Anita'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?
I’m feeling good about how the Nationwide Virtual Volunteering campaign is coming together. I’ve made great progress with the community center outreach—I’ve completed most of the calls, and now it’s just a matter of waiting for responses from the voicemails I left. I plan to follow up with any centers that haven’t responded yet, but for the most part, the initial contact phase is done.
I feel okay about my contributions because I’ve not only been actively involved in this part of the project but also in leading the team. I’ve been staying on top of things by giving regular reminders, assigning tasks to keep everyone on track, and providing feedback weekly. It feels good to be in a position where I can help others stay focused and motivated while moving the project forward.
In terms of improvement since the beginning, I’ve definitely noticed growth in my leadership skills. I’ve become more confident in delegating tasks and managing the team’s progress. Initially, I might have been a little hesitant about giving direction, but now I’m comfortable in stepping up, ensuring everyone is clear on what needs to be done, and keeping the momentum going.
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?
What brings me the most fulfillment is seeing the direct impact of the work I do, especially when it comes to supporting my team and helping move the project forward. The NationWorld Virtual Volunteering campaign is a great example. It feels rewarding knowing that I’m contributing to something meaningful, and seeing how my work helps make a difference, even in small ways, keeps me motivated. It’s also fulfilling to lead the team—offering guidance, providing reminders, and seeing people stay on track. It’s really helpful to work with a team that’s dependable and motivated, as it keeps everything moving smoothly. There’s a sense of accomplishment in helping others succeed and knowing I’m part of a collective effort.
One thing that really brings me fulfillment when I’m cold calling people about the flyers is when they show support for the project. It might seem like a small thing, but it can really make someone’s day. During a lot of the phone calls, when I talked about the volunteering opportunities, people were so supportive. It feels good to hear that, even though it’s just a quick conversation—it reminds me that the work we’re doing matters, and it’s a nice boost of motivation.
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.
Jessica!!! – Jessica is someone who always brings positive energy and creativity to the table. I really loved working with her on the PA Day camp; she’s so enthusiastic and outgoing, and it’s clear she has a passion for what she does. She has such a warm, welcoming vibe, and you can tell she truly loves working with kids. Her energy and spirit make every project feel more enjoyable and fun, and I’m always inspired by her attitude.
Hudson – Hudson is incredibly dedicated and always goes above and beyond his responsibilities to help others. His attention to detail and ability to stay ahead of deadlines have been so helpful in keeping projects running smoothly. I really admire his work ethic and how he stays focused on getting things done without cutting corners. He has a great work dynamic and is someone you can always rely on to keep things moving forward.
Kevin – I really appreciate Kevin for being so reliable and communicative. They’re always there to help out, whether it’s offering feedback, lending a hand with tasks, or just checking in to make sure everyone is on track. I really value how they make sure everyone is included and that the team stays connected. They’ve got a great vibe when it comes to teamwork, and it makes everything run smoother and more enjoyable.
If you could mentor a new hire, what would you share as the most valuable advice?
If I could mentor a new hire, the most valuable advice I’d share would be to focus on staying organized and proactive. In any role, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by tasks or deadlines, but if you stay organized and plan ahead, it makes everything much easier to manage. I’d also encourage them to ask questions when they’re unsure about something — it’s better to clarify early on than to make mistakes later.
Another piece of advice I’d give is to embrace feedback, whether it’s positive or constructive. It helps you grow and improves your work. And don’t be afraid to take initiative — if you see something that needs to be done or an opportunity to improve something, go ahead and act on it. Lastly, I’d remind them that building relationships with your team is key. The more you collaborate and communicate with others, the more successful you’ll be.
But, perhaps the most important thing I’d emphasize is to enjoy the journey. Sometimes we can get so focused on tasks or goals that we forget to take a step back and appreciate the process.
