Dina's April
Week 1 Reflection
Do you enjoy the work environment you’ve chosen (virtual, hybrid, or in-person)? What aspects of it do you find most helpful or challenging?
Yes, I enjoy the virtual environment. It’s helped me develop skills I wouldn’t have gained in person, especially with time management, independence, and not having to worry about transportation. I’ve found it really flexible and convenient, and it’s taught me to take responsibility by signing in, signing out, and staying on task. Compared to someone I know who did a hybrid placement, I feel like virtual work is becoming the norm. After COVID, so many things are done through Zoom, and this placement is helping me adapt to that. Joining meetings on time, updating others online, it’s all part of today’s workplace. The biggest benefit has been learning to manage my own time and tasks.
What aspects of the company or industry are you most interested in learning more about?
I’m really interested in how the organization works behind the scenes, especially how it partners with school boards and runs volunteer programs. I first found out about this placement from a guidance post, and I was impressed by the design and structure of the ad. Now I want to learn more about what it takes to build something like this, how it’s funded, how the programs are planned, and how it expanded so much over the years. I think the planning and growth side is really fascinating, and I’d love to understand how the organization has been able to grow and continue reaching more students!
Have you been able to balance your work responsibilities with school or other commitments? How do you manage your time?
Yes, I’ve managed to balance everything by learning to separate school, co-op, and personal responsibilities. I treat co-op like a chunk of my day, just like a class or job, and that helps me stay organized. I use tools like calendars, colour-coding, and reminders to stay on track, and I take notes to help myself remember tasks. If I have a big school commitment, I’ll give myself permission to focus on that before my co-op starts. It’s all about knowing when to shift focus and being realistic with my time.
How do you think your work here connects to your future goals or career aspirations?
Even though I’m not completely sure what I want to do yet, this placement connects well to my future. I’m considering healthcare because I like helping people, but no matter what I end up doing, these skills, time management, communication, organization, are essential. I’ve also really enjoyed using platforms like Slack. It’s helped me stay connected and organized in a way that feels modern and efficient. Since so much of the world is going digital, I think this experience is preparing me for any future career, not just one in medicine.
What 3 words would you use to describe your week?
Exciting, productive, and motivating. It was exciting to keep learning and growing, productive because I got my tasks done and stayed organized, and motivating because it reminded me why this experience matters for my future. These words reflect the positive energy I felt this week and keep me inspired to keep going.