There were many challenges that I encountered in the HTM program. At the beginning, the transition from a community college to a University was a challenge to adaptation. The next was being a part of a tightly knitted program like HTM; it was hard to find a place within. From stressful all-nighters to time management. But the biggest pitfall for me was getting involved.
I tend to be an introverted person and I have been trying to step away from that particular weakness of mine. I could have tried harder. When I first time meet Christina and Carl, they highly stressed me to get involved in the program. Which was joining different association. That initial advice just flew over my head and I regretfully didn't look back at it. Throughout my years in the program, I was aware of all the many opportunities available to get involved and I never took the chance. Just reading through the emails of event opportunities I would think to myself, "I don't know anyone that is going this event","they are different than me" or "I don't have time for that because of work." That was just the problem. I didn't know anyone because I never tried. I never had time for it because I didn't perceive it as a priority over work. I constantly defaulted to keeping to myself. To be honest, I don't know much student in the HTM program. And I don't think they know me either. I only know those that I have worked with in groups. Before I got my full time internship, I there were times that I have opportunities to be involved, but I didn't take the chance. After I got my full time internship, I put all focus on truing yo get through school and spending most of my time working. There was never a time for me to join any event. Finally, I realized the importance of networking.Yes, being involved is important too. Even though I'm in a great place at work and possibly going on to bigger and better things, it's unfortunate that I don't have many peers from school to connect with. Now that I look back at my time here, I an full of regret that I didn't try harder to be involved. It's definitely something that I can and will continue to work on. |