Thursday, April 10, 2025

Formulas, Frustrations, and Finally Figuring It Out

Looking back on Phase 2, I feel like I really pushed through and came out stronger—especially with Excel and the topics around URL components and social engineering. At first, Excel felt intimidating, but A4 Fun with Functions and A5 More Fun with Functions helped things start to click. It was actually fun seeing how different functions could make organizing data easier and faster.

Out of the three, A6 ended up being my favorite. I enjoyed putting everything I’d learned into action. It was conceptually the easiest, but it took me the longest since there wasn’t any built-in feedback. I had to rely on myself to check my work, which made it more challenging but also more rewarding.

For the D4-style reflection, I picked Chapter 5.7.7 on Excel error messages because it applies directly to my job. We work with shared spreadsheets, and now instead of waiting on someone else to fix an error, I know how to check the issue myself, or decide if it’s okay to ignore. It’s a small shift, but it’s made me more confident and useful at work.

I’m already using what I’ve learned outside of class—whether it’s working more efficiently in Excel or being more cautious with links and emails. It’s been really practical and relevant.

Heading into Phase 3, I’m ready to push myself creatively and not just do what’s required. I want to really take ownership of what I’m learning and see how far I can go with it.

These last two weeks definitely kicked my butt—with the flu, work, and personal life all getting hectic. But I pulled through without falling too far behind. I plan to stay on top of everything, especially the chapters, since those are usually where I tend to fall behind. Staying consistent is going to be key moving forward.

14 comments:

  1. Hey Paulina, it was a bit frustrating at first, to be able to get a hold on A4 and A5 but when each of those Red tabs turned Green it was satisfying and worth it.

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  2. Paulina >>> flu ^_^

    Very glad to hear A4 & A5 clicked for you and you found them fun. I'm elated that A6 is your favorite and you enjoyed putting everything you learned into action!

    You will own Phase 3 and shine beyond this final phase of IS101-3205, Spring 2025 :-)

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  3. I can relate completely on the frustration. I enjoyed A4 and A5 but when I got to A7, I was completely lost.

    Life and health can definitely throw a wrench in your plans but you made it through and the semester is almost done.

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  4. Hi Paulina! I got sick with the flu too for about a week, and it was a struggle to get anything completed. I’m glad to hear that you were able to keep up and not trail too far behind. You have a strong mindset and great determination to excel in Phase 3. Keep up the great work!

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  5. Hola Paulina,
    You pushed through a tough couple of weeks and came out stronger, huge respect for that! It’s awesome how you're already applying what you’ve learned at work, and that mindset of taking ownership in Phase 3 is exactly the way to go. Keep it up!

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  6. Hey Paulina,

    I really enjoyed reading your post! It’s awesome how you pushed through Phase 2, especially with everything going on being sick, work, and personal life all at once is no joke. It’s inspiring that you stayed on track and didn’t fall too far behind.

    I totally relate to the Excel struggle. A4 and A5 were a bit of a challenge for me too, but once things started clicking, it felt great. A6 being your favorite makes sense, putting everything together without built-in feedback is tough, but it really shows how much you’ve learned.

    I also found the section on Excel error messages super helpful. It's empowering to be able to troubleshoot issues myself instead of waiting on someone else. It’s great that you’re already applying these skills at work!

    Your mindset going into Phase 3 is admirable. Taking ownership and pushing yourself creatively is the way to go. I’m looking forward to seeing what you accomplish next! ^-^

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  7. Hey Paulina! I had some frustrations with A5 and A6 as well. It was always the minor details in the formulas that I missed which really showed me how important it is to pay attention the all the small things like the commas or spaces. I am glad that you are better from the flu and I know you will make it through Phase 3 with ease!

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  8. Hii Paulina! Good for you on pushing through with those obstacles, sometimes it can take a toll, but coming out victorious makes those challenges look small. I found A5 and A6 so crazy frustrating, but at least we understood it! Good for you on being able to fix the error messages now instead of waiting, I can only imagine it makes life easier now! Keep kicking butt!!

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  9. Hey Paulina, I really admire how you’ve been handling all the obstacles. Great job on the second presentation, it turned out really well. We’re almost there, so let’s keep going. It’s been a bit tougher for me to manage lately, but we’re still making it happen.

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  10. Yes!! A6 was the most fun, and I learned so much from the assignment, like everything came together the more I fixed and edited.

    With that mindset, you will accomplish just that. You will crush Phase 3, trust me, it was extremely easy compared to Phases 1 & 2. By the time you see this, I bet you have already passed your MO-310 exam, thinking about it.

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  11. I can relate to how Excel felt intimidating at first, but once you start understanding how functions work, it becomes a powerful tool. I also liked A6 for the same reason it was a challenge without the usual feedback, but that made it feel even more rewarding. Wishing you all the best as you head into Phase 3. You’ve got the right mindset to do great.

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  12. Those assignments were intimidating but they were helpful for the exam. Glad you can use these new skills at work and not having to wait on someone to fix the error, it will also get the job done faster not having to wait on anyone. It sucks falling behind and catching up but you did good this semester 😊

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  13. I liked A6 too! I liked being able to show what we learned in my own way so I really agree it was probably the most fun from the assignments, glad I wasn't alone in that experience! When things clicked it really did make sense!

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  14. Hi, I also fell behind but it was great being able to catch up! Wish you luck!

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