Mlenar 1

What were the best and worst parts of the Senior Project/Senior Seminar?
The best part about my senior project was learning about something I was interested in. I
was able to fully dedicate my energies to learning about skills that fit with my future
self’s plan. My thoughts were, “If I don’t like this, I will not like being a nurse.” This was
my biggest drive to try this project, because I wanted to be sure this was the direction I
wanted to take with my life.
List three things you now know after completing your Senior Project.
After completing my senior project, I have learned that some things take much longer
than expected. Always cut yourself more time than you think will be needed because
confusion or mess-ups can make a project take longer. I also learned how to work
recording videos and downloading them to different sources. Another example of
something I learned is that a huge part of working with people is your body language.
Even if you have a chipper tone and seem patient, your crossed arms or impatient
checking of your watch can convey that you do not have the time or devotion to be with
the resident. They can pick up on body signals very easily, which can drastically change
their mood.
Which aspect of the Senior Project/Senior Seminar stretched you the most? How did
you feel about and react to this challenge?
The biggest challenge throughout my project was the (almost) fully online course.
Teaching over a screen is very difficult compared to face-to-face learning. I learned that
studying goes a lot further in online learning because the workload is harder to
comprehend when done only through self-guided notes and videos. At first I felt very
confused and unsure of how I would understand the content, but once I put time and
effort into learning the units, it became easier to follow.
How has the Senior Project/Senior Seminar changed you (skills, attitudes, work
habits, capabilities, confidence, poise, presentation, etc.)?
My work habits definitely became more of a priority because I had to manage my time
and schedule efficiently. I also had to work on my own motivation, as I was the only one
telling me to “get it done.” There was not a teacher reminding me of due dates. There
also was not anybody I knew taking the same section of class as me, so I was not
reminded by classmates either.
Has this experience influenced your future plans?
After learning what a certified nursing assistant does for their job and how they impact
the daily lives of the residents they care for, it further cemented my desire to pursue a
career in nursing.
 Mlenar 2

What would you do differently if you had to do the whole Senior Project/Senior
Seminar process again?
I would try to become a certified nursing assistant first and then find an internship or
opportunity for volunteer work that would incorporate those skills. Then I would have
more experience before applying for a job, and it would give me a wider volunteer
background.
What advice do you have for next year’s seniors?
Choose a project you want to do that lines up with your interests. If you pick a project
you don’t want to do, then you’ll be dragging your feet and won’t have any motivation to
work on it. If you choose something you are passionate about or something you want to
know more about, then you will (most likely) want to put in the hours for it instead of
dreading spending time on it.
What grade would you give yourself for your Senior Project and what justification
do you have for that grade?
I would give myself an A because that is the grade I earned in the class. It is also fitting
because this grade is conducive to the learning I got out of this class. It taught me not
only about the CNA skills, but also made me learn skills such as time management and
drive for success.