Requirements

• The experience of pitching and developing this project
  What role did the following play in contributing to successes or how you worked through challenges?
  • self-efficacy, mindset, self-regulation, active listening, belongingness, cognitive flexibility, effective feedback, emotional intelligence and resilience
• Transfer/connections to other contexts
  Can you draw any connections between elements of this project experience and what you have done in other contexts? Challenge yourself to step back and view this broadly – you make choices and problem solve all the time, including:
  • in a class setting at various levels (how to approach a particular assignment, how to find resources to support your learning)
  • when managing your time (how to schedule when you work on which types of activities)
  • when interacting with others (in a course/employment/social setting)
  • when finding courses, study abroad programs, internship/research opportunities
  • when planning a longer-term trajectory (such as choosing a major or post-graduation plans)

This project didn’t really succeed as I didn’t properly estimate how large the power supply required by each servo could be. I have all the components operated properly and all the codes functioned properly, but because there was no enough power to support the operation of all the servos, I didn’t manage to make the robot arm operate as the way I expected. Undeniably, this is an ambitious project, and self-efficacy played a crucial role throughout the process, as believing in my ability to design and implement such a complex system was the first step in transitioning from a state of fear to a proactive engagement. This self-belief triggered my willingness to commit more time to the project.

For me, a growth mindset was another essential factor in facing the challenges that arose during the process. I saw each setback encountered in coding or calibrating the sensors as not as a failure but as a learning opportunity. This mindset facilitated my cognitive flexibility, allowing me to adapt my strategies in response to unexpected difficulties. Resilience and emotional intelligence were also critical in managing my emotional stability of the project by helping me stay focused and motivated. Active listening and effective feedback were also integrated in the project during the pitching phase and when I was seeking advice from peers and mentors. Being open to others’ suggestions and critiques not only improved my project’s development but also fostered my sense of belongingness within a community of wonderful people who invested in my project’s success.

This project could also help me draw connections between elements of this project experience and what I have done in other contexts. For example, in the academic setting, I also always encountered complex assignments. While just as I broke down the project into manageable tasks, I learned to deconstruct assignments into smaller parts, which made the whole project more doable. Time management skills also could be reflected in the project, as when the project partially failed as the final showcase ddls were approaching, I had to schedule and prioritize work and temporarily gave up parts that were not that important. The ability to properly allocate time learned in this project has made my time management more effective in other areas. The project also improved my interpersonal skills, as collaborating with multiple mentors and peers on the project sharpened my communication skills.

Moreover, I also learned how to seek resources for the project, just like the process of finding research opportunities. Overall, this project has influenced my long-term trajectory. The experience has not only broadened my technical expertise but also enriched my approach to learning and problem-solving in a wider context from both a technical aspect and personal development.