{"id":154,"date":"2017-11-26T22:51:19","date_gmt":"2017-11-27T05:51:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/?p=154"},"modified":"2017-11-26T22:52:51","modified_gmt":"2017-11-27T05:52:51","slug":"blog-4-farewell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/2017\/11\/26\/blog-4-farewell\/","title":{"rendered":"Blog 4 Farewell"},"content":{"rendered":"

So now it\u2019s the end of November and we have worked together for almost three months. \u00a0The whole experience has been significant to us in many ways so we are sharing both from the perspective of teamwork and learning about ourselves (<\/span>Overall group experience<\/b>) as well as the ups and downs of the course\/project itself (<\/span>Overall project experience <\/b>)<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Overall Group Experience<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n

\u201c We don\u2019t know who we are until we see what we can do.\u201d Martha Grimes<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

WHAT<\/b> were the challenges?<\/span><\/p>\n

Time flies and this semester is almost at an end. \u00a0As a group and as individuals, we encountered many new experiences and challenges. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Uncertainty:<\/span><\/i> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On that first day, as we looked forward to meeting our group members, everyone felt uncertain. \u00a0We had very little time then to learn much about each other before we had to assign roles and move forward with tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Workload and Stress:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This course entailed a heavy workload. \u00a0At some points, especially during midterms, most of us felt stress as we studied for and sat exams, while trying to keep our project on schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n

Skills and Strengths:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

We each came to the group with \u00a0beliefs about our own skills and our own shortcomings; our past group experiences; and our expectations for each other and for the team. \u00a0We all wanted to participate in creating the best experience possible but it wasn\u2019t clear at first how that would look, if our skills would be important or valued, if others had the knowledge and experience in areas we lacked and if we could fit it all together to be a cohesive team where everyone\u2019s contribution was respected and appreciated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

There was uncertainty and doubt about when to speak out or step up and when to hold back or allow others to shine. \u00a0Some of us were naturally more talkative and inclined to take the lead while \u00a0others were quieter, weighing up the right time to contribute or volunteer for a task.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SO WHAT?<\/b> \u00a0How did we overcome the challenges?<\/span><\/p>\n

After our first tutorial, we began to feel comfortable within the group and keen to step into this exciting project and by the end of the semester, we agreed that we had a great time working together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Uncertainty<\/span><\/i>: <\/span>Encouraging each other<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Being forced out of our comfort zones had unexpected benefits. \u00a0It made us work harder, \u00a0think of different ways to approach tasks and challenge ourselves. \u00a0We didn\u2019t know enough about each other to assume anything or simply let someone else do it. \u00a0After all, nothing might get done. \u00a0So, we reached out with the knowledge and experience we had and encouraged others. \u00a0When phoning community partners was a daunting task for some, other group members teamed up to help or share the task. \u00a0When interviewees were not available at the times we had expected, we stepped in for someone else, we changed our schedules, we went in pairs. \u00a0Every time someone was uncertain, confused or stuck, someone would always reach out to try to help that person out. \u00a0When the whole team faced uncertainty, as we did with the infographic, or an unexpected outcome, as we did with the feedback interviews, \u00a0everyone shared in the responsibility, the humour and ultimately, the learning that ensued.<\/span><\/p>\n

Workload and Stress: Divide and Conquer<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

By the time midterms were upon us, we had developed a rapport and were able to more easily take on and complete tasks. \u00a0We survived blogs 2 and 3 and drafting the project proposal \u00a0by using strategies such as assigning each part of the whole task to one individual and \u00a0brainstorming the outline for each part \u00a0in all upcoming tasks every time we met in person. \u00a0That way, we divided the work so it was more manageable and we left the meeting with a clear idea of how our part would fit within the whole. \u00a0We made certain that every person played a role in every task, whether it was writing, designing, interviewing, emailing, filling our excel spreadsheets. \u00a0That way, all of our ideas were considered and everyone benefitted from the group\u2019s co-operation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Skills and Strengths: Learning to step up and learning when to let go<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

