Journal 4: Brainstorming
I believe it takes time to develop a professional version of one’s self. I started this in 8th grade when I started speaking to adults more and noticed that if I carried myself in a certain way, I got a different response. At that age, I think it shows you are trustworthy and mature if that’s what you display to those around you. I practiced this professionalism by modeling after my sister who is 4 years older than me. I realized that other professionals would be more flexible when you present yourself with confidence and grace. I practiced that confidence by participating in things like public speaking, leadership positions, and sports teams. Over the years I’ve found that if you walk the walk, the talking part will follow and things will fall into place. But I’ve also learned that it’s okay to take a step back and say “I don’t know” or “I need help”. The ever-growing process of professionalism doesn’t always come easy; sometimes I’ve had to explain something to adults who don’t understand or vice versa. Not knowing something isn’t a weakness but being unwilling to learn and adapt to better educate yourself is. Sometimes the best way to be professional is to listen, think, then add in your opinions.
First version:
In the modern day, technology is used in every aspect of our lives. It’s used as a form of communication to engage with educators, coworkers, and professionals. So you’d think that talking on the phone, sending an email, or having a conversation wouldn’t be an issue, especially with my generation; after all this is how we’ve grown up. Well, you’d be wrong; I can’t express the amount of times where I’ve been shaking while the phone rings or rereading an email at nausium. A part of me blames technology because it holds our hand through these professional milestones. So, as I take a step back from the screen, I wonder how I can further my professionalism without the aid of technology.
I believe it takes time to develop a professional version of yourself. For example, I had to advocate for my 5o4 rights as an elementary student. Because I struggled with test taking, I was supposed to get certain accommodations like a separate test-taking area or extra time. Yet at the age of nine, I was denied these legal requirements by my teacher. At that age, I didn’t know to advocate for myself, let alone talk back to an adult. But now I know the importance of speaking up for myself even in a professional setting when you are seen as inexperienced. From this point forward, I started establishing a relationship with my teachers. I built trust and respect so I’d have a chance if I ever had to advocate for myself. In my final year of middle school, when I…
started speaking to adults more
I carried myself in a certain way, I got a different response.
Now, let’s take a moment and go down memory lane. I can recall being told that “I’m almost an adult and to start acting like one” for the longest time. But how do professionals expect us to be adults if they still see us as children? It’s a difficult line to balance yet I am fortunate enough to practice my professionalism by modeling after my older sister. By watching her interact with others at research symposiums, award nights, and more, I realized that professionals might be more flexible when you present themselves with confidence and connection. I practiced my confidence by participating in things like public speaking, leadership positions, and sports teams….
Then talk about putting myself out there to round my experiences.
….Over the years I’ve found that if you walk the walk, the talking part will follow and things will fall into place. But I’ve also learned that it’s okay to take a step back and say “I don’t know” or “I need help” even in a professional setting.
The ever-growing process of professionalism doesn’t always come easy; sometimes I’ve had to explain things to adults who don’t understand or vice versa. Not knowing something isn’t a weakness but being unwilling to learn and adapt to better yourself is. Sometimes the best way to be professional is to listen, think, then add in your thoughts.
Journal 7: After first peer review/Advice
I found the dry dry run for peer review useful. I also found that practicing helped to alleviate some nerves about the final speech because some of my classmates have already heard my essay. I found that most suggestions given to me were similar and I should consistently work on the same things. For my advice, I noticed that everyone had strong statements made in their speech that held a lot of gravity. I told my peers to take a moment after and let what was said settle, to give the audience time to think. Also adding character and tone will help keep the speech alive and engaging. I thought this was good advice because I do this and it helps me. Furthermore, if they let their tone flow freely they may feel more comfortable as they talk through their speech. Some advice I received consisted of slowing down, more eye contact, and making it clear that it is a speech on professionalism earlier. Although I’m comfortable speaking, sometimes I rush through what I’m saying so it was nice to be reminded to slow down. Also adding eye contact will help make my presentation more impactful. The previous class was beneficial in improving my speech.
Dry Run Video: Not in class.
Journal 9:
I’ve noticed many of the topics Anne Cuddy talked about in her Ted Talk are noticeable in social settings. When she talked about how our bodies can change our minds, it reminded me of the impression I give off when I sit down in a room. People notice right away if you fold your arms and legs or spread them out; your body language can even make you less approachable. Later on, when she stated that women tend to do this more than men it made sense. Even with people, I’m comfortable around, I still choose to sit in a closed-off manner. Cuddy reminded me to take up space and look confident because then I will feel confident. I also enjoyed the new version of fake it will you become it. It means to keep going until you are what you didn’t think you could be. The Lone Wolf Speech makes me more nervous as I get closer to the presentation. but I’m trying to remember everyone gets anxious or feels like they can’t do something. I enjoyed this video and it reminded me to adjust the way I do thinks so I can feel more successful and prepared for the day.
Journal 10:
I found the practice speeches with my peers useful. It was nice to be given advice in an unprofessional setting, I found it easier to be open to suggestions. Overall, I found the process difficult to keep up with. Writing the essay was normal but I felt overwhelmed with the other assignments. There were a lot of sub-assignments to keep track so next time I’m going to organize myself. I can make lists of what’s due and when which will make me less stressed and manage class better. When it came to other speeches, I enjoyed the humor that was incorporated. Not only did I feel better when it was my turn but it was noticeable that it make the speaker feel better too. As each person finished their speech, you could see the relief they felt that it was over. When we were asked how we felt afterward, everyone had similar answers and it was nice to know we all felt the same. Knowing everyone was also nervous made me feel better because I wouldn’t be judged if I messed up, we were all in the same boat. I know next time I will be better prepared for that project because I’ll have an idea of what to expect and how to structure my time.
Point of Action:
Where I first went wrong was when I didn’t ask for help. I got confused and let this project get away from me instead of checking if I was doing the right thing. Organizing myself will help me in every aspect of my life.
I plan to spend extra time going over the weekly schedule and outlining the due dates and setting visual reminders. I’ve grown distant with my planner and recently feel scrambled in my academics. I don’t like this feeling and I’m disappointed in myself knowing I’m not doing anything about this. I want to put good work into this class because it’s engaging and I care about it. Making a color-coded list is a great way for me to organize myself and set limits. I can separate Tuseday due dates and Friday dates to keep on schedule. I am going to work on setting a time limit for myself; I’ve found I sit and work for hours at a time and then burn myself out. If I dedicate a certain amount of time throughout the day and week, I can keep myself from bruning out and maintain my work load. I also found Office Hours helpful which is something I’ve been brushing off. I want to work on being comfortable with the one-on-one explanation. Making a list of questions will be helpful for me so I can get total clarification. This whole college thing is a learning curve and it’s okay to be confused and steer off course. But it’s not okay to not be confused and not do anything about it especially when it’s just a few clicks and an email away. I want to set myself straight for the rest of the year which means I have to balance my work, social life, and dow-time. I’m willing to put in the work and am confident I can move forward from here.
