Final Reflection

1. Experiences

• What stands out to me the most is the 'Secret Sauce' assignment. I had reservations about doing it and at times I thought I would not complete it. Initially I did not want to interview people who know me because I thought it would be awkward for me listening to them talking about me and also for them being put on the spot having to say things about me to me. It was very formative because it was not as bad as I thought at first and it became enlightening. I learned more about myself and areas I can improve that I may have otherwise never noticed. I think I will always remember this experience as it was a big help and a tremendous step forward in my journey through college and life. 
• I really enjoyed the 'Elevator Pitches'. I was nervous when I first read the assignment as I did not know how it would be received by everyone else. However I like to dress in professional attire and I don't mind trying to convince people of different things so it made it fun. I listened to the feedback and I tried to incorporate something new in each pitch which was also fun. 
• I am the most proud of the entire class experience and that I completed every assignment. In the beginning I thought it would be difficult to interview people. I am used to classes that involve reading books and taking quizzes. This hands on experience was a shock and made me think I would not complete some assignments. Looking back I am most proud that I was able to overcome my initial trepidation and persevere through everything. I said to myself, "I will complete every assignment no matter what and I will get an A." I refused to give up and began to enjoy conducting the interviews. I grew a lot from the first day to this one and that makes me proud.
2. Mindset

• I definitely see myself as an entrepreneur. I find myself talking with people and listening to their complaints more than I did before. Then I try to think of ways to turn their complaints into opportunities. I also look for ways in general to improve different things. I look for products that are extremely popular and try to think of what's next. An example is since there have been a multitude of police shootings, I thought about maybe there could be a class taught by a retired cop as to how citizens should respond when pulled over or confronted by the police.
3. Recommendations
• I recommend taking it one week at a time and noting the structure of the course. The initial shock an experience based course may make people feel apprehensive. I say do not give up as it is not bad at all and will become fun. In general the structure involves at least one written assignment, one interview experience assignment and two comment declarations each week. I recommend completing the written assignment and comment declarations early in the week and the interviews later in the week after the lectures which give more insight into what to ask and how to ask questions. Also try to move ahead once you feel comfortable enough and complete the reading reflections ahead of time as well.
• I recommend at the start of the semester saying, "I will not give up, I will complete every assignment" and sticking to that promise. I also recommend knowing that failing does not make you a failure and failing is fun and intuitive. Failing will happen when looking for people to interview but being an entrepreneur is about failing and rising again and never giving up. Knowing that early on will help in becoming successful in this course.
• I recommend reading Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck as early
  as possible. It teaches about the fixed vs growth mindset. I think knowing the pitfalls of
  
  the fixed mindset will put more people in a growth mindset which is essential for this course. Other than reading the book I recommend staying focused and at least attempting the exercises. Do not be defeated by an interview denial but rather smile and move on to the next person. People will be happy to give their opinions and after awhile it will become fun. Go through the rejection to enjoy the success.
• Lastly, I recommend just have fun. Make the assignments fun. Make interacting with new people fun. Make the entire experience of being outside your comfort zone fun. Make the extra credit assignments fun. Make commenting on other people's blogs fun. Have fun with the color schemes and posts of your own blog fun. That is the easiest way to an A.