It turned our that our team was composed of people proficient in writing, communicating, designing, keeping the project on task, note taking, technology \u00a0or adapting to any role that was needed. \u00a0\u00a0Everyone attended every meeting and own our comfort levels in certain skills became clear. \u00a0At first, we didn\u2019t necessarily volunteer for what we thought we could do but gradually, we became more confident and offered to take on certain roles. \u00a0At the same time, we became comfortable about letting go of control and trusting in each other to complete each part of the task. \u00a0It became clear to all of us that everyone\u2019s contribution was valuable and essential for the best outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication: \u00a0Styles are different<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

From the beginning, we all understood the importance of communication in a group project but throughout the weeks, we had to discuss and clarify more issues small and large \u00a0than we could have imagined. \u00a0Facebook messenger was a lifeline to get messages back and forth, links to documents, ideas, pictures, ask and answer questions. \u00a0In person communication was extremely important too and every chance we got, we sat down as a group and went through what was done and what was upcoming. \u00a0Even with many text messages and emails, some things are better discussed in person and those sessions helped us to solidify our approach and make sure we all understood each other that \u00a0we were all on the same page. \u00a0We saw the importance \u00a0of as much communication as possible in different ways to ensure everyone\u2019s needs were met.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NOW WHAT? \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Three months have passed and we are finally coming to the end of term and it\u2019s time for us to show what our group achieved to the public and write up our final report. \u00a0As we present our infographic next week, we will be showing the Richmond Food Asset Map but also the collaboration and teamwork that was involved. \u00a0LFS 350 threw us in at the deep end with a heavy workload and many, diverse tasks but the confidence that we have gained in our own skills and strengths and well as our ability to work effectively within a team will serve us well in the future wherever our careers ake us. \u00a0Although the term ends soon, what we\u2019ve gained throughout the whole course will be with us for a long time, even forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Overall project experience<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n

\u201cIn any project, the \u00a0most important factor is the belief in success\u201d William James<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

WHAT <\/b>were the challenges?<\/span><\/p>\n

Uncertainty:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

At the beginning phase of joining VCH on Richmond Food Asset Map (RFAM), all of us including the assigned community partners, were new to this project. We were the first group of UBC students \u00a0launching this project into Richmond whereas, in Vancouver, the process had started several years ago. During the first meeting, the atmosphere was a little tense. \u00a0No one was sure what we were expected to accomplish, exactly what our goal was and how to set up the map where there was none. At this phase until the next phase, we just moved one step at the time since the future project was still a blur to us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deadlines and Stress:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The most challenging part during the process was getting the email replies and the setting the interview with other community partners before the deadline caught up with us. During phase one, we had to contact all existing food assets within our categories in the Richmond community. Emailing was not difficult since we had a template to follow; however, the waiting period for the replies with the knowledge that the deadline was approaching was stressful. Issues arose that we hadn\u2019t anticipated. \u00a0The email template was lengthy and wordy and not sufficiently clear for representatives of the food assets to understand that we needed current information and their permission to appear on the map. \u00a0Our time was tight and we had to balance politeness and patience with further attempts at contacting people with further emails or phone calls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication and Scheduling:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

More obstacles came up at phase two, when we had to set up times for the interviews with selected community partners. The interview phase allowed us three weeks period including emailing and interviewing. Some of the community partners only replied to their emails during office hours \u00a0and some worked part-time. \u00a0Their limited availability often conflicted with our class times.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SO WHAT? \u00a0<\/b>How did we overcome the challenges?<\/span><\/p>\n

Uncertainty: Don\u2019t expect to (ever) know all the answers.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

We began to learn to accept uncertainty and live \u00a0with it. \u00a0Instead of leaving individual group members work out their own assigned tasks, we often brainstormed ideas as a group to minimize any confusion. Moreover, as the project moved forward, we learned how to effectively communicate with our community partners \u00a0when our group encountered issues that required their clarification. \u00a0We realized that they were new to this process too and bumps in the road would arise for us all. \u00a0We made plans but when things took an unexpected turn, we learned that we could adapt our own strategy or at the very least, gain some knowledge and experience that could be passed on to the next group. \u00a0For example, contacting community members to get information, approval or set up meetings almost always took much longer than we had anticipated so allowing enough time for this part is important. \u00a0We had to learn and accept that some organizations did not want to take part in the project nor appear on the map and not everyone embraced the project as we did.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deadlines and Stress: \u00a0Encourage, adapt and think out of the box<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

