Meet the Illumineers of OC STEM Project Acabado
IIllumineers are STEM student mentors and tutors just a step ahead of the OC students they serve. These passionate STEM undergraduates reflect on their own experience and share their learning. By lighting a fire for others, one will brighten one’s own way.
This cascading mentoring provides:
-academic support embedded in math and science classes;
-just in time tutoring;
-intentional community building and
-mentoring focused on illuminating the skills and capacity that OC learners carry with them everyday.
In the spirit of our project name we asked the Illumineers what they say to themselves at the beginning and, equally as important, at the end of projects.
Beginnings:
I always tell myself “Here we go!” before taking a huge breath. Starting a new project is one of the largest hurdles I have to overcome. Augustine
Understanding the importance of starting a project with the end in mind is an important lesson for STEM majors and people in general. Trent
When I start a new project I am excited to learn more about it and get it done. I put my best foot forward and try to get to the end goal. Jaime
When I’m beginning a project I say to myself, “I will finish this project no matter what.” I make a calendar and set goals for when to finish things. Antonio
When I’m about to start a project I always prepare myself with all the necessary tools I will need for the project. Erandy
Whenever I encounter a big project or assignment it’s hard for me to find where exactly to start as there may be multiple components. I first tell myself to think and act practically. I try to get the hardest problems done first then do the easy ones I know I can handle. Laz
“I hope this turns out well,” is what I say to myself when starting something. I remember doing a physics project with a classmate of mine and planning everything out and deciding what we’re going to do. The whole time I’m thinking to myself. “Please turn out okay, please turn out okay.” But I know that thinking on how to do something is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than actually doing it. Pablo
Endings:
“It took awhile, but at least I got it done.” While it’s nice to get things finished. The aftermath of such projects I only wish I couldn’t done it better. I ask myself “How could have I done it faster, much more organized and less stressful?” Pablo
I’m slightly a perfectionist so I am constantly tinkering trying to get the best result until there is a point where you can’t tinker or tweak it enough or else the project may be ruined. It is then where I force myself to stop and enjoy what I have in front of me because that’s as good as its going to get and accept my work. Laz
As soon as I’m done I cheer to myself “Woohoo!” and revel in the accomplishment. I no longer have to hold my breath and can relax or move on to the next problem. Agustine
When I finish a project I usually just takes nice deep breath and allow myself to relax with something I don’t have to think too much about. Trent
The moment I am done with the project I like to reflect on all the hard work and time I spent on it. I am happy that I finished the project and celebrate. I always look forward to the next project. Jaime
Once I’m finished with a project I give myself a pat in the back and take a little break. I usually move on to the next project I have in mind and just try to improve myself. Antonio
When I finish a project I always feel accomplished with myself because all the hard work and time I put out in to it payed off. Getting the a good grade always seals the deal. If I don’t get a good grade I think about what I could do next time to improve. Erandy
What do you say to yourself at the beginning and at the end of projects?
