Through this lesson, I learned about my self-image and how important it is that I maintain a positive self-image. As a future teacher, it is important that I have a positive self-image because I need to be a role model for my students. When people meet me, I want them to view me as a friendly, caring person who is confident in herself. I want to be a person who is responsible and kind to all. Although I like to take on new things, I have learned that I need to take even more risks. I also hope to be someone who can teach others to have a positive self-image. I will teach this by giving people the skills they need to respect themselves. As a teacher, I will encourage my students to take on challenges and really find out who they are. Also, I want to be the person who genuinely loves what I do and instills a passion in my students.
Taking the Initiative to Lead
Reflecting on this lesson, I tend to be a person that really takes initiative to lead. Throughout the lesson I learned that sometimes it is good to lead and sometimes it is good to follow. A leader must be hardworking and committed, while also motivating others. A leader should be passionate about what they are doing and should be able to give time to lead. I tend to say "yes" and take intiative to lead anything and everything. This year I have realized that it is okay to say no and be a follower sometimes too. If I am leading something, I need to be able to give one-hundred percent. I feel most confident to lead when I know I have a good support system behind me and it is something familiar to me. It is important to be a follower when I know someone else has a better skill set for whatever he/she is leading.I will continue in my career and life, to be both a follower and a leader.
Connecting with Others
Connecting with others is a crucial part of my future career and my life as an educator. It is important to make connections with my students, their families, and my co-workers. I think that the best way to connect with people is to find a common interest and really be a good listener when meeting new people. It is important to remember something about someone and take a genuine interest in them to make meaningful connections. Through this lesson and self reflection, I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I am fairly good at connecting with others, but sometimes I hold myself back. When meeting someone new, I tend to be kind of shy and quiet. In order to truly connect with others, I need to step outside my comfort zone. Once I do this, I do a fairly good job of connecting with people. A big part of connecting with others is taking the time to do so. I think so often we rush through life and forget to take the time to connect with people in our lives.
Team Building
In order to have a successful team, every member must first share one common goal. Everyone must share a common passion and must be willing to work hard together, while knowing their own role within the team. Everyone must be willing to compromise and communicate in order to be successful. Some qualities of an effective team leader include that they are good at delegation and figuring out what every team members strengths are. A good team leader must be open minded and good at making and maintaining relationships with team members. An effective team leader must also be able to keep a good rapport within the team. Through this lesson, I learned a lot about my team building skills that I already possess and also some that I need to work on. I think that I am flexible and dependable. I am also hardworking and motivated to get things done. I have the ability to motivate others, which is a big part of being a team leader. A skill that I need to work on as a team leader is my ability to let others do their part. Sometimes I have trouble letting others do their part because I just want to do it all. This is something that I will definitely have to work on as far as building my own team.
Personal Reflection
As I have been reflecting on my goals, beliefs, and future, I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned that it is important to think about my future, but still live in the present. I am on my way to becoming a young professional in the field of education. I am ready to take on new challenges and really see the world from a new perspective. When thinking about my future, I have learned that it is important to keep an open mind, because although I have some plans, I really never know where my future may take me. I am excited to take on new things within my career and life. When reflecting, I have though of some ways that I can improve for the future. First, I can be more confident within myself. Although for the most part I seem confident, I am the type of person who worries a lot and I just need more confidence in myself. Secondly, I think I need to take more time to self-reflect and be present in the moment. This year, I really have learned myself as a person and a young professional.