The UBC iSchool provides a basic template using the WordPress CMS, which made it much easier to get started, but more difficult to personalize. I did enjoy summarizing each of my projects and reflecting on what I have accomplished during my first co-op experience. I would have to say that I have achieved more than I expected to, especially as it was a fully remote work term. Despite this setback, I was able to connect with many of my colleagues at the SFU Library and grow and develop many skills that I know will be valuable in my career, such as webpage redesign, web data analysis, software such as Zotero and NVivo, and video editing, to name a few.
In this portfolio, I think I did a good job personalizing my main page despite having only two design choices available to us as students. I would have wanted to be able to do some more editing in the code itself in order to make more of a visual impact, as well as incorporate more CSS to make a more dynamic and interactive page. I also plan to add my coursework in the future, as well as other research and activities I have engaged in over the years that relate to my study interests (information and interaction design, UX/UI, medical librarianship, illustration, etc.).
As I was creating this portfolio, I was able to process how fulfilling this co-op has been despite working from home and how we are still able to make meaningful and deep connections and establish great teamwork with others without the need to meet in-person. I have learned that I am able to develop an effective schedule on my own, that I have grown in my assertiveness and ability to communicate my needs, and that I am more confident in my abilities when it comes to learning and applying new skills. Visualizing my experience on the e-portfolio has also helped me to realize and remember what I have accomplished and hopefully help others to feel confident that they will be able to successfully complete a remote co-op as well.