Aliya's December Week 1 Reflection
Reflect on your current projects and responsibilities. Are you surprised or satisfied with your contributions so far? Where do you see improvement since the beginning of the term?
For me, I would probably say to take the opportunity to make connections and build friendships with your colleagues because it really makes your shifts wayyy more enjoyable and fun. Having friends at work has enhanced my overall experience because if all you do is just work then of course you won’t have a good experience. Being able to collaborate and learn from others is just as important as developing your own professional skills.
When thinking of the work that you do, the people you work with, and the outcomes of your projects, what aspect brings you the most fulfillment? Are there any other aspects not mentioned that you want to highlight?
The aspect that brings me the most fulfillment in my work is solving problems. I enjoy using my critical thinking skills to find solutions and contribute toward achieving a common goal, which gives me a sense of ease and accomplishment. I also deeply value teamwork, as it allows for more effective and efficient collaboration. Being able to seek help or gain clarity from my team members fosters harmony and ensures everyone is aligned. Finally, completing a project brings me a strong sense of pride, as it allows me to reflect on the hard work and know that my efforts were worthwhile.
Collaboration is a huge motivational factor in the workplace. Out of the people you’ve worked with at U+, choose a minimum of 3 people to show appreciation to and explain your choice.
Collaboration is a huge motivator for me, and I’m grateful for several people who have made a positive impact on my experience at U+. First, I’d like to thank my co-op supervisor, Tanya. From the start of the term, she has always been there to lend a helping hand, making me feel comfortable asking for help. Her kindness and support have been invaluable. I’d also like to show appreciation to my team leader, Anita, who played a key role in keeping us focused during the Nationwide Volunteer Campaign. Her weekly task lists kept our group on track, and she was incredibly helpful when I had questions about using Monday.com. Lastly, I’m thankful for Jessica, my in-person supervisor. She created a welcoming atmosphere when I first started in-person, making it less intimidating and more comfortable for me to settle in. Her open and friendly nature truly made a difference.
If you could mentor a new hire, what would you share as the most valuable advice?
If I could mentor a new hire, my most valuable advice would be to ask questions. This has been incredibly helpful for me in understanding new concepts and tasks. I would also suggest taking things one step at a time and not feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to learn at your own pace and seek help when needed. Additionally, building relationships with colleagues is crucial, so I’d encourage them to reach out and utilize the resources available to them. Don’t be afraid to ask for support or clarification, it makes working in a team much smoother and more efficient.
