Upon starting the lab, since I had previous experience with programming and electronics, I felt excited about the lab. While even though I had a general curiosity and an open-minded approach, I’m not confident with challenging projects. This project is thus both inside and outside of my comfort zone.  

While my confidence Increased as I moved through the lab, especially when I successfully got the onboard LED to blink, understood the basics of the Neopixel LEDs, and started to manipulate the circuit board. What initially seemed challenging seemed have become more manageable, which helped to stabilize and even increase my comfort level.

I had positive self-talk and encouraged myself with thoughts like "I can figure this out" or "Every step I take is a learning opportunity" which gives me a growth mindset and high self-efficacy. The initial reaction to the lab and the evolution of comfort and confidence levels are indicative of my mindset. While since I believed in the ability to develop skills through hard work and learned from challenges, this positively influence my approach to and engagement with the lab.