Looking back on Phase 2 of IS101, I feel like I’ve really started to gain momentum. There were definitely challenges, especially balancing Excel work with other commitments, but overall, I think I persevered and performed better than I expected. The assignments A4 Fun with Functions, A5 More Fun with Functions, and A6 Spreadsheet Analysis with Trailer pushed me to go beyond just getting it done. I realized I was building real problem-solving skills, not just checking boxes. For this reflection, I’m choosing data validation and pivot tables the way they were presented helped connect some dots for me. At first, those tools felt like overkill, but the more I played with them, the more I saw how powerful they are especially for making sense of large amounts of information quickly. It reminded me that learning software is really about understanding the why behind the tools, not just the how.
What’s been interesting is how much I’ve started to use Excel outside the classroom. I've learn from chapter 5.2.1 on LabSim that Spreadsheets are extremely helpful for managing data, performing quick calculations, and visualizing information through charts, making them essential tools for both personal and professional tasks. I’ve been helping track some monthly expenses at home more efficiently. Before this phase, I wouldn’t have thought of using Excel that way. Now, it feels like I have a new kind of confidence, it’s not just about knowing the program, but knowing how to use it to solve real-world problems.
Looking ahead to Phase 3, I know it’s going to be about creativity and really pushing our limits. That’s both exciting and a little intimidating. I’ll admit, my default mode is often to just keep up and do what’s required. But I’m starting to believe that I can shift into a higher gear one that’s about actualizing my best work, not just surviving the workload. If Phase 2 taught me anything, it’s that the effort you put in really does pay off and that’s a lesson I want to carry forward.
