For Honors Village students Ashli-Cole Barclay and Riddhi Mishra, the 20-hour MetaSkill Challenge was more than just a High Impact Experience (HIE); it was a journey of self-directed learning, creativity, and personal growth.
This annual initiative encourages students to dedicate 20 hours to developing a skill of their choice, fostering metacognitive strategies while engaging in meaningful pursuits. Barclay and Mishra’s experiences illustrate how the challenge inspires participants to explore new hobbies and gain valuable life lessons along the way.
Barclay, an engineering major with biomedical intent from the Class of 2028, was drawn to the challenge by the opportunity to earn an HIE and her curiosity about crafting.
“I figured it would be a cool opportunity to learn something new,” she shared.
She chose crocheting, a skill she’d always wanted to try but had never found the time or motivation to pursue. The challenge provided her the perfect excuse to get started. Similarly, Mishra, a first-year engineering student majoring in biomedical engineering, saw the MetaSkill Challenge as a chance to break from her academic routine and focus on something creative.
“I was motivated by the opportunity to learn something new outside of class,” she explained.
Mishra opted to learn sewing, a skill she had admired since childhood due to her love for fashion and the practicality of creating custom clothing.
The learning process for each student unfolded in unique ways.
Barclay initially planned to dedicate two hours every Sunday to crocheting but quickly found herself captivated.
“It was hard to stick to the schedule because I was so excited,” she admitted.
She immersed herself in the craft, crocheting throughout the week and frequently exceeding her planned practice time. Her primary resources included YouTube tutorials and advice from friends. Barclay also enjoyed the sense of community at a crochet club meeting, even if she didn’t learn new techniques during the session.
Mishra, on the other hand, approached sewing with a flexible mindset, alternating between learning basic techniques and applying them to beginner-friendly projects.
Access to the Libraries’ makerspace proved invaluable. “I relied on the staff there to help me learn how to work the sewing machine and troubleshoot issues,” Mishra said.
Online tutorials complemented her in-person learning. Despite her initial intimidation by the sewing machine’s moving parts, Mishra’s persistence and the support of experienced staff helped her overcome technical hurdles like threading bobbins and replacing needles.
Both students encountered unexpected challenges during their journeys. For Barclay, tangled yarn and lower-quality materials caused frustration. “I’d get knots in my yarn and have to start over,” she recounted.
Mishra’s struggles revolved around mastering the sewing machine and finding beginner projects that matched her skill level. However, each challenge came with its own rewards.
For Barclay, it was the joy of receiving compliments on her handmade creations. “Having people appreciate my work was so uplifting and encouraged me to make more,” she said.
Mishra found satisfaction in finally pursuing a childhood dream. “As a kid, I lacked the resources and drive to learn properly,” she reflected. “Now, with access to materials and an appreciation for technique, I’ve been able to make real progress.”
The MetaSkill Challenge also had a significant impact on how both students approached learning. Barclay noted a newfound appreciation for seeking feedback.
“In the past, I’d try to learn on my own, but now I value input from others to improve faster,” she explained.
For Mishra, the experience highlighted the importance of balancing repetitive practice with creative application. “Alternating between the two kept me motivated and helped me progress without getting bored,” she said. Both students plan to continue developing their newfound skills.
Barclay looks forward to crocheting gifts for friends and family, while Mishra has already expanded her repertoire with new stitches and is eager to tackle more ambitious sewing projects.
Beyond their creative pursuits, both students recognized the challenge’s broader benefits. Crocheting became a stress reliever and study aid for Barclay. Mishra gained confidence in her ability to independently learn new skills, a mindset she’ll carry into her academic and personal endeavors. When asked what they would say to others considering the MetaSkill Challenge, both students were enthusiastic.
“Just go for it!” Barclay urged. “It’s an amazing opportunity to learn something new and take a break from your routine.”
Mishra echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the low stakes and high rewards of the challenge.
“Unless you’re already at capacity, 20 hours isn’t a huge commitment, and it’s a great way to try something you’ve been curious about,” she said.
The MetaSkill Challenge not only helps participants develop new abilities but also fosters resilience, curiosity, and a growth mindset. The experience can be transformative, offering students the tools and confidence to pursue lifelong learning.
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