1) Tenaciousness is a competency
In the spring term of this year I took 3 online courses so I can say that I've had experience with this type of courses. Right now I'm also taking finance which is a tough course and I have an internship in a firm here in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. So I knew right from the beginning that I had to manage my time well and get my assignments due on time (the grace period has been great).
2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude
I felt like giving up during the week I was studying for my finance exam. I was under a lot of pressure at work, plus having to study for finance, and finally having to interview people in a country were people don't speak english is exhausting. I was not comfortable at all to have to go around asking people if they speak english, I would get all kinds of stares. This is a big reason why I haven't done all the assignments that require interviewing people. I believe I've had a tenacious attitude all along but the fact that this is an online course offered to people all over the world doesn't make much sense when you have to interview people in a Spanish speaking country. My motivator is the fact that I like to get good grades and the fact that if I don't do well in this class I will have to take it again or take another elective, which at this point is not an option.
3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset' ?
1. If you are in a place were people speaking English you are going to have a better time with this course, as Pryor has stated people often like to help college students. Furthermore, the fact that there are other people's blogs out there shows you that the class can be done. By looking at some of these blogs you'll see other peoples tenacity while getting their assignments done, this served as an encouragement towards developing my own tenacity.
2. Get to know your TA, this is someone who has been in your shoes and is there to help you get through your journey.
3. I would also recommend to start talking to random people without interviewing them or recording them, this is going to help you lose that awkward feeling when approaching someone you don't know. I've had a really hard time in my home country because people here usually don't speak English. Its safe to say that probably 1 out of 10 people in the street knows how to speak English and you don't know how that person is going to respond, because people here don't usually want to interview you in english. So, in order to lose that awkwardness you feel when you approach someone, just approach people with your mind set in completing your assignments.
You are definitely in a unique situation being in Bolivia for this class. It must be really difficult to ask strangers about a product if they cannot speak English. I'm glad you have made it this far in the class without giving up. A truly tenacious mindset right there, keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteNicolas, while your three tips were targeted to guide students for next semester, I found them to be very helpful for myself! I had not considered speaking to random people without interviewing them or recording them to learn more and collect information. I personally have a very troublesome time finding comfort and courage in conducting interviews. This little tip just may help me grow out of my awkwardness, so thank you! Also, kudos for keeping your chin up and charging on despite your challenging social environment in Bolivia!
ReplyDeletebtw love the picture of Barney Stinson
ReplyDeleteHey Nicolas,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It's really interesting to hear a perspective from someone taking the course in a different country. I can't imagine what it would be like to try and take this course while taking finance at the same time, so I applaud you. It's clear that you've really thought about this course and how difficult it can be to complete. Although you're having difficulty conducting interviews, maybe try and adapt to their culture and see about learning some Spanish!
Nicholas, your perseverance should be commended. It always seems uncomfortable to interrupt someone's day for your interview. Overcoming the language barrier is an impressive feat and good grades is always a powerful motivator.
ReplyDelete