The end of the Road: Reflections of the ADL Program

When I think back on my time in 5320, the first word that comes to mind is stretching. Not stretching in a negative way, but in that real, uncomfortable, necessary way that nudges you from where you’ve been sitting safely into the space where you actually have to show up differently. I came into this class already having built an ePortfolio throughout the ADL program. I thought I had a good handle on what was expected in this course with a clean layout, clear links, reflective pieces, and documentation of my work. But this course challenged all of that. The learning curve came when I realized that this professor expected more from my ePortfolio than any previous instructor. And honestly? That expectation ended up being one of the best things that could have happened for my growth.

In the earlier courses, the standard for the ePortfolio felt more product-focused: complete the page, include the assignment, check the box. I did that well. But in 5320, the professor pushed me toward something different, something deeper. It wasn’t just about uploading assignments; it was about curating a professional identity. It was about clarity, intentionality, and showing a level of refinement that aligned with who I am becoming as a leader in digital learning. At first, I won’t lie, I felt overwhelmed. I kept thinking, Why isn’t this enough? I’ve done this before. But very quickly, I realized that “enough” wasn’t the goal in this class, growth was.

That shift changed everything for me. Instead of approaching my ePortfolio like an ongoing checklist, I started treating it like a living representation of my thinking, my direction, and my professional evolution. I reviewed pages I hadn’t touched in months, cleaned up sections that felt scattered, reorganized my ideas with clarity, and added pieces that communicated not just what I did, but why it mattered. That was new for me. And it taught me something important: growth doesn’t happen when you repeat what you’ve always done; it happens when someone expects more and gives you the space and the push to rise to it.

This course made me sit with the discomfort of revision, reflection, and refinement. And that process shaped me into a more intentional professional. I learned that I can’t lead digital learning, advocate for AAC integration, or guide others in instructional design if I’m not also willing to evolve my own practice. The expectations pushed me to see my own work with a more critical and honest eye. Now, I look at my ePortfolio and see not just assignments, but a clear narrative of who I am in this field: someone who is thoughtful, strategic, reflective, and committed to continuous improvement.

That’s why this class ended up being one of those examples of what growth really looks like. Growth isn’t pretty. It’s not quick. And it’s definitely not comfortable. It looks like doing things you thought you had already mastered, but at a higher level. It looks like going back to the same space your ePortfolio and not being satisfied with “good enough.” It looks like being challenged, choosing not to take it personally, and instead letting it sharpen you.

And because of that, I believe I’ve truly earned a 92 in this course. Not just because all assignments were completed on time, although they were, but because I engaged deeply with the learning process, responded to feedback, demonstrated improvement, and pushed myself beyond the baseline expectations. A 92 reflects a strong performance, meaningful effort, and solid mastery—while still leaving room for continued growth.

And I do still see room for growth, which is part of why I value this class so much. I know that my ePortfolio can keep evolving as I refine my professional voice. I know I can continue strengthening the visual consistency, the narrative flow, and the connections between my ADL experiences. I know I can keep building it into a space that not only shows what I’ve done, but also supports my future career and reflects the leader I’m becoming.

Throughout the program, collaborating with classmates like Simon, Debra, Kedric, and Paula has been one of the most grounding and motivating parts of my experience. Each of them brought a different perspective, and together we created a space where feedback felt honest, supportive, and intentional. Whether we were giving each other guidance on our ePortfolios, sharing resources, or just talking through ideas, those collaborations helped me stay balanced and encouraged. Working with them reminded me that learning isn’t meant to be done alone. Growth happens in community, and I’m grateful that they were part of mine.

5320 reminded me that growth is a process, not a moment. It’s the willingness to step back, rework, rethink, and push forward with more intention. And that lesson ore than any assignment is what I’ll carry with me into the next phase of my learning and my professional life.