Communication is key in not only leadership, but life in general. Very often, there are problems in many relationships and businesses due to the lack of communication. I say definitely do not assume anything. Ask questions if you are not sure about something. Do not be afraid to get clarification, because that is important for effective communication. Personally, when I am upset or angry, I am not afraid to openly communicate with the person how i feel. That may not be the style of approach for others. Others may choose to give them the silent treatment (which we did many times when we were younger, don't lie), which ultimately results in a blurred communication. The other person may not know why you are upset....I just say be as open as you can and very clear when talking to someone, so there is no miscommunications along the way.
Within a group, be sure to state your ideas clearly and listen to other's opinions/ideas as well. Definitely ask questions if something is unclear. The last thing a group wants is miscommunication. You all want to work as a cohesive unit, so make sure you are sensitive to other people's opinions. You must be open to the opinions and ideas of you group members.
When communicating with an individual, eye contact is SO important. If someone is not making eye contact with me when I am talking to them, Ii consider it very rude because they are not listening to me. That is another thing: listen to what they are saying. Really be interactive with them when they speak. What they say should not go in one ear and out the other. by being interactive, you show you care about what they are saying. This can be done, for example, by asking questions. Speaking one on one is more intimate than speaking to a group. Be personal.
I really did not know what i was looking for when browsing the website for essays. But i came upon this one. It really struck me. It is about a woman who sees a homeless woman in the store stealing (but not succeeding) a book about grieving. She caught up to the woman after and they talked and grieved with each other for the loved ones they lost. The author says everyone comes into your life for a reason. It can even be a homeless woman, you don't know who is going to step into your path and affect your life.
I really believe in this. I think that everything happens for a reason. And even something so small have an impact on your life. I am always put into situations where I'm like, "Why me?" But looking back on events like that, it did suck, but i learned from it. It helped me through. Things happen/people come into your life, all for a reason.
Write One I believe in hard work. My father is a prime and perfect example of a hard worker. He is an orthopedic surgeon who owns his own practice. He works every day of the week, except Sunday, from 5 am to 11pm. His partner recently quit, so he is taking on double what he used to, and is getting screwed over by Obama's care. My father always says to me, 'If I could win the lottery". He knows that is only in his dreams, and must keep working. When growing up, I did not see my father very much. He was always up before I was up, and home after I went to bed. I do not have much recollection of him in my childhood. When I was in fourth grade, my parents got divorced. At first, I was not that upset because I was used to not having my father around anyway. But later on, I got so upset and mad at my father. How could he let his marriage fall apart like that? How could he leave his family like that? I would only see my father on Sunday, where we would routinely go play tennis or something. For the longest time, I was so mad. However, growing up and especially going to college, made me appreciate my dad in a whole other light. Being older, I realized the effort and time it takes to be a doctor. My father needed not only to pay his bills, but pay for child support, my mom's house, marital support, and PAY FOR MY COLLEGE. I think it really hit me when I went to Santa Clara. My father works so hard to provide for my family. He does not have a life outside of the hospital because he wants to make us happy and live comfortably. He may not have a lot of time for me, but I know that he is dripping sweat and working hard for my happiness. I believe in hard work. I make sure I get good grades and put in an effort, because in the future, the roles will change and it will be my turn to take care of him. Through hard work, what you want is achievable. It only takes effort and perseverance.
Sooooooo....after much technical difficulties with my blog and not being able to sign in to my account, I am back! p.s. i doubt anyone has a problem with signing into their account, but i can help you if you cant! I had to go to the library tech guys to help me, but now i know! OKAY, moving on.
Week 5: Personal Tensions
The Setup - For some background information, i began dating my boyfriend, Dylan, sophomore year of high school when he was a senior in high school. He went off to play volleyball at NYU, but we stayed together and did the long distance thing. When it came for me to choose where i wanted to go to college, I was really stuck on where i wanted to go. Originally i wanted to attend UT Austin but got denied so that was not an option. However i got into an even better school, NYU. First of all, OMG. I got into NYU, with my academics, not through sports. So the question was raised, do I go to NYU and be with my boyfriend, or go to a school that I would want to go to (without him being an influence).
The What - After being devastated by being denied to UT Austin, and then with the dilemma NYU vs, college of my choice. My worries with going to NYU was i didn't want to be the girl who followed her boyfriend to college. My worries with going to a school that wasn't NYU was the thought of: Am i making a mistake? Should i not care about what people think of me going to NYU? However, after visiting Santa Clara University during April, it was the love at first sight. i walked onto the campus and was like: This is where I am going to college.
The So What - Looking at the internal conflict, i was worried about what people would think of me if i followed my boyfriend to college. Additionally, it was also do i want to go to a college and be my own self, start a new chapter in my life, and be independent? I felt like my college decision was different than others, because i felt like i had to decide between continuing my life or starting fresh. What did i want?
The Now What - This really was an important experience, because i felt like it was a milestone in my life. I knew i had to focus on myself and go somewhere new where i could do that. I didn't want to follow Dylan's dreams, I wanted to follow my dreams. I really learned about myself and how strong i really am. Making that decision was so difficult, but i know i made the right one. I was still committed to my boyfriend, but i felt even more committed to myself and my happiness. College is a time to find out who you really are. And being here at Santa Clara for me, is the best place to do that. In these past 5 months, i have learned more about myself, than i have in a year. Sometimes, you just need to think what is best for you.
Week 4: Values and Congruence.
I chose a video about family values. If you don't know Rihanna, she has a strong family bond and really values them.
This really rings to me because growing up, my parents were divorced and my family was not very close. I always admired my friends' families who had family dinners every night and were very close-knit. It is always something i've wanted. When it comes to family, it is all about love, loyalty, and trust. With Rihanna, although she has become a famous celebrity, she does not forget her roots, takes care of her family, is there for her family (no matter how busy she is). And they are there for her and treat her just as Rihanna, and not a world-wide known singer. Hence, with these family values, i apply them to my friends and relationships i have. I am very loyal and trustworthy. And i value those who are loyal and trustworthy to me. These values inspire me to be a better person overall, and i never lose sight of them.
