30A - Final Reflection

1)  Read through your posts from this semester. Recall all of the experiences you've had along the way -- the highs, the lows -- the fun moments, and the moments of drudgery, and even the moments of dread.

I have enjoyed this class very much. I enjoyed getting to know the class through the blog posts and feedback. It’s been fun to share all these processes along the way. Some were fun, and some were painful, like the elevator pitches. I might have just as well been singing on camera, a nightmare in itself. But they were a necessary evil, to make us take a look at how we present ourselves and how it can even be improved and with practice, over time, not so bad. My first elevator pitch was the one you reviewed, and it was dark, long, and drawn out with no motivation on my part and your were still kind. I watched the review with my hands over my eyes. Dr. Pryor, it is a riot to watch your lectures as well as informative. I have learned so much about entrepreneurship and how it’s not easy, but it is obtainable with the right solution to a problem for the right customer at the right time.

2) What sticks out to you as the most formative experience? The experience that you'll remember years later? What was your most joyous experience? What experience are you most proud of yourself for accomplishing? 

I didn’t realize at the beginning of the class we would actually create a product to satisfy a need that would then be addressed to real people and businesses for feedback. I was slightly terrified when we started the process. I have always wanted to fix problems when I hear about tragedies in the news and otherwise. I never thought I might be able to help. This project gives me hope that maybe I can help even if it turns out to be in some small way. That just gives me motivation to try again.

3) At the beginning of the semester, I mentioned that I wanted each of you to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Now, at the end, do you see yourself as an entrepreneur? Do you think you have moved closer to developing an entrepreneurial mindset? 

I absolutely think I have more of an entrepreneurial mindset that I did at the beginning. I think a lot of thought must go into each venture. It cannot be a quick idea, really, it must be well thought out, well planned, fine-tuned, and researched.

4) What is the one recommendation you would make to the students who are going to journey down this path in the future? What would you recommend they do to perform best in this course? What would you recommend they do to foster that mindset?

For the new students, I would suggest working one week ahead so you have more of a flexible schedule. I would say to just take each assignment one at a time to get used to the idea of entrepreneurship, used to your venture concept, and to the blogging process, etc. Have an open mind and enjoy the class.