Hey there! I've always wanted to write in the past few weeks but my tasks were really heavy on my neck. I wanted to share with you my challenges and how hard it was to manage everything together. I didn't want to only share my victories with you but I guess it is what it is, I can only spare some time after clearing some tasks on my table. Now to the main gist! (I know you love some)
I had a lot on my mind and table recently. First I needed to prepare for my final exams at the WomenTechsters Fellowship. Secondly, I was grouped with a team and was expected to finish a live project in three weeks and prepare a presentation. I also had to plan and manage an event (this is still ongoing) and lastly, I had to do what I am paid to do - my job.
Just the thought of doing all these things well gave me headaches and at some point, I fell ill. For the exams, I was grateful I attended revision classes because If I had read squarely, I wouldn't have time for the capstone project. Fortunately, luck was on my side and the exams weren't so hard. The results aren't out yet but I know I'm passing in flying colors. Can I get an Amen at the back? Lol.
The capstone project was a whole new experience to me. I was grouped with designers from other teams, developers, product managers, ladies from the blockchain and cybersecurity track, data science and so on. First of all, not all members of my team showed up. I should have guessed there was trouble then. We merged with another team who also didn't have enough team members so ultimately, we had three designers on the team and I was made the design captain. You would think that was a good thing but it stressed me out so much because my team was unresponsive and we had limited time to make the project live.
The team decided to build a digital product for local food restaurants. We didn't have a mobile app developer so we built a website. This actually made me realize how important the job of a product designer was. It almost looked as if we did the major work because the group didn't have anything to show until we designed.
I led the team on a design sprint because time was not on our side by the time the two teams merged. One of my team members kept giving excuses and kept on slowing down the sprint. The other was a student and also had limitations. I had to spend nights designing, covering for the team and eventually, I had to kick out the lady with excuses from Figma because we were very tight on the deadline and I had to assume her duties. I couldn't have her making changes to what I was doing. Thankfully, we had our presentation and I must say, it was great! In all, this project opened my eyes to the fact that some people will always not have the right attitude to work, getting the right team members matters.
I am currently planning an 80th birthday party and I must say that being an event planner is not an easy sport. Getting the right vendors, the back and forth on negotiation, trying to decide what works and what won't, convincing the client on budget expenses, sourcing for souvenirs and many more was quite tasking. I liked that I challenged myself to the event planning industry, I can only hope it goes well. The event takes place on the 15th of April and it is themed "80 & Graceful". Please wish me success.
Finally, my appraisal at work comes up this March. It scares me because a lot has been going on at work and everyone's morale is generally down. I like to be accountable to my responsibilities. I like to deliver the service I'm being paid to do and when there's an opportunity to question if I am worthy or not, I get anxious. That's natural right?
I think I've filled you in on basically everything. It's a long rant... I know, but since we're literally besties, you'll enjoy reading it.
I hope everything is going on well at your end. Please leave a comment below, I'll love to hear from you!
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