Welcome to My Exploring Engineering 108 Portfolio

1. Pre-Semester Goals

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Before starting ENGN 108, I had a few goals for myself as a new engineering student. I wanted to learn what engineering really looks like at the college level and understand the different steps involved in the engineering design process. I also wanted to strengthen my problem-solving skills and get more comfortable working with hands-on projects, since engineering is not just about math, it’s also about creating, testing, and improving ideas.

Another goal I had was to improve my time management and organization. Coming into college, I knew that engineering requires discipline, good study habits, and the ability to balance multiple assignments at once. I hoped this class would help me build better routines and show me strategies for staying on track academically.

Lastly, I wanted to become more confident in using engineering tools and software. I had never used programs like Inkscape or worked with laser cutters before, so I hoped ENGN 108 would help me build those skills early. Overall, I came into the course wanting to grow as both a student and a future engineer.

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2. Course Work Reflection

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During the first few weeks of ENGN 108, I gained a much better understanding of myself as a learner and what it means to be successful in an engineering program. One of the most important things we covered was learning styles. Taking the learning style assessment helped me understand how I absorb information best, which made me more intentional about how I study for classes. We also learned about different methods for note-taking, such as the Cornell method, outlining, and visual mapping. This helped me see that being organized improves how well I remember and apply new concepts.

Time management was another major focus early in the course. I learned how important it is to plan ahead, break down assignments into smaller parts, and avoid procrastination. Using tools like planners, weekly schedules, and checklists helped me stay on track with my work in all of my classes. We also explored DegreeWorks, which gave me a clearer picture of my academic pathway and helped me understand how my courses build toward the Civil Engineering degree.

These first weeks helped me develop better habits as a college student. They gave me the foundation I needed to manage my workload, stay organized, and communicate more effectively. These skills supported me throughout the rest of the semester, especially during the engineering design project.

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3. Post-Semester Reflection

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This semester in ENGN 108 has helped me learn a lot about myself as a student, a teammate, and an emerging engineer. One of the biggest things I learned is how I work and learn best. Through the learning style activities, class discussions, and my own experience with college-level work, I realized the importance of planning ahead, managing time wisely, and staying organized, especially as an engineering major. Tools like DegreeWorks also helped me see the bigger picture of my academic path and understand how each course connects to my long-term goals of becoming a civil engineer.

The skills and strategies I gained in this course will continue to help me throughout my engineering journey. Using Inkscape taught me the importance of precision and accuracy in digital design, while the M-Lab laser cutter showed me how computer drawings become real parts in the fabrication process. The design project also pushed me to think critically, solve problems, revise ideas, and pay attention to detail. I also learned how important it is to communicate with teammates, divide tasks, and combine ideas in a way that makes sense for the whole project. These experiences helped me understand that engineering is not just about building something, it’s about planning, testing, adjusting, and working with others to find the best solution.

Participating in the Engineering Design Project changed the way I view engineering and teamwork. Going through every stage of the design process, from brainstorming and prototyping to assembly and testing gave me a clearer understanding of what engineers do in real life. I saw how each small decision affects the performance of the final product and how teamwork makes the process stronger. It taught me patience, problem-solving, communication, and how important it is to stay focused on the requirements of a project.

Moving forward, I will carry a stronger mindset into future semesters. I’ve learned that progress comes from asking questions, using resources, and allowing myself to grow from mistakes. I want to continue building better study habits, improving my technical skills, and staying involved in the engineering community at ODU.

This portfolio represents the beginning of my engineering journey. As I continue learning and completing more projects, I plan to update it with new skills, experiences, and accomplishments. I’m proud of the foundation I built this semester, and I’m excited to see how much more I will grow as a future civil engineer.