A Journey of Growth and Connections

This week was a whirlwind of excitement and new experiences that fueled my passion for instructional design. It kicked off with several days spent updating my portfolio, a project that has been both rewarding and essential. I’m focused on making my portfolio not just a collection of work, but a showcase of meaningful, impactful projects. I want hiring managers to see my growth, creativity, and commitment to making a difference in the field of instructional design.

The Road Trip to TAMUCC: A Four-Hour Expedition

The highlight of my week was the journey to visit the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus—a four to five-hour drive each way. Though it was a long trip, my enthusiasm never wavered. I found myself daydreaming about instructional design ideas and potential projects as the miles rolled by. The coastal scenery was beautiful and inspiring, stirring up thoughts about how amazing it would be to design training programs by the beach or even work for an outdoor company someday. I arrived on campus energized, ready to make the most of every opportunity.

Meeting Professors and Making Connections

Once I got there, the face-to-face time with professors was invaluable. They were so generous with their advice, and I left with a sense of clarity about my next steps. I’m more determined than ever to get licensed in Adobe Captivate or Articulate soon, and I know these tools will add so much to my design skill set. I even had the chance to connect with TAMUCC’s instructional design team, and I’m excited to see what might come from this new network.

Honors Program Acceptance and a KDP Connection

On top of everything, I received great news—I was accepted into an honors program! I’m thrilled to use this as a platform to further refine my instructional design skills and explore educational technology in-depth. Meeting other Kappa Delta Pi members was such a joy. There’s something special about being part of a community that’s committed to education and professional growth. The dinner with KDP professors was peaceful and uplifting, reinforcing the sense that I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

Portfolio Updates and Exploring Canva

Back at home, I made some significant updates to my Google portfolio site, adding a new project and reorganizing the layout for a more intuitive flow. I want each section to guide viewers seamlessly through my work, like a story that unfolds with every click. I continued my exploration of Canva, too, finding new ways to enhance the visual appeal of my projects. Every change and addition feels like another step closer to creating a portfolio that truly represents the depth of my learning journey.

This week was about more than just tasks and updates; it was a week of growth, connection, and inspiration. With each conversation, project, and mile driven, I feel more prepared for the road ahead in instructional design. And who knows? Maybe one day, that road will lead to designing courses by the beach.





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