This unit required the completion of a social media profile, LinkedIn. In this era, social media is crucial in regard to advertising and connecting with the world. The process of creating a LinkedIn Profile was familiar yet stimulating. As an active member on LinkedIn for four years on my performing arts profile, the initial set up for a separate LinkedIn profile was simple, yet somewhat tedious. In this process, I had to think critically about the key elements that make me stand out as a performer on one profile and a professional student on the other. By reflecting on what makes me stand out and how to appeal to other like-minded individuals, I had to focus on what makes me different yet likable. I also focused on my strengths and weaknesses and tried to word these components by using a minimal number of overused buzzwords.

D’Agostino, Adam. “4 Quick Steps to Making a Linked In Profile”, Alonquin College, 2 Aug 2016
http://www.algonquincollege.com/coop/2016/08/4-quick-steps-making-professional-linkedin-profile/

Additionally, this unit required the completion of assignments that lead up to the final Formal Report Assignment at the end of the year. Brainstorming a proposal and outline was initially challenging for me because of my innate persona to always go above and beyond what the instructions ask for, regardless of the feasibility of the project. With a heavy research background and experience with working with solely hypothetical topics, I extended my initial topic ideas to an unrealistic level above the requirements of the course. Although I struggled with brainstorming, I finally changed my topic to something I am passionate about while being feasible.

Regardless of the numerous rewrites of my proposal, outline, and progress report, I am pleased with my progress so far. I have created a detailed schedule of the project that I have been following, and have measured the feasibility of how fast, and how much data I can collect in the next few weeks. I am proudly on track and find inspiration in my peers and their progress with their projects. At this point, I do not have any questions or comments with how to create a successful formal report as all concerns have been addressed, but I am looking forward to collecting data and creating a draft of my report.

Peer review is a key component to creating the most successful work. By providing and accepting peer review, we can accustom and prepare ourselves for constructive criticism and employee reviews in our day to day lives. Peer reviewing Wendy’s work helped me learn how to approach criticism in the most constructive way possible. In order to keep the reviewing professional, I had to be conscious of the wording, tone, and approach of my review. I noticed the importance of peers and ensuring that the peer review consisted of no malicious or rude tones in order to gain a sense of trust and understanding.

Each member of my writing team is unique, talented, and brings something new to each peer review and assignment. Wendy is proficient in English Language Arts and gives thoughtful and helpful advice in this field. Philip is enthusiastic, imaginative, and creative about his responses, and Arthur works well with visual and technological aspects of writing. My colleagues are easy to work with and I am thrilled that our group works cohesively.

Each peer review this unit was thoughtful and constructive. My colleagues provided me with great advice such as focusing on an audience, paying more attention to grammar, and ensuring to define terms in my Formal Report Proposal and to focus on organization and creating more depth in my LinkedIn profile. These criticisms are essential to the growth of my writing and may be something I would have never picked up on without a second eye to review my work.

This unit allowed me to face challenges that in turn helped me become an overall stronger writer and critical thinker. Through this unit, I learned the lesson of writing with a clear audience in mind, stronger writing and thinking techniques, and the importance of peer review in this process. For the next unit, I plan to communicate with my team members on a more frequent basis to stay connected with the progress on our assignments. I aim to create a strong and successful Formal Report and will ask for clarification, and accept criticism, without feeling frustrated or defeated.

Enclosed below are my final formal report proposal and the hyperlink to the peer review of my proposal.

Report Proposal: English 301 – Jocelyn Toledo – Formal Report Proposal

Hyperlink to Peer Review Proposal: Wendy Ma’s Peer Review on my Report Proposal