In class we discussed what it what it meant to be an effective communicator. It was amazing going around the room and hearing times from everyone when communication has failed them. It was also amazing the number of times that came to my mind when communication failed me. (My first thought with that starter question was, "I have to pick only one?!") It's so crazy to think about, and what blows my mind even more is that I'm almost certain that sometimes I'm not even aware of it.
To make myself a better communicator, I am going to work on not just assuming that the person I'm talking or working with knows what I'm talking about. I will be more patient and gracious about explaining myself and my thoughts. I will work more on giving and receiving feedback and being more aware of myself and my actions I convey towards it throughout the entire process of it.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Awareness and Diversity
In class it was interesting to go over the awareness assessment that each of us filled out. Many of us had similarities and others were different. From mine, I will work on being more pyisically aware of myself. I walk around campus as much as I can, hardly ever taking the bus, but my eating habits are another story. I am going to try harder to watch what I eat, meaning less junk food, smaller portions, and fewer late night snacks. :)
But another kind of awareness that we went over and I think is very important, is diversity. It's so important to see others for who they are, and not what they look like or where they come from. We can see so many differences between ourselves, even just in our class, but when people see others of different races, it so often seems like differences are expected. I don't understand why it's such a big deal then when we, in our class, all look alike and have somewhat similar backgrounds, but we are still so vastly different.
The article that Allie sent out, Unpacking the Knapsack, was really powerful. It's amazing all the things I find myself taking advantage of. There are so many things that I do that I never even give a second thought to. It just floors me that I can be so ignorant of these things while so many others of different races and ethnicities are forced to face them all the time. I really work not to, but sometimes I still find myself judging others based on stereotypes, rather than getting to know who they really are, and just because it's so "obvious" that they are different from myself. I can't even pretend to try to put myself in their shoes, it's just something that I think is beyond what I could ever even begin to understand, but I can't imagine that I would enjoy what many people go through every day.
I am so blessed, but now I just need to work on being a blessing to others I come across. I think I can at least begin that by setting aside my judgements and any stereotypes I have been raised with. I won't pretend to be on the same level as someone else, but I will treat them as the equals that they are.
But another kind of awareness that we went over and I think is very important, is diversity. It's so important to see others for who they are, and not what they look like or where they come from. We can see so many differences between ourselves, even just in our class, but when people see others of different races, it so often seems like differences are expected. I don't understand why it's such a big deal then when we, in our class, all look alike and have somewhat similar backgrounds, but we are still so vastly different.
The article that Allie sent out, Unpacking the Knapsack, was really powerful. It's amazing all the things I find myself taking advantage of. There are so many things that I do that I never even give a second thought to. It just floors me that I can be so ignorant of these things while so many others of different races and ethnicities are forced to face them all the time. I really work not to, but sometimes I still find myself judging others based on stereotypes, rather than getting to know who they really are, and just because it's so "obvious" that they are different from myself. I can't even pretend to try to put myself in their shoes, it's just something that I think is beyond what I could ever even begin to understand, but I can't imagine that I would enjoy what many people go through every day.
I am so blessed, but now I just need to work on being a blessing to others I come across. I think I can at least begin that by setting aside my judgements and any stereotypes I have been raised with. I won't pretend to be on the same level as someone else, but I will treat them as the equals that they are.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Culteral Event
On February 8 I went to listen to Jeff Johnson speak in the Great Hall of the MU. He had many imteresting things to say on the topic of leadership. He said he would focus mainly on the black community, but that the problems are not unique to only them.
In Jeff's words, a leader is someone who will address issues an work to face and change issues or make issues known to people in positions of power. It is our responsibility to hold leaders accountable for what they say and how it affects us. He said he is "vexed" with the fact that so often today, more emphasis is put on attendance and giving speeches than actually doing something. He then went on to say and enforce that WE are in charge of creating a movement of change; we shouldn't leave it up to others.
If an action is disconnected from the agenda/issue, it isn't a movement, it's an activity. A movement brings about a change for the overall agenda/goal. He then said that most organizations are "wack" because students are not trained to face issues. They focus more on positions and meetings instead of strategies to make changes and actually face the fundamental issues. We also need to challenge our ignorance of others around us, but most often we opt out of it due to "political correctness." We should learn about others who are different than us. While we often see diversity, we often miss out on community. It needs to start with individuals.
When Jeff was winding down he brought up the fact that we were created with purpose. Our degree is a tool to fulfill that purpose and not what makes us who we are. What we've been through determines our leadership ability, but so many diminish their skills because they're waiting on a position. We need to take advantage of the time we are given for preparation and use our past experiences. He then gave the example of David in the Bible. He knew he could kill the giant because his past experience of having to kill both a bear and a lion had prepared him for it.
I thought that Jeff made some really great points in his talk. It really is important to use what you've been through before to teach and prepare you for what is ahead. We don't need to be in a position of power to make a difference, but since we are being given one, we should make the most of it next fall and even after.
In Jeff's words, a leader is someone who will address issues an work to face and change issues or make issues known to people in positions of power. It is our responsibility to hold leaders accountable for what they say and how it affects us. He said he is "vexed" with the fact that so often today, more emphasis is put on attendance and giving speeches than actually doing something. He then went on to say and enforce that WE are in charge of creating a movement of change; we shouldn't leave it up to others.
