Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Exercise #3: Personal Reflection
Describe how you feel after reading your blog entries over the semester. Do you feel amazed, disappointed, frustrated or what exactly? Blog an essay that responds to the following questions:
1. How you have grown this semester?
2. How has your thinking changed (about yourself, your future, what’s possible in the world, etc…)?
3. What activities and behaviors have you engaged in for the first time?
4. What are the 3 things you liked best about Leadership for Change?
5. What are the 3 things you liked least about Leadership for Change?
6. What 3 things would you suggest to improve Leadership for Change next semester?

I have grown this semester in ways I wouldn't have been able to comprehend before this class. I didn't put forth my strongest efforts; however I still learned a lot of useful, life-changing skills. I have grown to be more comfortable speaking with fellow students. I have become more aware of myself and my likes and dislikes.
My thinking has changed in a sense I feel like I have worth. What determines how far an individual will go in life is his/her determination. This class has taught me that all people have struggled to get and be where they are today. It is totally possible to reach any goals desired with the right connections and motivation. As long as I use my skills learned in this class, I will reach my goal of becoming a pilot.
This semester was the first time I engaged in “hard times,” “barn raising,” interviewing role models, and etc. Before this class I had never sat down to write out a step-by-step or “next step” plan. Before this class, I also had never contacted pilots or anyone in my desired field of study.
Lastly, I like broadening my horizons learning about other students’ lives and goals. The only complaint I can address about the class is the 3 hours time length. It’s hard for me to remain focused for that long in a class. Some improvement suggestions would be to offer more panel groups, and take a class field trip. Overall I think the class was managed and conducted well. Despite my low amount of effort and enthusiasm, I truly enjoyed this class! It was a stress relief from all other monotonous class styles!
Exercise #2: The Sound-bite
In one sentence, state the most important thing you have learned this semester. Make this the first sentence of this week’s blog.

I have learned to be comfortable with who I am when around people I don't know becuase in general, people are more similar than they are different in that they all have struggled, been embarrassed, been stressed out, been discouraged, been confused, and etc.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Exercise #3: Sunday Meeting
Hold a Sunday Night Planning Meeting (with yourself) and blog about it.

During my planning meeting I agreed to complete a 4-6page psychology paper. I committed myself to applying for more jobs. I also will spend more quality time with my family. I will also work out more thoroughly. I will babysit Wednesday through Sunday. I will go on two dates Fri. and Sat. to try to get my mind off my ex!!!!!
Exercise #2: Business Meeting
Hold your next Weekly Business Meeting with your buddy and blog about it.

My weekly business meeting w/ Charles went quite well, once more. He gave suggestions as to where I should apply for jobs. Also, he discussed a lot of personal issues he'd been facing. He experienced a "melt down" because of the anxiety he is experiencing due to leaving for the Marines. I told him about my break-up with my boyfriend and how hard it was on me. Our meeting was more like a "hard times" moment. It really was beneficial and a stress relief for me though.
Exercise #1: First Steps
Pick one of your first steps, complete it, and blog about it.

Another first step of mine was to apply for more jobs. In addition to the jobs I applied for last week, I added four new locations. I applied for a bus driving posotion at Lake View, 5th 3rd Bank, Espire, and U.S. Cellular. I havn't heard any results from any of the following places.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Exercise #2)
My new buddy for this assignment is named Charles. I recently met him at the roller rink on Friday. During my first week business meeting I discussed the activities I did over the week. Last week I did a lot of cleaning, dog sitting, school work, and exercising. Friday I babysat, Saturday I slept all day, and Sunday I attended church and celebrated Easter with my family. Oh, and Monday (04/05/09) I conducted a psychology survey which was quite interesting. I forgot something else: Thursday I went out to celebrate my little cousins birthday. We agreed for our weekly check-in to be held every Tuesday night at 9pm, where we follow up on our weekly accomplishments. I told him about my goal to become a pilot. I discussed my touchstone which is: I want to feel honored because of my goal choice, I want to feel needed/ depended on by my passengers, I want to be famously known,and I want to feel idolized by those wanting to become pilots.
Exercise #1)
A next step I mentioned was filling out 10 job applications. I can honestly state that I filled out 10 OR more! I applied for Express, Victoria's Secret, Mon Ami Gabi, Westchester Park District, Trump Tower Hotel, 5 TCF Banks, The Cheesecake Factory, and more. This experience was extremely tired and stressful. Many of the locations I spent my precious time applying for weren't hiring. Hopefully I hear some positive feedback in the next week, or so.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Exercise #2:
I constantly experience resistance when it comes to moving forward. Besides that I'm pure lazy and that I procrastinate, I have faced additional resistance. I think the biggest source of my resistance is the reaction I receive when I tell friends and family of my choice. They are always so upset and try to discourage me from joining the services. To them, piloting is a dangerous career; let alone joining the services to obtain my goal. Therefore, it's hard for me to want to pursue a career that displeases all the people that matter most to me. I think the fear it reveals is survival fear. I hear about pilots getting laid off all the time and most airlines aren't currently hiring. I definitely have fear of not being able to find a well-paying job. The underlying message is just I need to be accepted. I want the approval of my loved ones to give me the courage and confidence to tackle my goals in life. I'm still in the process of getting through the resistance I face. But with time, I will come to terms with my choices and be comfortable.
Exercise #1:
I revised my planning wall mentally because I realized that there are better routes to obtaining my goal of becoming a pilot. After attending a workshop in SSB and speaking with a dean Malcolm Smith, and speaking to my sister's boyfriend who was in the Army for 5 years, I am now looking into joining the Navy. So, my next step is to cal a Navy recruiter and learn about the requirements to be part of the Navy. My former "Next Step" which was for me to research the Air National Guard was in progress until I learned that I needed to be looking into joining the Navy instead.