my first blog ever

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel when I think about all the help and support you all have given me throughout the course. You have pushed me to improve my communication skills and be a better communicator, as well as a better person. I could not have gotten through the course without any of you. You all are amazing colleagues and I am glad I got to know and work with you. I wish you all continued success in your future courses at Walden! Thank you again for all that you have done for me! I greatly appreciate it! Warmest Regards, Trisha

One special group that I participated in was back in high school during my senior year. I had the opportunity to go on a retreat which lasted five days and four nights. While at the retreat, we were separated into groups with a team leader and with people who went to school with each other but maybe not really got to know each other well. Over our time there, we got to know and trust each other and had the best time, not just as part of a small group but also as a whole. Prior to us leaving the retreat, we had the chance to celebrate our experience and "say good-bye" to one another before going back to school and getting back to our "regular" lives.  It was sad to live because we knew that things would not be the same once we got back since most of us had different circles of friends. I believe once my colleagues and I adjourn from working on our master's degree together, it will be hard to say good-bye because we have learned so much from one another and enco...

     A few months ago, one of my colleagues, who also happens to be a good friend of mine, asked if I was going to be working during summer at the school's summer camp. At the time, I had no intentions of working the entire summer and had mentioned this to her. This was true until I was given the opportunity to be the summer camp director. Being a director is something that I always wanted to try and felt that this was the perfect way to reach my goal. However, when it was announced that I was going to be the director and taking on this new role, she did not take the news so well. (She actually was told in advance, before the other staff members, so that it wouldn't come as too much of a surprise.).  Afterwards, she was quiet and avoided talking to me. A few days later, I said something to her and asked how she felt about all of this. She expressed how she felt and  expressed how she was confused by my taking the job because I originally told her I wasn't going ...

When I was evaluating myself as a communicator, I knew I was not the kind of person who likes to speak in public, in particular in front of large groups. however, if I had to do it, I would. I mean, I would be nervous leading up to it, but I would get myself through it. I wondered if others knew this aspect about me too. Also, do I show my nervousness in my facial expressions or through body language? As I read through the details of my listening style profile, along with one of my friends who filled out the evaluation, I knew which category I would be in and so did she. We were both right. I knew I was more people-oriented than any other category because I am not on a time schedule like group 4 is, or detailed oriented as group 3 suggests. In addition, when it came to reviewing the rating scale for my verbal aggressiveness, I scored "moderate" on all three evaluations.  I admit there are a couple of times where I lost my cool, yet I felt I had good reason. If anyone were t...

photo credit: clipartix.com Do I find myself communicating differently with people from different groups or culture? The answer is simple. Yes, of course I communicate differently. Who doesn't? The way I communicate and the language I use varies depending on who I am talking to and where I am at. For example, the way I talk while at work or at a place where many are children are present is more reserved than when I am hanging out with friends and there are no children around. My language is different along with my mannerisms and tone. It is like I am two different people. Even within my own family, I watch what I say when I am around some of my more conservative aunts and uncles than I do my parents. Being aware of my surroundings is one way that helps me communicate effectively with others. My language is more toned down depending on where I am and who is around me. In addition, it helps to know or at least be familiar with some of the ideas or beliefs of the person/people I...

     When I think of a person who exhibits competent communication skills, I think of Michelle Obama, the first African-American First Lady of the United States. She exudes confidence and speaks with fluidity and positivity.  She has a way about her that commands attention and intrigue. Michelle Obama knows how to captivate an audience regardless of age.      If I could, I would model my communication behaviors after her. I get nervous when I have to speak in public or when I have to have a simple conversation with boss or someone in a supervising position. I would like to have her confidence and ability to find the right words. photo credit: forbes.com

Photo credit:  https://www.123rf.com/photo_103830740_stock-vector-tree-with-colorful-human-hands-together-community-team-concept-illustration-for-culture-diversity-na.html I have been working as an early childhood educator for twenty years now. It is hard to believe that it has been this long, yet I find it pretty rewarding to work with such a diverse group of children, families and coworkers. My hope is that I can continue doing what I am doing for a lot longer and to learn new ideas from the children and their families. I enjoy being with “my children” because they keep me on my toes and teach me new things almost every day, especially since they are all unique individuals. One goal I would like to set is that everyone in the early childhood field would treat all children and families with respect. I understand that this may be difficult to accomplish since we have conscious and unconscious biases towards our own and other groups. However, if we all make a conscious effor...