Logbook_NataliaSoto by Natalia Soto Alcázar

8/5/2024-8/10/2024

a01708636_1 — 2024-07-19 02:16:31 UTC

Looking back at these past four weeks, I realize how much I have changed and evolved both emotionally and professionally. At the beginning of this course, as I mentioned, I struggled a lot with speaking in English. I thought it would be easy, but it wasn't. Now, I can speak more fluently in English, without feeling embarrassed or cringed like I did in the past. Watching the project evolve over the weeks was something I truly enjoyed. At first, the team was very shy, and communication was limited, but over time, we recognized each person's strengths and skills, which led to a great outcome. Our MVP changed and evolved several times, but we delivered a successful final presentation. The name of our brand was born from the word "water" in each team member's language. By combining them, we created the word "Panamguar," which not only gave identity to our final project but also symbolizes how we formed as a team. I will miss the girls on the team a lot, and I hope that soon, in the near future, we can meet in person. Thank you for this experience; it's incredible to establish this kind of professional and friendly relationship with people from other cultures and regions, as it broadens your perspective on how vast the world is.

7/29/2024-8/4/2024

a01708636_1 — 2024-07-19 02:16:31 UTC

The most challenging week of the course was undoubtedly the third, regardless of how the fourth might turn out. During our presentation, we received numerous comments that led us to radically change our product. When brainstorming, we became even more confused, so it was necessary to seek advice from mentors. Personally, this week was also exhausting because I returned from a trip and arrived in Mexico just in time to move directly to the capital, due to a prior agreement with the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases. Consequently, this week we not only redesigned the product, but those of us from Mexico also had to present our country, which was grueling. However, I enjoyed seeing how people perceive Mexico. It was tough working with the girls from Mexico, as they were also overwhelmed by the start of classes, but in the end, we managed to organize ourselves and deliver a good project.

07/22/2024-07/28/2024

a01708636_1 — 2024-07-19 02:16:31 UTC

The second week was a bit more demanding because I traveled to Japan. My family had planned this trip for a long time, so I had already taken it into account when I enrolled in the course. The good thing is that, being in this part of the world, I shared most of the team’s schedule, which made it easier to organize meetings. I was getting along better with the girls, and our teammate Khaled joined the team. We successfully delivered our first presentation, receiving positive feedback and a promising outlook for our filter. During the week, we tried to meet twice more outside of the scheduled meetings, which improved our communication. Initially, we agreed to rotate roles weekly, but in the end, we kept the same ones. I was assigned as the technical lead for the product, which allowed me to learn a lot about layers and materials. I usually take on the leader role, but this time, to challenge myself, I decided not to. I believe that being a good leader doesn’t mean being a dictator; it’s essential to understand the importance and value of every role within the team. All the team members got along very well, and we managed to deliver a high-quality report.

07/14/2024-07/21/2024

a01708636_1 — 2024-07-19 02:17:59 UTC

This week, I learned much more than I expected about myself, my abilities, and my knowledge in various subjects. During this period, related to the summer, a presentation was given on a health issue. In my case, I chose to address how health is affected by air pollution. As a result, I joined the team that will analyze water pollution, specifically its purification. This last decision was made over the course of the week.

I enjoyed meeting new people from different cultures, careers, and ways of thinking. Although I’ve only known them for a short time, I find them to be pleasant. The most challenging part of this experience has been communication. I understand and read English very well, but I struggle with speaking it because I am dyslexic, and even speaking in Spanish, my native language, can sometimes be confusing. I realized that my difficulty is not just with English in general, but specifically with talking about work-related topics. When it comes to discussing our lives or other informal situations in English, I manage well, but in this context, I’ve found it difficult. However, instead of feeling discouraged, this has motivated me even more to improve this skill, as I believe tools like this are like a muscle that needs to be exercised to improve. This week has been challenging, but I have enjoyed it, and I have high hopes for this course.

a01708636_1 — 2024-08-17 00:22:23 UTC

This course was an incredible experience, as I grew not only on a personal level but also professionally. During these 4 weeks, I not only improved my English exponentially but also boosted my self-esteem around this language and optimized my work methods. While traveling and having to communicate in English, I realized that I no longer feel fear or embarrassment like I used to; now, I even enjoy speaking and making friends in English. I am convinced that this course was vital in taking this significant step in my life. Being able to converse with people from other cultures, countries, and languages completely changes your perspective. The name of our brand is an example of how this cultural exchange was reflected in the team I was part of. Each of us tried to learn from each other's country, creating an environment of mutual curiosity. The fact that this course lasted 4 weeks, with a fixed schedule on specific days, greatly helped establish a routine, complementing daily life with learning, even during vacations (as was my case). I know this is an experience that I will always keep in my mind and heart. Moreover, with the girls from the course, we are connected on Instagram and have already promised that when we visit each other's countries, we will let each other know. These 4 weeks were very intense for me on a personal level: I got a boyfriend, traveled to the other side of the world, moved to the capital, was hospitalized, and made new friends. These vacations made me realize that life is one, and we must value everything we do, giving it a positive meaning that benefits others. English can be difficult, but I have already understood its importance in professional life. I hope to have the opportunity to participate in another course like this and have such an enriching experience again. Thank you to all the instructors for this incredible opportunity. I truly loved this summer, and much of it was due to this experience <3