Reflection

              My team spent round 2 in Fairfax, Virginia. We worked in Crystal City for seven weeks doing web development that would help future FEMA Corps customers more easily request a team. When I first found out about this project I knew absolutely nothing about web design and development. I was excited to learn something marketable but I knew it was going to be a challenge. After the first few days of training I realized these next seven weeks were going to be extremely stressful. At the beginning, we would work long days with little direction on exactly what we were supposed to do. The first few weeks were defiantly the toughest to endure. As the round went on everyone seemed to realize their roles and responsibilities. While some people flourished in what they were doing, others were having a tougher time. At points, I wanted to sit there and give up because I truly had no idea what I was doing with web development. Work has gotten less stressful now that I have realized I am not a web developer and they do not expect perfection from us. Many of my teammates have been supportive of each other in these stressful times. I am glad to see us growing in this way because I am not sure the same would have happened last round.

                Our team dynamics have improved greatly over the past round. Of course, there are still ups and downs but nothing fatal. I think everyone has tried to be more open minded and inclusive while we have been in Washington, D.C. Our location has also helped out in deflating stress. We are able to walk around to different restaurants and shopping centers. There is a metro station that is within walking distance as well so we can get out of the area pretty easily. I am thankful to have been placed in such a historical area. I have enjoyed going to see all of the monuments and museums during my time in D.C.

The overall mood of our team seems to be in good standing for the time being. With that being said, I am ready for this round to be over. The stressful nature of the job and constant loss of personal space has seemed to take a toll on everyone. I think we can look ahead to see light at the end of the tunnel and realize we only have a few more weeks in this program.