The main reflection of the week that has been particularly thought-provoking for me is the importance of using critical thinking and active engagement to address challenges and improve the student experience. This realization has sparked my interest in finding empirical solutions to solving problems in this context. The hands-on sessions that I undertook were particularly exciting. The following are the activities of the week:
During the past week, I had an enriching and well-rounded experience participating in various activities. The week began with a blogging session facilitated by Prof. Clara, where the essentials of blogging were taught. This was followed by a visit to Allerton Park and Recreational Center (https://allerton.illinois.edu/), allowing me to connect with nature and bond over delicious ice cream.



On day 2, there was a library tour at the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center (https://www.library.illinois.edu/enx/), providing insight into the vast resources available. Prof. Megan Sapp-Nelson also gave an engaging presentation on the programmes and services of the library. Later in the day, the group visited the School of Information https://www.masterstudies.com/institutions/university-of-illinois-at-urbana-champaign-school-of-information-. These are my observations at the Grainger Engineering Library Information Centre:
The Grainger Engineering Library is an exemplary library that offers various laboratories and facilities for students to engage in creative thinking and hands-on creation. This environment aligns with the ideal vision of an innovative library that goes beyond traditional learning. It encourages experimentation, problem-solving, and collaborative learning, allowing students to seamlessly transition between research and practical application. By integrating theory and practice, the library empowers students to actively participate in the creation and application of knowledge, focusing on practical skills, creativity, and innovation. This is a clear vision of the kind of library I have always imagined, and I am determined to secure the necessary funding to bring these ideas to life in my library.
Day 3 featured a presentation on the DISC Assessment https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc by Stellbrink, focussing on the four styles of leadership. The session encouraged self-reflection and personal growth, providing insight into understanding individual leadership styles and their impact on interactions with others. We further explored the DISC Assessment and delved into change management. As a perfectionist, this training has brought my attention to how my leadership skills may easily be considered overwhelming among my colleagues and subordinates. I hope to consciously invest some effort to understand people from their perspective more hereon
Day 4 and 5; We visited the Center for Innovation, Teaching, and Learning https://citl.illinois.edu/, where I learned about the importance of imagination in fostering innovation. The lecture on reimagining learning spaces was particularly interesting, highlighting how innovative environments can enhance the educational experience. We visited the Human Centre for Design https://online.hbs.edu/courses/design-thinking-innovation . The day started with a presentation on the power of imagination in generating innovative products, followed by a hands-on project where I worked in groups to brainstorm and create a product or service. This exercise emphasized the importance of creativity and teamwork.
The week concluded with socialization in downtown, where I enjoyed good music and had a dinner with peers and supervisors.

The week concluded with socialization downtown, where I enjoyed good music and had dinner with peers and supervisors.
