Two weeks ago I had the feeling. I could almost sense that the last week of the semester was going to be a hard week. We already got to know that the week of December 14 will be full of presentations and quizzes; along with that, the RER strike was also added to the schedule. So, instead of two hours of return trip, it became close to three and a half. What I did not know about was the fact that it was going to snow the entire week, my partners in crime are going to ditch me and I am going to have a below par Marketing presentation.
It snowed before in Paris, I have walked over ten miles because of a strike and have also been ditched before by my team mates so, all these did not really put a big impact on my feelings. But, on the very last day when I heard that we only managed to get 12 out of 20 in the marketing presentation, I was furious. Actually, furious and glad at the same time. Often, whenever a group gets a lower grade on a presentation, they blame each other. In my case, for some reason I did not. Instead of blaming it on others, I started blaming myself.
Thursday night at 22h00, when the powerpoint slides were still not started, I took the initiative. Usually, it takes four to five hours but, I did it in less than three hours. I kind of felt that it was not going to be a good presentation but did not think that it was going to be one of the worst I have ever done. Not to mention, the preparation and planning was not complete either
It was too late, by the time I took over everything, it was way too late. Now, that I am going over everything, I am discovering what my strengths and weaknesses really are. I knew that I am good in taking the lead and making sure that everything gets done but, what I didn't know is the fact that I am not such a good team player. Very often, whenever I took the role of being a team mate, my scores (and often the team score) slumped.
The experiment was not successful. I should be doing what I normally do well. A few of my classmates influenced me to try the approach of being a teammate. I have the tendency of dominating and dictating when it comes to group work but at least all the with that attitude, my group never got less than 16.
Finally, the week came to an end and so did the year. The only lesson that I can take from here is to keep doing what I do best and believing in myself. Hope the new year brings happiness and joy to all.
