Before starting this project, I did have some prior knowledge of the metal subculture as I personally really enjoy the music and the fashion styles surrounding it. I then decided to use this opportunity to find out more about the history and backgrounds that it originates from. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience as I got to learn more about something that I am passionate about and enjoy during my free time. 

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In the course of completing this project, I also got to find some new bands to listen to, for example, We Came As Romans who are a metalcore band, and NECRONOMIDOL, who are an all-woman kawaii metal band. Additionally, I also enjoyed watching videos or reading fashion blogs that aided in my research of the fashion styles surrounding the metal subculture. Although many people who listen to metal may consider themselves "metalheads", they do not dress in the heavy metal fashion, but instead dress more to the gothic style. It is common to find people with similar interests from these two communities in recent years. 

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Even though I enjoyed completing this project, I still faced some challenges. One of the challenges I faced during the research stage of this project was that there were not that many sources readily available for me to find out more information about the metal subculture. There are not many articles available about alternative cultures in general, as it is not widely covered, especially in regions like Asia. However, I managed to combat this by reading posts by individuals on forums like Reddit, where people share their views and opinions on the subculture.

I also faced some difficulty in following my learning plan as I also had many projects to complete. Along the way, I had to put my GL on hold, so that I could complete my projects in time for submission. Luckily, when I had pockets of time, I managed to conduct some bits of research that would help me along the way. 

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Despite the challenges faced, I still managed to hit my learning goals, which are: 

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1. Refine my research and data presentation skills

2. Find out more about the people behind the metal subculture’s communities

3. Find out how the music and fashion is related to the metal subculture

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Refining my research was a skill which was necessary in completing my work, as I had to find out the most important and crucial points to include in my work, without overloading too much information. I also managed to find out more about the people in the community, by reading blogs and forums in my free time, as well as watching videos of people who are in the subculture, like It's Black Friday, who is a goth fashion and lifestyle Youtuber. I also managed to find out how the fashion styles are related to the music, after reading the history of the music and the fashion, and how these two elements evolved together over time.

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In conclusion, despite the difficulties I faced along the way, I learnt how to be more independent, as well as resilient and self-directed in my learning. Aside from the consultations I had with my lecturer, I paced myself according to how much work I felt that I could complete in the time frame that I set for myself. This was a good experience and good opportunity for me to be independent and learn more and have a deeper understanding of something I am passionate about. 

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Thank you! <3