DSG101 Introduction to Design Studies | Strong Start: Week One

KNOWLEDGE GAINED: Academically or Personally

This week, we have tackled navigating university life, locating available resources, self-efficacy, study and academic skills, adapting a growth mindset, and reflective practice or self-reflection.

I have taken four subjects since I started my design journey at Torrens in 2023. University life is not new to me. However, I acknowledge that I haven't utilised the available resources in my best interest. I have taken advantage of what I could potentially achieve while waiting to return to Uni after taking a break. I appreciate Torrens for designing this subject to keep students on track and support us in our academic journey.

This trimester and the upcoming subjects to come, I will be intentional. I will take charge of my learning experience. I will make time every day to complete a small task instead of procrastinating and trying to achieve a massive workload in a day. Develop and practice study and academic skills in my daily routine and have that growth mindset at work and Uni. I will seek help when needed. Support is available for all of us. I will also look into scheduling self-care to maintain that balance and apply self-reflection in almost everything (where applicable).

I have learned the hard way. I used to be the person who believed, "I can do everything I put my mind into". Last year, I juggled a full-time job, a casual job, Uni, a relationship, and life. I had a mental breakdown, and I wasn't in my best shape physically. I had to take time off work to find the right balance and prioritise my health. I will not be doing that again.

CHALLENGES

The obstacle I faced this week was distractions. My brain is all over the place. I am developing my skills while maintaining my KPIs to pursue another role at work. Then it's the first week of Uni. Last week was my sister's birthday, so I need to catch up on some chores. Then, I still have to submit my mortgage requirements for my condo unit in the Philippines.

I have that mental workload where my attention is needed. I am slowly feeling overwhelmed. But I think I am managing just fine. I respect people who can manage everything, including a family. It is not easy. I could only imagine.

I work through it by doing one thing at a time. It is a self-reminder that if I try to do everything at once, I will lose myself in the process. I want to be in control rather than controlled in a situation. I started by making lists of chores that needed doing and seeking help from my partner to split those and lessen my workload. I will focus on completing my Uni tasks that are due on Saturday. Then, I will worry about work when I am at work. Prioritising is key to success!

SUCCESSES & STRENGTHS

I found myself consistently working on small tasks every day after work. I spend about 30 minutes to an hour (sometimes more) doing Uni tasks. I consider consistency a success for this week. I hope to continue the same level of consistency moving forward.

APPLICATION

Study skills matter because they help me study more effectively and reduce my study stress. I look into creating a weekly schedule, mapping out my weekly module and breaking them into smaller tasks. It should make me feel less overwhelmed and more organised. Hopefully, it will manage my depression and anxiety.

I will also nominate my partner, Dom, as my accountability partner. He's there to remind me of the reason and purpose why I'm studying for this diploma. He will be there to motivate me when I fail to motivate myself. I am also considering finding study buddies so we can study at a specific time and brainstorm.

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT

• Managing my expectations- the willingness to accept that nobody's perfect (including myself). Striving for perfectionism is a recipe for chaos. It does not end well. Understanding that you can still do your best even if it's not 100%. Embracing mistakes as a learning opportunity.

• Time Management- making time for Uni instead of making excuses. Allocating breaks in between study sessions and work. Then, spend one day a week to relax and enjoy life.

• AutoCAD & Revit- I have a previous experience in AutoCAD, but that was in 2018. I need a refresh. I want to join the AutoCAD workshop that starts on Monday. Then, explore Revit on week 3.

GOALS

I want to keep my goals S.M.A.R.T. - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant & Time-based. Below are three of my short-term goals for the following week:

• Join the AutoCAD workshop online at 2 PM- 3 PM SYD Time.

• Break down Module 2 reading materials into smaller tasks.

• Complete all Module 2 Activities.