Erika Navarro, Blog Post #2
Erika Navarro
Blog Post #2
Reflecting on the Presentations: A Project Manager’s Perspective
Being the project manager for all three groups in our class presentations was both a rewarding and eye-opening experience. I wasn’t just there to watch each group present, I was involved from start to finish. From brainstorming sessions and refining topics, I got to witness how these ideas came together firsthand.
In this post, I want to reflect on the experience, what I learned from each group, what stood out to me, and how it all ties into the broader themes of communication, education, and mental health. Each presentation had its own flavor, and I’m proud of what every group accomplished.
Introducing Group 1 was a pleasure, especially since their topic, communication in career development, is something I believe is incredibly important right now. As we get closer to entering the workforce, how we present ourselves, network, and express our ideas can quite literally determine what doors open for us.
What I really appreciated about this group was the interview format we used. Instead of giving a traditional lecture, we brought in voices from psychology, business, and communications from our own peers. This helped ground their message in real-life perspectives, making the topic feel personal and relevant.
For example, Alyssa’s passion for psychology and her interest in using her degree to address societal challenges through speech therapy gave the audience a sense of what can be accomplished with a degree like her. Michael’s ambition in business, paired with his desire to launch his own company, showed how entrepreneurial vision connects directly with communication strategy. And Rebecca, who’s studying communications, gave us insights into what it takes to be an effective communicator in today’s fast-paced, media-driven world.
As the project manager, I enjoyed watching this group grow in confidence. The connection between communication and career readiness was clear, and I think their message resonated with everyone in the room.
For Group 2, I had the opportunity to write their conclusion, which made me reflect deeply on the broader impact of communication on families and education. Their topic was layered on government support, local programs, and technology are shaping family life and educational access in today’s world.
What stood out to me most was how they didn’t shy away from the hard topics: financial strain, screen fatigue, and lack of support for student parents. They also brought attention to programs in Miami-Dade County that are making a difference, reminding us that progress is happening, but it’s uneven, and more work needs to be done.
I enjoyed adding to the presentation the video about whether students should be allowed to bring their children to class. This is often considered a bold move for many individuals, and a controversial issue. The video reminded everyone in the audience that educational institutions need to evolve to support all students, not just those without caregiving responsibilities.
As the group’s project manager, I was proud of how they handled such a delicate topic with compassion and thoughtfulness. They weren’t just delivering facts, they were asking us to reflect, to listen, and to care. They communicated not just with their words, but with heart.
Mental health is something we all deal with, whether directly or indirectly. So when Group 3 decided to tackle the intersection between mental health and social life, I knew it would strike a chord. In introducing their presentation, I wanted to make sure I provided a meaningful resource, so I highlighted NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Their free group therapy sessions, educational tools, and toll-free helpline have helped millions of people nationwide, and it felt like the perfect way to set the tone for the presentation.
What I loved about this group’s approach was how they focused on both the challenges and the solutions. They talked openly about how social isolation, academic pressure, and the stigma around mental health can affect students, and how building strong social connections can make all the difference. Their presentation didn’t just focus on the problem; they emphasized support systems, community resources, and communication as a healing tool.
One of their slides broke down mental health statistics among college students, and it honestly hit hard. Seeing the numbers, how many students experience anxiety, depression, or burnout, was a wake-up call. But it also reinforced why this presentation mattered.
I admired how the group encouraged the audience to check in on their friends, be open to conversations, and seek help if needed. Their message was clear: you’re not alone.
These experiences teach me more than I expect, not just about the topics, but about leadership, time management, and emotional intelligence. Being a project manager isn’t just about assigning tasks and checking in on progress. It’s about listening, motivating, mediating when needed, and knowing when to step in versus when to step back.
There were times when groups needed clarity, when deadlines were tight, and when nerves were high. I had to stay patient, supportive, and adaptable. But I also got to celebrate the wins, those moments when someone nailed their section, when a slide finally clicked.
Each presentation had its challenges, but also its strengths. Group 1 taught me about the power of storytelling in career development. Group 2 showed me the importance of community voices in education reform. And Group 3 reminded me why mental health deserves a seat at every table, including the classroom.
Presentations like these remind me why communication is so powerful. It’s not just about delivering a message, it’s about connecting with people. And each group found a way to do that.
I’m proud of what we accomplished, not just as separate groups, but as a class. These projects weren’t just about grades or deadlines, they were about sharing knowledge, raising awareness, and learning from one another. And for me, as the project manager, it was an honor to guide that journey.
Comments
Post a Comment