Seunghee Yi, class of 2017

the project

Many people acknowledge the importance of goal setting and achieving in order to obtain a better life, but studies show that only one out of ten people actually get to achieve the goals they set for themselves. There are a number of reasons for this, including lack of resources, time, knowledge, experience, motivation…and through my senior project, I’m trying to solve these problems people face in the process of setting and achieving goals and make it efficient, fun, and accessible.

Goal’d is an online goal-sharing application that takes a form of a social networking platform which allows the users not only to set goals and keep track of them, but also to share their goals and progress by posting photos and status updates, follow like-minded people, create or join community goals to exchange inspirations, motivations, and practical knowledge with others. Goal’d is a platform full of inspiration and motivation and it will take the users a step closer to their goals.

seunghee's advice

Ask and talk to yourself (as often as you can).
No matter what, you’re the owner of this project. Throughly explore yourself and find out what you’re truly interested in. Is there a specific topic you want to discuss in your project? An area you want to explore? A problem you want to address and solve? During the course of your senior project, it is beneficial to talk to as many people as you can and hear different opinions and advices. However, you will be the one who makes decisions in the end, so never forget to constantly talk to yourself and ask, “Who am I? What do I like? What do I think?”

Feel the pressure and embrace it!
Senior project can feel overwhelming, because it feels like the biggest thing in your academic career and you feel like you have to show everything you’ve learned in your life in this single project. Well, it’s partly true. Senior project is big and you should feel ‘some’ pressure, but don’t let that pressure take you over. On the other side, it’s a project in which you can explore your own interest in your own way and style. It should be hard, overwhelming, and stressing but also fun and interesting! This is why the first step is so important, because if you choose a topic that doesn’t interest you, you will be struggling even more.

Don’t be afraid to learn new things.
Don’t limit yourself to what you already know and can do. Once you’re out of school, you will have less opportunities to learn and explore new areas, so take advantage of all your resources! Taking classes outside of GD department is also a good idea.

Better to be an overachiever than an underachiever.
Plan big and dream big. I’m not saying you should be making unrealistic promises. However, you should always try to break your limits and expand your possibilities. I actually found myself working and aspiring to be better when my plan is tighter and there are more materials to deliver. Try your best!