Anita's December Week 3 Reflection
Reflecting on your job performance, what factors (e.g., environment, intrinsic motivation) contribute to your productivity? Please briefly explain how so.
Lately, I’ve been feeling like my performance has been strong. Last week, I took a short break, as I was away for three days, but now I’m back and fully focused on finishing work. I’ve been putting in some extra hours to make sure I stay on top of everything, and this week, things are really starting to fall into place.
The fact that the semester is nearly over adds a sense of urgency, with plenty of tasks to finish before everything wraps up. This has become a key motivator for me: I’m determined not to fall behind. I aim to stay organized and on track, and I find that the stress of deadlines actually helps to keep me focused. While I don’t enjoy feeling stressed, I find that the pressure of approaching deadlines keeps me motivated to get things done efficiently.
Another factor that’s been contributing to my productivity is my environment (either the Civic Center, library at school/community center, or at home). I’m fortunate to be in a space that is calm and peaceful, which helps me stay concentrated. Having access to fresh air and a view outside is also important to me—it’s refreshing and provides a mental break, which ultimately helps me stay productive for longer stretches of time.
Interviewees often ask the interviewer about the company culture during interviews. Reflecting on your placement experience at U+, how would you describe the U+ company culture?
I really like the company culture at U+. It’s very supportive, and there’s a strong sense of camaraderie among the team. Everyone gets along well, and there’s a real sense of connection—people know each other, collaborate effectively, and help one another when needed.
Additionally, the roles here are well-defined and offer a lot of depth. Each department or sector provides employees with a clear understanding of their responsibilities, which helps everyone develop specific expertise in their areas. This structure not only makes the work more meaningful but also allows for growth and a deeper understanding of each aspect of the business.
What are two things you are grateful for that is related to your placement? (E.g., an opportunity to work on a certain project, making new friends)
First, networking has been a huge highlight. One of my main goals going into the placement was to expand my professional network, and I’ve definitely achieved that. I’ve enjoyed meeting and collaborating with so many new people, both within U+ and through the connections made via YRES. I really appreciate the opportunities U+ provides for building relationships, especially through initiatives like online volunteering, which sets the company apart. It’s something I plan to continue pursuing in the future as it offers valuable connections.
Second, I’m grateful for the insight into business operations, particularly through working on the nationwide project. This experience required a lot of research into different business models and practices in various regions, which gave me a much broader perspective on how businesses operate within the community. Not only did I have the chance to team lead, but I also gained a deeper understanding of how businesses collaborate and impact the community which will be very beneficial when I volunteer/work in the future.
Our sister organization YRES has a mascot called Nova, a big horned sheep. There are no other details about her other than she always wears a red kerchief and that she is always ready for an adventure. What do you suppose is the backstory of Nova?
I assume:
Nova was born in the highlands and always dreamed of an adventure beyond the mountains. One day, with a red kerchief tied around her neck—a gift from her grandmother—she set off to explore. The red kerchief was a generational hand-me down. Nova crossed rivers, scaled cliffs, and ventured through dark forests. Along the way, Nova helped lost travelers and outsmarted tricky creatures along the way. She is always ready for a challenge.
