Samuel's October Week 1 Reflection

Please share how you feel about the onboarding process. What are some resources that were helpful, and what’s something you’d like to see implemented in the future?
The onboarding and training process this week (or 2 weeks ago) went smoothly for me. I quickly adapted to using Slack since it looks similar to Discord, and I already know how to use Canva, Instagram, TikTok, and Google services. I did run into some technical difficulties putting my project 2 video files into a google drive folder, but eventually I figured it out. The rest of the process went smoothly. Some key resources I found quite useful include Canva, Slack, and the official U+ website. Canva gives me a lot of designing freedom, Slack is easy to adapt to, and the U+ website has a lot of useful information.
Describe your main tasks this week. Who did you work with? How did you approach the task? What did you accomplish?
My main task this week is to create a brochure for the LEGO Robotics program led by Christina. I worked on it by myself and decided to start by researching all the critical information on a professional brochure. I included the title (LEGO Robotics), a front cover picture of a past LEGO Robotics program, description of the program, what ages are fit for the program (Grades 1-5), the levels (Beginner » Intermediate » Advanced), more pictures of Lego robotics, YRES contact information, the YRES Logo on front and back, and the YRES mascot on front and back. Finally, I added in elements and set them to the official YRES colour palette. I chose red and blue because red is an extremely eye-catching colour.
What is one big challenge you faced this week? Who did you turn to when you needed support? Describe what you learned and what you would do differently the next time.
I did not necessarily face a big problem this week, but I have run into a few smaller problems. For example, before I started my brochure, I accidentally created a landscape poster because I did not understand what a brochure was. I turned to Christina when I needed help, for example, if the colour palette was U+ or YRES. I learned to be more proactive in asking questions because the more questions you ask, the more you will gain and the easier the task becomes. Next time, I will read through instructions more carefully so I don’t accidentally create a second graphic!
What are three main skills U+/YRES allowed you to leverage/develop this week? Reflect on how each skill brings value to your professional development and propels you forward in the industry.
Three skills U+ allowed me to develop this week are working independently, using tools, and expanding my creativity. By letting me create a brochure all by myself, I learned to be self-dependent and channel my inner creativity on Canva. In the real world industry, working independently is very vital as it is essential to every single job. It feels like this is self-explanatory, but independence is just one of the most important stages in life when we have to leave our comfort zone and step into a new world. Then, using tools is again quite important because many jobs require it. For example, project management, engineering, and even cashiers. Finally, creativity impacts the bright side of economy and industry, for example architecture, music production, and movie acting and directing.
What personal motto or guiding principle would you bring with you to your role next week, and how do you see it helping you contribute to our organization’s mission?
My personal mottos are “always strive for improvement” and “work smarter not harder.” By striving for improvement, I believe that growth is like a formula based on the input of f(x). The higher the input, the higher the output, just like an exponential function. In order to work smarter instead of just harder, one must put their brain to use, and over time, develop newer, more efficient strategies. This helps U+ education grow as a community, as well as improve the kids’ learning curve. As Loyal “Jack” Lewman said, “Never stop learning; for when we stop learning, we stop growing.” To all the kids and teenagers out there, I want to see you put in your best efforts and make a positive impact on the world.