*ding ding* Round Two!

                An article that I recently read about time management mentioned the use of the Pomodoro Technique. In essence, using this technique, one should effectively break their day down into 25-30 minute chunks. During these intervals, only one task is targeted and no distractions whatsoever are allowed. The idea is that these short intervals allow for optimal focus, while also introducing an element of time pressure.

                I frequently run into the issue of viewing these assignments as monumental tasks that are too large to begin or finish in one sitting. It’s much easier to knock out smaller assignments and busy work with definitive ends. Hence, I end up chronically delaying these larger assignments. I was speaking with Atissa about potential solutions to this ever present problem, and the best advice that she offered me was in line with the idea behind the Pomodoro Technique. Though these assignments may be easy to push aside, it is important to designate small personal deliverable goals for each day. For instance, instead of aiming to write the entire paper in one sitting, it is more effective to allocate specific days to work on only one individual section of the entire research article. By focusing only on one section at a time, I will mentally be able to view the task as more digestible and reasonable to complete. Winning these little victories ultimately results in a more pleasant and manageable way to finish large assignments, such as the Module 2 research article.

                A specific resource that I utilized to aid in my writing for this module was the BE Communications Lab. During the beginning of the module, I met with Georgia from the BE Communications Lab on how to write the introduction for a research article. It was helpful to hear feedback from someone who had plenty of experience with scientific writing. She offered insightful tips that I had not considered before, such as using other existing published research articles as a model with which to base my writing. Though this seemed obvious, it was something that I hadn’t considered before and found particularly helpful. I will certainly be visiting the BE Communications Lab again in the future for help.

                All in all, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in 20.109 so far. These modules have been both relevant and fun! I must say that, as a lab introducing the fundamentals of biological engineering, 20.109 has been a fantastic experience.