Okay, I must start out saying that I was originally assigned the lead in my project for which I was honored and proud. I was very excited about the project I thought it would be a fun way to connect with my classmates; plus just learning how to create a website was fun in itself, I thought. My first task as the original team lead of the Copp’s Hill Project was to introduce myself, read over each members bio, reach out to the team members (Myself, Brian, Gerlikka, Vanessa, and Sin-On) and figure out a way to connect to discuss the roles in the project and go over each member’s ideas for the Copp’s Hill project. Copp’s Hill team was particularly challenging because most team members work and school schedules were really hectic so it was hard at first to get the team together to discuss the project. I thought one way we could connect was to Skype to get the gears rolling other members like Brian and Gerlikka suggested a conference call which was another great initial communication starter idea.
About a week into the project my mother got very very ill from her diabetes and was hospitalized for a month and I took over the full time care of my dad who is an amputee and the healthcare decisions for my mother in the hospital. This was extremely frustrating for me because I had to step away from all of my studies for a few weeks to attend to the immediate needs and care of my parents. Another frustrating aspect was that I was struggling to stay in contact with the team because my time and attention was so focused on the parents and I didn't think it was fair to the team members so I immediately requested a new team lead to be assigned to the project for which I felt very guilty about. I did send my apologies to the team in an email just so that they know what my current situation was at the time of the project. It was frustrating to also not be completely involved in the planning process of the project and to get to know my team members and connect with them more on a personal level.
I believe the new leader of the project Brian did a great job in making sure that the group stayed on track, assigning group roles, incorporating the ideas of the team into the project, managing the group and finally successfully getting the team to complete the project on time. I can tell that the team worked and functioned well by the level of creativity in the project. The pages were well thought out, organized and the idea of the past present and future was a brilliant one. When I did return after my mother's condition was stabilized my team welcomed me back quickly with open arms. Vanessa, Brian, Gerlikka, and Sin-On were quick to get me up to speed and let me know in my absence what I've been assigned and what's left to do on the project. This is clearly a great indication of how well the team communicated and functioned. This group did a great job of putting there all into this site. Each member’s web page was fabulous and I absolutely loved the You Tube Video of the implosion of the Garden and how Skinny Houses will be the trendy new house of the future (very very creative). I like my own additions to the project as well; I hope others viewing the site will like my funny poem (which I made on the fly) on the old Charlestown High Bridge and my life after people piece on the destruction of the Zakim Bridge in the year 2099 after people have disappeared from the face of the planet. I’m very pleased that I was able to participate and submit a quality piece that added to the team project and Bravo to the Copp’s Hill Team for the hard work on making this a successful midterm Project.
If I could do this midterm over I would’ve definitely been a part of this project from its inception to its completion. I do believe I’ve connected with my team members because each gave me an email of well wishes for my mother but if I had to do it over I would’ve grown even closer to the group members that are part of this project. I would’ve suggested some of my ideas like adding a music/sound bite the old burial ground piece; I found a wonderful CD on Amazon.com called The Music of the American Revolution: the Birth of Liberty (http://www.amazon.com/Music-American-Revolution-Birth-Liberty/dp/B0000030FQ) and one particular track called Lovely Nancy (by American Fife Ensemble) would’ve been great at giving that particular part of the project a very American Revolutionary feel. Of course I have some regrets but all-in-all I’m proud of what I was able to contribute and what this team (the Copp’s Hill Team) has produced as a final midterm project.
Seasoned_Sally_Says job well done team!
