In order to communicate efficently, no matter what form of communication it may be, it is neccesary to express empathy and understanding of those who you are trying to reach. It is sometimes hard for me to realize that others may not see things the way i see them.  I directly experience this challenge the most when i am disagree with someone. I truley takes me to stop my ways of thinking and try and look at things from a different percpective.
The existence of differing perspective may be hindering in some occasions, but it can also be benifical in ways as well. Since each person is unque in their ways of thinking this can lead to more diversty and growth.
When trying to communicate effectively one must recognize differing ways of thinking that are evident in certain cultures and communites. For example, an advocate against gay marrage can not confience a same sex couple that they can not adopt a child because it would hnder the child. The advocate does not recognize differing perspectives which effect his abilty to effectily do his job. Cultural competence is necessary when communicating with members of that community.

Week 8- Obstacles

It may seem contradicting to consider my loved ones to be my greatest obstacles, but they have a major influence in my life indirectly. Being able to spend time and staying connected with my friends in really important to me and my well being. This can be difficult for me at times because my life is alot more busier than theirs and my schedule is not free. My friends dont intentionally cause me regression, i feel like i just have so much more self motivation and drive then they do. These qualities are apart of who i am, and i know that i should not be ashamed of that, but sometimes i feel as if i am an outlier. I do just want to fit in and be apart of the crowed, but i also know that i must stay true to my self. This is a struggle for me and i hope that i can learn to find a happy medium.

week 7- My Life as a roller coaster

This sememster has gone by so quickly, and i must give my self praise for being able to keep up on my homework, as well as stay on track with the rest of my life. However, just recently i went through a crisis in my life, and this really had a drasitc effect not only on my school work, but every other aspect of my life as well.  This last week it was very difficult for me to be focused, or even have anytime to breath. Living though this experience during a very busy time of the year has taught me alot, and has allowed me to gain resilence. I have learned that living through any normal day is easier. Once a routine is established and time is managed, life is simple and doesnt require much strenght. Most people have no problem dealing with life day to day. However, it is the tragidies and tramas that we, as phycological beings, are faced with through out our lives that really affect our well beings and who we are as a person. It is these times and our reactions to them that really matter. It these crisis' that can either make us or break us, AND I WONT BE BROKEN!

Week 6

The Power of Silence may seem some what of an contradiciton when we think of working with  the oppressed, but sometime meaningful silences speaks louder then meaningless words. When i think of a significant time when this act of silence is practiced i think of a when a moment of silence if taken to respect fallen soldiers, or any other lives that have been lost. Silence can be seen as a source of strengh, for silence allows relection and deliberation. Silence is not the absence of strengh, but the ability to refect and comprehend ideologies and philosohpies. Silence is necessary to explores one spirituality, practice mindfulness, and self awareness. Silence allows one to obain a deeper understanding about who we are as a person. Effective communication requires silence, just as it requires words, for it allows a time to think about what it truly being communicated and what ones resonse should be.

Week 4

As i sit and reflect upon my educational journey so far i realize how close i am to obtaining my degree and entering the big,scary work world. I have been in school the majority of my life and it is hard to imagine my life with out it. Although I know i will always being learning something new each day, the institution of school will be gone and i will enter a new enviorment. This change is frightening to me. Facing change has always been a struggle. I don't have to much trouble adapting to it, but the thought of the unknown and not having complete control of my future is stressful for me. As i look out to find a career i fear that my young age, and even younger appearance, will hinder the first oppression my co workers, as well as my clients, have of me. With age comes wisdom, respect, and experience, and i fell that with out age i will struggle receiving these things. I still feel like a teenager trying to become and adult, but i must realize that i already am one. A young adult, yes, but an adult is what i am. I must remind my self that i may have not lived as long as life as some, but the life i have lived is full of knowledge, truth, growth, and experience. I have live a full life and as i get older i will only continue to become fuller.

Week #2

I feel as I get my degree and gain experience in the field I know that

I will end up witnessing vicarious trauma that will break my heart. I want to help children so I know that there will be many circumstances where I just want to remove a child from their horrible circumstances and take them home with me and protect them from the life they are living. As compassion fatigue affects me, I must practice healthy coping strategies and stress management. I must first and for most, not take work home with me and learn how to separate my personal life from work. I must learn my limits and except having to say no if my limits are being reached. I must stay optimistic and focus on the positive qualities of every situation. And the most important stress reducer for me to make sure I make time for fun and relaxation. Nothing is more important to my sanity than making sure I spend time with positive people who enhance my life and make me laugh. My role as of right now in my educational journey is that I'm trying to find my niche, so I am just along for the ride until I find it. I however, have to be willing to make the effort to find my calling. I feel as there are going to be many opportunities through out my journey with this program that I will be ready to take the wheel by the end. The culture of learning for this DL community is all about reflection and learning from others experiences. My contribution to this culture with be by sharing my thoughts honestly, and with the best intentions of gaining all the experience that I can.

Humboldt is my home and always will be so this is why I am here for school. As i move on from  my general education to just studing just my major it is still hard to grasp the fact that my life is moving so quickly. I still feel as if im eightteen and just graduated high school. Although i just turned 21, I feel as if my age does not demonstarte my understanding of life. My self motivation and independence has always allowed me to accomplish my goals and achieve my dreams. Even though I believe that myself as a person  is constantly growing and changing, I must admit i am proud of the person I am becoming.