If an action is disconnected from the agenda/issue, it isn't a movement, it's an activity. A movement brings about a change for the overall agenda/goal. He then said that most organizations are "wack" because students are not trained to face issues. They focus more on positions and meetings instead of strategies to make changes and actually face the fundamental issues. We also need to challenge our ignorance of others around us, but most often we opt out of it due to "political correctness." We should learn about others who are different than us. While we often see diversity, we often miss out on community. It needs to start with individuals.
When Jeff was winding down he brought up the fact that we were created with purpose. Our degree is a tool to fulfill that purpose and not what makes us who we are. What we've been through determines our leadership ability, but so many diminish their skills because they're waiting on a position. We need to take advantage of the time we are given for preparation and use our past experiences. He then gave the example of David in the Bible. He knew he could kill the giant because his past experience of having to kill both a bear and a lion had prepared him for it.
I thought that Jeff made some really great points in his talk. It really is important to use what you've been through before to teach and prepare you for what is ahead. We don't need to be in a position of power to make a difference, but since we are being given one, we should make the most of it next fall and even after.
Mind Over Matter
When I was reading chapter 5, I was kind of struck by what it said on page 81 about "doing" and how "agency is synonymous with success." As to the first, you have to do all in your power to expect to reach your goals. They won't just be handed to you. It gives a great example of going to study sessions but not doing the readings for a class, and I find myself in that boat sometimes. Everything you do has some type of an effect on everything else.
It then goes on to say that "agency is synonymous with success." Agency is the power to act and acheive a desired result. It is so important to believe in what you are doing, whatever it is, in order for it to come through. Without confidence in yourself and your actions, why would others believe in you? Even if you're not sure, you need to talk yourself up and have a positive attitude about it. My first couple years of track I had several parents of the older athletes tell me to just have confidence in myself, and that it would show on the track and improve my times even more. Once I finally got over that hurdle, and just tried my hardest, and found some confidence in myself, I finally did what they all knew I could. I've had similar experiences to that in school as well. The old saying "mind over matter" is really true I think. It's all about how you choose to look at things and with a positive attitude and confidence in yourself, many things are possible.
It then goes on to say that "agency is synonymous with success." Agency is the power to act and acheive a desired result. It is so important to believe in what you are doing, whatever it is, in order for it to come through. Without confidence in yourself and your actions, why would others believe in you? Even if you're not sure, you need to talk yourself up and have a positive attitude about it. My first couple years of track I had several parents of the older athletes tell me to just have confidence in myself, and that it would show on the track and improve my times even more. Once I finally got over that hurdle, and just tried my hardest, and found some confidence in myself, I finally did what they all knew I could. I've had similar experiences to that in school as well. The old saying "mind over matter" is really true I think. It's all about how you choose to look at things and with a positive attitude and confidence in yourself, many things are possible.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
MBTI
Last Sunday was interesting going over our MBTIs. I learned a lot about myself that I never really thought about before. My "type" is ISFJ (introvert, sensing, feeling, and jusdging.) I am described to be practical, realistic, considerate, and responsible, focusing on the nees of others and valuing harmony and cooperation. I am usually seen as quiet, serious, and traditional by others as well as supportive. I am also likely to make decisions based on personal values and concern for others. The list goes on too, but you get the idea.
Looking at my life, I have always taken care of others, whether it be my three younger siblings, my family and friends, the students I tutored through high school, or even for people I don't even know through volunteering, it's just something I did and never really thought about as to why. It just makes me feel good to put a smile on someone else's face, especially when I can see that smile and have them not know it was because of me.
I always just figured that I took after my mom in that I usually make schedules and plan things ahead of time. I am loyal to my friends, and even more so to my family. I try to make the most common sense option available to me, but always think about others in the process. Sometimes when I take awhile to answer a question, or don't say much in a converstion, it's because I'm busy listening, processing, and storing information away.
All these traits I've always known I have, and they make me who I am. I just find it so interesting that the descriptions that the MBTI gave for my personality type nailed me so sqarely on the head. It's something neat to put thought into; getting a better glimpse and understanding of who I am, even though none of it is set in stone.
Looking at my life, I have always taken care of others, whether it be my three younger siblings, my family and friends, the students I tutored through high school, or even for people I don't even know through volunteering, it's just something I did and never really thought about as to why. It just makes me feel good to put a smile on someone else's face, especially when I can see that smile and have them not know it was because of me.
I always just figured that I took after my mom in that I usually make schedules and plan things ahead of time. I am loyal to my friends, and even more so to my family. I try to make the most common sense option available to me, but always think about others in the process. Sometimes when I take awhile to answer a question, or don't say much in a converstion, it's because I'm busy listening, processing, and storing information away.
All these traits I've always known I have, and they make me who I am. I just find it so interesting that the descriptions that the MBTI gave for my personality type nailed me so sqarely on the head. It's something neat to put thought into; getting a better glimpse and understanding of who I am, even though none of it is set in stone.
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