Carole's March reflection
What’s your go-to productivity hack that has helped you survive and thrive during your first three months here?
One of the most effective productivity strategies that has helped me thrive during my first few months at U+ Education is creating my To-Do List the day before tasks are due. This approach keeps me organized, provides a clear overview of my responsibilities, and allows me to allocate specific time blocks for each task. This helped me manage a demanding workload without feeling overwhelmed. With multiple roles—including Website Developer, Teaching Assistant, Project Coordinator, and Data Analytics Volunteer Supervisor—I also make it a point to add tasks to my To-Do List throughout the day as soon as they arise. This guarantees that every task is accounted for and addressed in a timely manner; allowing me to consistently meet my deadlines with confidence.
What superhero skill would help you be more productive in a task you are currently working on?
If I could become a superhero to boost my productivity, I’d choose to be the Flash. His lightning-fast speed would allow me to complete tasks in a fraction of the time without sacrificing quality. I’d be able to tackle multiple responsibilities simultaneously—whether it’s coding as a Website Developer, supporting students as a Teaching Assistant, or managing projects and data analytics—with precision and efficiency. With the Flash’s abilities, I wouldn’t just work faster; I’d work smarter, consistently delivering high-quality results while staying ahead of deadlines and maintaining balance across all my roles.
What’s one thing about your job that’s harder than you thought it would be—and what’s made you rise to the challenge?
Another challenge I didn’t anticipate was learning how to communicate effectively across different teams with varying expectations and technical knowledge. As someone who works in both technical and educational roles, I’ve had to adjust my communication style depending on whether I’m speaking with students, developers, or project stakeholders. To rise to this challenge, I’ve focused on developing clear, concise communication—breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms when needed, and actively listening to others to better understand their perspectives. This has helped me collaborate more smoothly, avoid misunderstandings, and ensure that projects stay aligned and on track.
