video "Aaron's Party."
     Group B is composed of intelligent students, but schedule and personality conflicts have proved to make this group project more challenging than it should be. This project has 5 members whereas Group A has a total of 4. I'm not sure if it's the extra person that makes it difficult or if it's the lack of mutually established expectations.
     As a business student, I know this is only the beginning of group projects. I enjoy working with others, which is why I chose to learn from the experiences in both groups. The team contract has proven beneficial and I would highly recommend creating one for every group project here on out. Whether it's 2 or 10 people, an honors class or not, a short or semester long project, this has served as my groups foundation and has held members accountable for assignments and expectations.
     As we draw near to our final presentations, I will anxiously await the results of each group. I plan to use what I have learned this semester and instill a positive outlook in Group B to ensure we perform to the best of our ability. As we have all worked in groups in Lit & Civ, I hope y'all have experienced great team dynamics and results within in this class and other group projects. I would love to hear some of the learning experiences and success stories you've encountered within your groups.

Here's a little trip down memory lane:

A Daily Dose of Laughter

    One of my best friends, Taylor is a youtube addict. She is always up to date on the latest viral videos. Luckily, she keeps me informed by sending me links to clips and videos worth watching. This past list of links included the video below. Please watch it so you can understand what triggered my laughter for what seemed like hours.

      This young girls boastful attitude sets her up for failure which is why I think I find it so funny when she falls out of the chair. I was once a girl scout so I know what it's like to sell cookies. Like her, my mom helped me become top cookie seller in my troop by selling cookies to her extensive network at the hospital she works. Being a young, naive little girl I thought I was pretty cool since I was the top cookie seller, although I was to bashful to boost to anyone other than my immediate family members. Part of why I find myself laughing uncontrollably time after time watching this video is because this girl reminds my so much of myself as a child. Once again, I'm caught laughing at the expense of others which isn't always the right thing to do, but in this case I can't help it. This video is too darn funny! How can you not laugh?
     In relation to the theories of humor, this video encompasses the relief and superiority theory. As you can see she's perfectly fine once she gets back up and I'm relived it's not me that it's happening to. Her insentient whining is simply because she's a drama queen seeking attention. With respect to the superiority theory I find myself laughing because I would never brag publicly about something and also because I'm laughing at her expense.
     I love how I can watch this video time after time and still experience the same comedic effects. Whenever I'm in need of a good laugh I always turn to Taylor and ask her for funny youtube links. Laughter is fun, rewarding, contagious, and can lighten any mood. I try not to take life too seriously, which is why I tend to laugh all the time. As Charlie Chaplin once said, "A day without laughter is a day wasted."

Fall Break?

     The past few weeks I have been anxiously awaiting fall break. Although, I'm from Houston and can go home whenever, I couldn't wait to be home to just relax with my family. After a very busy and stressful week comprised of a presentation, a stats test, an Access midterm, advising, and several group project meetings I am finally home. As I take this time to reflect on my past learning experiences, I now know the feeling of a much needed break.
     It has come to my attention that the only real break from school we have is Christmas break. December is the one month out of the entire year that we don't have to study for tests, complete homework assignments, or attend countless meetings. Some may argue that summer is a long break, but many students take summer classes which interferes with the break you thought you were going to have.
     This fall break will consist of some quality family time with a side of studying. One of my professors has graciously scheduled a test the day after fall break. Thank you professor, I truly wanted to spend my fall break studying for your test. So while my family will be lounging in the living room watching football, I will be preoccupied reading my foundations textbook and preparing for a test from hell. On the flip side, Christmas beak is around the corner and I look forward to dong absolutely nothing. 
     This week alone has been a life lesson I wish I would have known a few years back. Your work load never ceases, you just have to learn how to manage your time. I've always considered myself to have efficient time management skills, but what I didn't realize is that dedication requires sacrifices. Setting aside my favorite TV shows I watch religiously, spending time with friends, declining social invites, etc. has been the only way I've managed to complete all the work that's assigned. As much as I hate it now, I'm waiting for it to pay off in the future.
     My classes are much more difficult and time consuming this year. Last year I was able to successfully manage 15 hours in addition to working 10 hours a week. The amount of time I spend a week with my two semester long group projects is enough to call it a job, minus the perks of being paid. One is going smoothly and we all work well together. However, the second project poses more of a challenge as we're all a little clueless as to what is going on as well as a lack of team goals and expectations. I foresee many more group projects ahead similar to the one that's challenging right now, which is why it is important I learn from the experience. In reality, not everyone is going to get along with everyone so it's important to facilitate discussion and establish team goals and expectations prior to the start of the project. Perhaps that's why my other group seems to collaborate so well? I'm a convinced personality is a major factor of how the group is going to function. 
     In the meantime, I'm going to use this break as a mini getaway from all the group project meetings we have as it will all still be there when I get back. I hope you all have a fabulous fall break. Relax and have a great time. Promise me you won't study too hard!

