What went well
- Created a to-do list and data management framework is finalised
- Got research volunteer to review qualitative data processing guides
- Reached out to support network in gathering more knowledge on qualitative research approaches to inform qualitative research approach and methodology for this project
- Was also privileged to join in on an evening creative course that they run for graduates in consolidating DBT skills through a designated theme, and creative activities that contribute to decor and energy of the graduation ceremony for those who have completed their DBT programme.
What could have been done differently
- I couldn’t meet with the team leader again this week for an end-of-project meeting to receive final feedback and ensure a smooth handover. However, I did my best to email the people directly involved in the project of tutorial and notes locations. One thing I regret not doing is sending an email on where all the visualisation codes are located, and creating ntoes that explained what they did.
- I felt that because my time at Body & Soul wouldn’t be over as I’d be continually volunteering, I did not stress much about ensuring a smooth handover. As much as I wish I’d have done more to finalise things, I did not have enough time to complete the codes and make notes all in one week. My mind was also on mentally preparing to be present at their evening on the day, which was quite a last-minute arrangement (but was very fulfilling and enlightening).
Change Maker Values
- Almost all changemaker values were quite visible this week. I was ambitious and determined enough to complete the codes (that I set to complete beyond my SMART goals) this week, and with quick haste too. • I showed curiosity in my engagement with the graduates; I asked questions about their interests and events at the charity. I also showed curiosity towards the research volunteers on collecting their feedback on my research guides and my performance.
- Upon reflection I felt the work I did was extraordinary in its own right; being nonconventional to what the charity did in their usual practice. I also went beyond my SMART goals prior to the placement, and was fast in completing the tasks I set out to do.
- I experienced challenges in balancing between Ambitious and Fast as I tried finalising all my tutorials and codes to ensure a smooth handover whilst completing all the extra goals I set to do. I managed to complete them on time, however, wished I could ensure a smoother ending to my work prior to preparing for the evening event on my last day. Reflecting back this would’ve been very difficult. I don’t imagine it being my last time at the charity though, so I will be able to smooth some edges when I return.
Character
Character dimensions that were tested include Drive, Collaboration, and Temperance. Due to unforseen circumstances I was unable to meet with the academic (from my support network) to finalise my qualitative analysis tutorials according to plan. Thus, this happened instead on my last day, which was also when the research volunteer came in.
I had a high drive to finalise my codes on my last day, that I struggled to tap into Collaboration and Temperance to interact more with the research volunteer. I went up and down the building to have my meeting and have lunch, and so on. I was able to get her to look at my tutorial and send feedback however, which was overwhelmingly positive with a bit of link access issues as constructive feedback. However, I did wish I could verbally walk her through the codes I developed for data analysis. This was near impossible however due to time constraints and clashes, as well as where I was with the progress in my codes. I tried tapping into Temperance and Judgement to feel more stabilised and less overwhelmed with last minute notices and finalising on my last day. I reassured myself that I have done everything I targeted to do, and all I can do is my best at this moment with the abilities I have.
Capacities
- I relied on process and performance the most this week as I focused on getting my codes and tutorials finalised this week.
- Having reached out to my support network I did lean into people for advice and guidance as well.
Ethical engagement
I was grateful to receive feedback from my supervisor and research volunteers that my leadership was supportive, facilitative, yet leadership-prone as I was showing lots of initiative and going beyond their expectations. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, saying that I had spotted some significant errors, and changed the logistics in what they do, revamping the process in which they organise their data.