My DevC 263 Learning Journal

For me this semester has been the most challenging semester since, maybe because aside from taking 300B and 263 together, we just started homeschooling. I felt disappointed with myself when I missed the deadlines. I was always on time before. Wearing several hats at the same time has been the biggest challenge in accomplishing my requirements.

Highlights

The Virtual Report

As a working-homeschooling and studying mom, I tried hard to perform my roles properly. I remember my kids had to visit a museum on the day that I scheduled to shoot my part of our group virtual report. Since my topic was about Science Communication, I decided to do it at the museum. My husband took the video and my son, Hail participated. I consider that assignment as one of the highlights of this semester. It was a win-win deal. I did not miss my kids' homeschooling activity and at the same time, I was able to finish my report. It was a family effort, my husband was the director and my other two kids were the assistant. The downside was the 2-minute video took a million takes to finish, but I really enjoyed it.

Below is the video:

The Policy Brief

I also consider the policy brief project a highlight of this course. I was able to apply the theories of the course. I experienced how to research, write and present guided by the principles of science communication. One of my favorites was presenting my policy brief to the policy maker. I felt like I was a real science communicator. I mean, I've tried to be one. That assignment has inspired me. If given the chance, I would like to specialize on writing policy briefs on environmental issues particularly, climate change topics.

I have learned a lot from all the modules we tackled, aside from the insights I got from the assigned readings, the ideas shared by my classmates were really valuable. I have learned new things from them. Personally speaking, I have gained new friends in this online journey. I talk to them almost every day. We have built a relationship, maybe because we all experience the same struggles: finding means and reasons why we need to juggle work, life, and studies. More importantly, the reward of the struggles is being (online) with inspiring people who have the purpose. I know one day, we will be able to show this purpose to the world through Science Communication.