A Rather Comedic Lunch Break

     Mohammad was once again surrendered upon his will to talk to me while I scarfed down my lunch, due to our busy class schedules. He kindly reassured to me that it was not a problem as I indulged in a high quality meal purchased from the library cafe. I failed to mention one small detail to Mohammad prior to beginning our conversations several weeks ago. I notified him that I was blogging about the conversations we were having for my literature and civilization class. He was both shocked and amused that I was writing about our exchange in dialogue and excited to know that people in the blogging world may actual read my posts. Taking pride in his remark I didn't mention that "the people in the blogging world" most likely consists of only my professor and a few other students in the class.
     After learning a lot about Saudi Arabia and his culture, I was curious to ask him what American TV shows and movies he thought were funny. He quickly blurted out the words. "How I met Your Mother!" Seeing as though I do not watch the show, the only relation we could agree on was that it helped him with the English language while also experiencing an abundance of laughter. Hoping that I had seen the movie he was about to describe as his favorite, funniest American movie I moved on to ask him what it was.  "Hmmm the funniest movie is definitely Project X." I begin to laugh for a while as I thought oh no, this is how he probably pictures the stereotypical high school student. I couldn't help but agree that it was a funny movie, I must admit I laughed uncontrollably throughout the entire movie. I was really interested to ask why he thought the movie was so great. Mohammad answered that question without any hesitation. "The parties of course!" I couldn't help but laugh because for a kind, easy going guy I could sense his love to rage and "have a good time." I agreed that the party depicted in the movie was pretty epic, but commented that I would never want to have that at my personal house because everything would be destroyed. "So what," he replied "as long as I have fun it's all good!" If I had to guess, I'd say that having a similar party is most likely on Mohammad's bucket list.
     I asked him to describe the plans and events that would occur if he were to have his own Project X party. "If it were in Saudi, it would be in the desert with big tents, there would be lots of girls, and I would play loud music all night long." I asked him to play an excerpt from a song he would play and all I can say is that it was very different from American party music. He enjoys music with a good beat and shared his interest in Kayne West, Bruno Mars, Avril Lavigne, Def Leppard, and Lil' Wayne. Rest assured he has a wide variety of American music he is exposed to. He made certain to mention that guys would wear jeans and a shirt and not the formal attire they typically wear on Fridays and special occasions.
     I always like to end with asking him how his classes are coming along. He was slightly overwhelmed with the research paper we discussed last Friday because he did not work on it over the weekend as he had planed. Frantically he asked for help on APA citations and how to create a work cited page. I should him the helpful resources on Microsoft Word and he was beyond grateful. As our conversation came to close I informed him that his fictional Project X party was bound to be a memorable event and I expect an invitation. Our conversation about comedic movies was by far the highlight of my day.
     See ya next Tuesday Mohammad!

Candles

Fall is my second favorite season, after all what season can top summer? Many people anxiously await the cooler weather and being able to not go outside and not break a sweat. Being from Houston, it's always warm, humid, and 9 times out of 10 you're going to sweat when you step outside. With that said, I prefer warm weather over cold 365 days a year. My favorite thing about fall is hands down, fall scented candles. As I write this post, I am currently burning Bath and Body Works "Pumpkin Cupcake" and I don't think my room could smell any more delightful. If my RA or hall director were to walk in they would probably think I was a pyromaniac due to the ridiculous amount of candles and lighters you would find in my room. It's safe to say that's one of the dorm rules I fail to abide by considering I light a candle in my room at least once a day. It's amazing how much joy and happiness a candle can bring to the room! I do my best thinking and school work when a nice scented candle is burning. To all of you who do not share my candle obsession, I recommend you go to the store, stock up on your favorite scents and light away. A simple mold of scented wax can transform an average room into a cozy and magnificent smelling room of tranquility and relaxation.

P.S. don't forget to trim the wick to maximize the burning time of your candle
P.S.S. feel free to check out some of my favorite candle distributors

Yankee Candle
PartyLite
Bath and Body Works
Nordstrom

Mohammad and I meet again

     It is evident that we have reached one of the busiest times of the semester where almost every professor assumes we're only taking their class. After several reschedules, Mohammad and I had the opportunity to meet again. Although this was only our second time meeting, we somehow get off to a great start and chat non stop. An hour has never passed so quickly in my life as he told me his adventures of getting a new car and the development of his research paper for IEP.
     After driving a rental car for several months, Mohammad decided it was time to go car shopping. Quickly picking up on his love and fascination of cars without him disclosing the brand of his new car, I knew he probably settled on a luxurious car that's designed to speed. Proceeding, I asked him what kind of car he got and low and behold, he is a proud new owner of a Mercedes Benz. Unfortunately, he already had to take it to the shop to repair the carburetor, but was excited to pick it up this evening. Knowing that he lives off campus I asked how he had been getting to school the past several days. He laughed for a few seconds before describing his attempt to walk 15 miles to school. I quickly said, "Wait, what!?! You walked 15 miles to school!" Replaying his morning, he set his alarm for 6 am in order to be at class by 9. He began walking approximately 2 miles before looking at his watch to read the time of 8:15. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he immediately dialed and begged his friend from Arlington to pick him up and drop him off at school. Arriving 45 minutes to class, he was in for a rough day ahead. Reassured that he didn't have to walk 15 miles to school I was happy for him to be getting his car back.
     After asking how his classes were going and his performance on the economics test he was concerned about last meeting he began to vent about IEP. He was shocked and slightly upset when his teacher assigned a research paper. Claiming that his teacher never told him how to write, format, or research the paper and topic he demanded some guidelines, although he openly admitted "I know how to do it, but I want her (his teacher) to tell me how." Understanding where he's coming from, I laughed because I too admit guidelines and structure makes the assignment a little more black and white. Trying to let him see the bright side of the creative assignment, he told me he was going to write his paper on the hate crimes of the religious police in Saudi Arabia. Intrigued  and unaware of this topic, I asked him to describe the religious police. Little did I know, in Saudi Arabia, they are all strictly enforced to practice Muslim and religious freedom is nonexistent. Although Mohammad is a devout Muslim, he said the religious police have entirely too much power and have similar authority to the princes' in Saudi. I'm always very interested when he describes life in Saudi Arabia, being the ignorant, sheltered American that I am. Wrapping up our meeting, I reassured him that it sounds like his paper is going to be great.
      I look forwards to meeting Mohammad again, as we have now established a set time that will hopefully work with both of our schedules.
     Until next time!
         Katelyn