Self-ImageSelf-image is the way a person sees, thinks, and feels about oneself. Overall, I would say I have a positive self-image although self-doubt often gets in the way. When first meeting me, I come off as shy and reserved, but I am very friendly and outgoing once you get to know me. Just this year alone, I have come out of my shell quite a bit and felt my confidence grow. Continuing this growth and minimizing my self-doubt will improve my self-image and help me become a better educator.
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Taking the Initiative to LeadChoosing to stay in the Emerging Leaders Academy has really helped develop my leadership skills. I have always been a hard worker, but I typically prefer to follow and do my part behind the scenes. Making the decision to lead a service project last year turned out to be a great experience. I learned a lot about myself and what it takes to be a leader. Although I feel most comfortable leading younger students, I discovered that having a strong work ethic, being able to delegate, and having good communication skills allows me to be an effective leader in a variety of settings.
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Connecting with OthersForming strong, positive relations with others is so important, especially in an educational setting. Once again, my shy personality can get in the way when I am making new connections, but I believe taking the time to genuinely listen and care what others are saying helps form a much deeper connection. Forming these deeper connections also requires time, and I do not always have enough time in the day. However, in every school or professional setting I am in, I tend to find a small group of people that makes the time for each other and our connection grows from there.
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Team Building SkillsFor any team to be effective, it is important to first have a strong leader. Some qualities that make up a good leader include being responsible, trustworthy, motivated, and having a positive attitude. However, the rest of the group needs to work together as a team to combine their skills in order to find success. A few skills group members should have is good communication, supportive of one another, and evenly sharing the responsibilities. The skills I possess that make me a good leader or group member include being trustworthy, responsible, motivated, and understanding. As an AVID tutor, coach, and taking more leadership roles in ELA, I have had opportunities to practice these skills and help pass them on to younger students.
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Personal ReflectionTaking the time for self-reflection is important for both professional and personal growth. I have always spent a lot of time thinking about my future and where I want to go next. While I had a general idea in mind, the experiences I had this year gave me a much more realistic picture of where I want to go and what I want to accomplish in my life. Reflecting on past experiences can also help me learn from my mistakes and what I did well. Unfortunately, one of my biggest drawbacks is my tendency to overthink and dwell on my mistakes. Being so critical of myself hinders my personal and professional growth, but I am actively working to be a more positive person in order to help professional and leadership skills thrive.
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