99 Problems, this ePortfolio isn't one.

When I first started working on my ePortfolio, I thought it would be an easy process with a click of this and that, add a picture here, upload an assignment, bam we done. That’s not how it went down. My first real step was simply sitting down and getting familiar with the platform. I initially started with Canva and quickly realized why wix was highly recommended by Dr. H. I had to start everything overusing the new site but this time I took my time. I took time to click around, explore settings, and figure out things. At first, I was completely overwhelmed, staring at what felt like a blank canvas with no idea how to bring my vision to life. But I quickly learned that the key to not losing your mind during this process is breaking things into small steps. I honestly found a page that someone else previously made and edited towards my liking. The color scheme, simplicity, and navigation were perfect. I just needed it to be for Kimberly Davis.

The second big step was asking for help. As my ex-boyfriend would say, sometimes I can be stubborn. I like to figure things out on my own, but there’s a point where you just have to wave the flag and ask someone, anyone who could help. If you only knew how long I sat there frustrated because I couldn’t make a basic homepage button link to another page. But the moment I reached out for guidance, I realized I was overcomplicating the simplest tasks (Cambridge, 2010). I guess what my mom has always told me is true, don’t be afraid to ask questions. We live in a world where YouTube tutorials, ChatGPT, and random people that want to help. Use them!

If I had to give tips to someone starting out, the first would be: don’t skip the planning stage. What pages do you need? What message do you want to send to your viewers? This isn’t just about uploading files and calling it a day; it’s about creating an experience that reflects who you are (Barrett, 2010). My second tip is embracing trial and error. I learned the most when I messed up. Whether it was formatting something wrong or realizing a section didn’t flow the way I imagined. Also, celebrate small wins. Don’t let those tears your shed be in vain, you cried but you learned and fixed it. Celebrate those wins!

I’m still annoyed with how some design elements can be. I want my portfolio to look clean and professional, but sometimes the platform fights me on spacing or formatting. It’s like, “Why is this button moving when I ain’t touch it?” I can see my personality, my humor, and my voice all over this ePortfolio, and that’s something I’m truly proud of (Yancey, 2009).

My biggest takeaway is that building an ePortfolio is more than just a tech project, it’s a reflection of growth. I started out frustrated and lost, but I pushed through and learned not only how to build a site but how to give myself grace in the process. It’s like Vu, Meyer, and Cepero (2016) said, digital portfolios aren’t just a tool for showing off your work they’re a tool for reflecting on who you are as a professional and how far you’ve come.