Halfway Reflection

ENT3003 is a class that will lead you through the process of developing an idea into a viable product that could provide a solution for others.  This class explores the concept of entrepreneurship and provides the opportunity to hone the skills needed to engage an idea and bring it towards fruition.  Rather than memorization or intimidating exams, this class ingeniously uses experience as its prime educational format to reach students in an impactful and compelling way.  I have suffered through grueling exams and massive term papers and although the results were positive, the details of the information retained are fleeting at best.  This new approach to teaching encourages a student to think critically and creatively, which causes the learning experience to be lasting and significant.

Moving through the class, I have received a steady stream of concise yet very comprehensive assignments that are manageable.  Each assignment takes me on a new path.  In other classes I have found myself dreading to know what’s coming next.  In this class, I am curious to see what’s around the corner, and even more curious to see where it leads.  In one assignment, we were asked to compile a Bug List, which is a list of things that bugs us.  It never occurred to me that by allowing myself to complain, I would actually be participating in a preliminary step of developing a concept.  Wherever there is a problem, irritation, or issue there always is an opportunity for a solution to improve the lives of anyone involved. 

As a UF student who lives off-campus, it’s easy to feel disconnected from other students.  Through the blogging and commenting exercises, this class encourages me to look at what other students are thinking and what motivates them.   I have come to realize that their ideas and remarks are thought provoking and even inspiring.  Dr. Pryor has structured a class that is not overwhelming or dreadful.  Instead it is task oriented and allows an open exchange of ideas and opinions.  By allowing creativity, asking relevant questions, and using critical analysis, we are all able to develop an idea that is significant, impactful, and beneficial in some way.     

Tenaciousness is a competency. 

This class is comprised of a steady stream of assignments that are concise and engaging.  In order to not become intimidated by the class, I recommend checking the website on a daily basis to keep up with updating your blog, posting comments, and assignment modifications.  Another behavior that I would recommend is allowance.  This would mean to allow you to come up with ideas without judgement, doubt, or constraint.  It is also important to get out of your own way by taking on a task without hesitation.  Although the assignments are challenging, each one on its own is doable.  

Tenaciousness is also about attitude.

A moment that I wanted to give up was when I was trying to select a venture concept.  I actually had come up with a really good idea.  I thought it was practical, innovative and above all, would help numerous people around the world.  I had already considered its design when after doing some research, I realized this idea had just been created, patent pending, and recently placed on the market.  When I discovered this, I was devastated because it was an idea I had been considering seriously for some time.  I took some comfort in knowing that the idea itself was actually good enough for someone else to think of it as well and to run with it.  This caused me to become more open to alternative concepts and to consider their potential.  I also realized that although similar ideas may coexist simultaneously, the idea is to make your concept stand out in a unique or improved way.  

Three tips.

1. In the wise words of Nike, “Just do it.”  Regardless of whether you feel silly, awkward, nervous, or confused, just take the first step in getting the task completed.  Before you know it, it will be.
2. Slow and steady wins the race.  Only think about the task at hand, but above all, don’t overthink it.  By doing one step at a time, you will be surprised by what you accomplish.
3. Pay no mind to rejection.  In this class you will experience rejection whether it comes from others, or even from yourself.  There will be times where you will reject your own ideas.  This just means that there is a better idea waiting for you around the corner.