Chris’s entry – from drawing to reality

It has only been about two months since we began this project called Poly House.  Looking back on my experience thus far, I am amazed what we as a class have accomplished.  I’ll admit that two months ago, I would’ve thought that our plan for this project was impossible to accomplish.  However I am glad to be proven wrong and to actually see a concept literally go from a drawing to reality in that short time.  I’ll attribute our success to the dedication and commitment that my peers have demonstrated throughout the quarter.

This year I held the position as Finance/Fundraising Project Manager for Poly House 2010.  The group working with me consisted of five individuals, each with their own distinct backgrounds and fields of study: Cassidy – Ag Science, Mike – Industrial Technical Management, Tracy – Accounting, Tyler – Engineering and myself – Engineering Management.  Looking back at the group over these past weeks, we have had our successes and our problems.  However in a project like this, you learn to put your differences aside, admit your mistakes and move on to complete the common goal.  I enjoyed working with these individuals as they all contributed qualities that would help make this year’s project a reality: Cassidy was the class morale officer and was essential in motivating the class for fundraising events, special announcements and the project itself; Mike was cool under pressure and would always offer constructive contributions during group meetings; Tracy was on top of her event planning and would usually have the answers to my questions before I even asked; Tyler was my go-to “sales man” for the project and really excelled at reaching out to donors and really selling the purpose of this year’s Poly House project.  The project is almost concluded and the team that was Finance/Fundraising will each go on their own separate paths in life, however, we each will carry a mutual bond that is Poly House 2010.  I wish them the best of luck in the future.

As far as my personal experience from this project, I really enjoyed the experience of working in a really close knit group and working towards a common goal.  I think this project has as much to do with relationship management as it does with project management.  Communication is key!  I was also really impressed with how much the human spirit can motivate people to do good things.  Many of our donors contributed to this year’s project simply because it would truly make a difference in the lives of the Todd Family.  It leaves a good feeling knowing that there are people out there willing to show this kindness and generosity to complete strangers.

Before I end my entry, I would like to say a special thanks to the following people:
*Mrs. Marilyn Britton and Mr. Gary Fowler (Yes i know that Gary would suffice) for coming out to the work site and providing us with food and company.  Your contributions have definitely made our long days much more pleasant and is something we all are truly grateful for these past two weekends.
*Mrs. Stephanie Allen for helping me submit all my financial forms and transactions with the school.
*Ms. Jessica Paz for answering all of my Poly House Fundraising inquiries and for advice on any finance related issues I have.
*Professor Liz Schlemer for letting me be in charge of handling all of the project financing; I hope I don’t let you down.

~Christopher Fung