Working collaboratively

Reflecting on my progress during this project ‘exploring arts for health’,

I wasn’t sure what I was going to do for unit X, I had many different ideas at the start, jumping on any opportunity that came around.
The project began as a collaborative partnership. I felt most comfortable working in a group as I know from past experiences how much I thrive working collaboratively with other people, bouncing ideas off others and bringing different skill sets and experiences to the project possibilities. I know that collaborative work suits me well, and I learn a lot about myself from these experiences.
Working in a partnership gave me confidence at the beginning stages of applying and brainstorming about the project. However, as time went on, throughout the project I felt that I took on a role taking lead in the projects direction. A lot of the external experiences and opportunities that we had throughout the project, such as workshops with young people and visiting different organisations and professionals were my key drive and motivation that I initiated throughout the project. I feel that these experiences have really shaped the project, and created a firm foundation to continue with the work after university.
At this stage of the project I feel I have grown in confidence and independence. I have come to appreciate my own capabilities and to give myself credit and not be afraid to approach different opportunities independently. There were a number of meetings, set ups and a workshop that I visited and delivered on my own as my partner could not attend. I have learnt a lot about myself through this experience, and It has really given me the confidence to want to continue this project after university independently- as my partner in this project is moving back home after graduation. There is possibility to continue the work together but we would have to figure out how that would work logistically, perhaps a south UK and North UK representatives? We shall see what comes next…

My values in team work are:

-Clear communication
-To be Reliable and responsible
-respectful and understanding
-Honesty – positive and critical feedback

Working in a collaborative project has highlighted how important these values are to me, which I feel I have made sure to keep throughout UNIT X as this is intrinsic to who I am.
I aim to take these values forward with me for collaborative projects in the future.