As deadlines approached, we encouraged and helped each other but sometimes, we simply couldn\u2019t deliver on time. \u00a0We could not complete the interviews in the two weeks we had anticipated and we requested an extra few days from VCH to deliver a comprehensive feedback summary. \u00a0They were willing to allow us the extra time and our report was completed.<\/span><\/p>\n

We also learned to step up and provide our community partners with alternative solutions that we thought of to solve the problems that both our group and our community partners have never encountered before. For instance, in the second phase of our project, our community partners expected us to conduct in-person or phone interviews with other organization directors for feedback on the RFAM. However, due to time constraint and conflicts with our school schedules and despite repeated attempts, we had trouble \u00a0setting up meetings with some directors. \u00a0Rather than giving up getting feedback from those organizations, we suggested to our community partners obtaining feedback by phone or by email and ultimately, we received one very detailed response to our feedback questions via email. \u00a0We had to adapt to circumstances but were tenacious and did not give up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication and Scheduling: \u00a0Sometimes it\u2019s \u00a0worth the trouble<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Although we were facing all these challenges when we were working on the project, our group did an amazing job in communicating and expressing our feelings about the project with each other. \u00a0Although arranging the interviews was troublesome with difficulties in communications and scheduling we managed meet with most organizations and conduct a quality interview with them. Because of the face to face meeting, we obtained a lot of valuable comments about the map and insights about the community. \u00a0We were pleasantly surprised about the depth of knowledge, the enthusiasm for the Richmond Food Asset Map and the thoughtful feedback we received. \u00a0Having been initially \u00a0disappointed that we could not give out surveys to a larger number of people, we saw the value in qualitative feedback that we received.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NOW WHAT?<\/b><\/p>\n

We will be holding a booth in UBC next week to deliver our presentation to the people passing by, with our infographic exhibited. There will be one or two people in the group talk, but all of the group members will be there to attract people, answer questions and show support to the speakers. After the presentation, there will be only one assignment left for us to do as a group in LFS 350, which is the final project report. With the experience of collaborating for 3 months, we believe we can wrap this up in style.<\/span><\/p>\n

We accomplished a lot by starting this project in Richmond and getting the community members engaged and excited about the idea of a food asset map for their community. \u00a0The people that we interviewed represented many organizations with diverse groups of clients and we are now aware of how much knowledge is out there, far from academia. \u00a0Richmond has many resources and assets and a variety of rich cultural \u00a0backgrounds. \u00a0Moving forward, we must ensure that all segments of the community are invited to be heard. \u00a0There are many layers in the community and in our short time there, we only felt we touched the surface. Knowledge, food and social networks and experience reside with the members of the community itself and our advice to the next team here \u00a0would be to talk to people as soon as they can to learn from them how to help the community with issues such as food security. \u00a0As a team, we have learned skills that will help us in the real \u00a0world from the VCH dietitians, community members of Richmond and from each other. \u00a0Moving on is bittersweet but we are confident that we will leave the project in good hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOverall, our team spirit has provided us incredible strength and motivation in completing this project\u201d \u00a0(quote from a member of our group)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

References<\/span><\/p>\n

James, W. (1956). <\/span>The will to believe: and other essays in popular philosophy<\/span><\/i>. New York: Dover Publications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Martha Grimes > Quotes. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2017, from <\/span>https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/author\/quotes\/14150.Martha_Grimes<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

So now it\u2019s the end of November and we have worked together for almost three months. \u00a0The whole experience has been significant to us in many ways so we are sharing both from the perspective of teamwork and learning about ourselves (Overall group experience) as well as the ups and downs of the course\/project itself … Continue reading Blog 4 Farewell<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53772,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2731041],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-project-proposal-progress"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53772"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=154"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":158,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154\/revisions\/158"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/richmondfamgm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}