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CST462S - From Learning to Impact: My Service Learning Journey

What went well during my service learning experience was my ability to contribute meaningfully to the ASCENDtials web team. I was able to complete several tasks such as updating website pages, working on LifterLMS courses, and improving user experience through better layouts and navigation. I also communicated effectively with my team, asked questions when needed, and stayed consistent with meeting deadlines. Over time, I became more confident using tools like WordPress, WPForms, and course-building platforms.

If I could improve something, it would be my time management and planning. There were moments when tasks felt overwhelming, especially when balancing schoolwork and service hours. I would also improve my confidence in decision-making, particularly when working independently on design or technical issues. Taking more initiative earlier and asking for feedback sooner would have made my work even stronger.

The most impactful part of this experience was seeing how my work directly contributed to a real organization. Knowing that the website updates and course improvements I worked on could help users and support ASCENDtials’ mission made the experience meaningful. It also helped me understand how technical skills like web development can be used in real-world situations beyond the classroom.

One of the main challenges I faced was that the tools, documents, and resources were not organized in one place. Everything felt scattered, and there was no clear guide or step-by-step process to follow. Because of this, I had to spend extra time figuring things out on my own by exploring the system, testing features, and learning through trial and error. While this helped me become more independent, it also made some tasks more time-consuming and confusing at the beginning.

My advice for future service learning students is to be prepared to figure things out on your own, especially if the tools and documents are not well organized. Don’t rely on having a clear guide—take initiative to explore the platform, test features, and learn through practice. At the same time, don’t hesitate to ask questions when you get stuck, as it can save you time. Staying organized on your end is very important, so keep track of links, notes, and instructions for yourself. Lastly, be patient and adaptable because real-world environments are not always structured, but that is also where the most learning happens.

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