Balance has definitely been one of my most difficult struggles throughout my collegiate career. For some reason, I always seem to work on extremes. Freshman year I was extremely social. Sophomore year I was extremely isolated. Junior year I was extremely disengaged. And this year I have extreme case of Senioritis. Well, kind of. The craziest part is how many things I've tried to get balance. Freshman year was probably the year that I was most balanced, primarily because I was around people who did the same. I would socialize and meet people during the day, spend time with roommates during the evening and then do homework collaboratively at night. I got my work done and got the best grades of my career, while assuming leadership roles, and improving personally. I have used Google calendar, a planner, a wall calendar, post-it notes, writing on my hands, posting notices on my walls, phone/text reminders, and sheer memorization. My remaining organized I am more capable of committing time to different activities. I try to balance my time amongst things that I value most- family & friends, health, academics, self-improvement/spirituality, and fun!
I definitely believe balance is possible. The way we spend our time is a good way to evaluate our values. By doing things that make you happy, I think balance can be achieved. I think a self-assessment would be helpful to re-establishing balance in my life. Proactivity would give me the time that I need to try new things and to spend on areas of my life that have been ignored. One day, balance will be mine!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Exploring the Other: A Cultural Exchange
This is by far one of the coolest blog prompts that we've been given so far. For this cultural exchange assignment, I was paired with Mariam Hussain, a Muslim. So, I took her to a church service at New Birth Christian Ministries and she invited me to Fast-A-Thon.I love new experiences and Fast-A-Thon was definitely one. First thing, I fasted all day. So, I didn't eat or drink anything from when I went to sleep until 5:30pm. That wasn't that bad, but it was still kind of tough, especially since I had a lunch meeting and couldn't eat. The actual event took place at the Performance Hall of the Union on Tuesday and was focused on raising awareness and support for those suffering in the tumult in Syria. The event was hosted by Unicef and the Muslim Student Association. Several students presented spoken word pieces. The keynote speaker gave a thorough presentation on the background and current situation in Syria, which was quite helpful for me. I learned that 36,000 people have died, including women, children, and civilians. The Syrians are greatly lacking in resources to care for the refugees's needs such as medical equipment and food. The regime of Bashar Assad has been brutal evident in the torturing and killing of celebrities, children, and any opposition.
Besides learning about the conflict, I also had the chance to sample Middle Eastern cuisine courtesy of Lavash Cafe. It was very good but a little spicy! I was able to observe some of the Muslim attendees perform one of their daily prayers. I never knew the men prayed separated from the women. I met some cool folks and learned a lot.
Besides learning about the conflict, I also had the chance to sample Middle Eastern cuisine courtesy of Lavash Cafe. It was very good but a little spicy! I was able to observe some of the Muslim attendees perform one of their daily prayers. I never knew the men prayed separated from the women. I met some cool folks and learned a lot.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Sharing My Personality Profile
In my opinion, companies look for individuals who know what they can bring to the table and how they can contribute to the company's mission. Thus, having an employee with a heightened sense of self-awareness would only be a bonus! Companies and HR pay for leadership development and self-assessment programs all the time, and so sharing with an interviewer that I've already taken these assessments could put me a head of the curve!
Interviews can be intimidating, especially when potential employers or others seem to expect insightful and Earth-shattering answers. But, as has been reiterated numerous times, preparation is key. Since interviewers often ask about one's strengths and weaknesses, why not use a formal assessment to answer the question? Thus, I see no harm in mentioning that I have had the opportunity to take a series of personality assessments through BLF that provide a deeper look into my being. My results showed that I have a preference for the ENTJ type (Extraversion-Intuiting-Thinking-Judging). This means I focus on the world around me, take in infromation and discern patterns, make decisions logically and analytically, and like to plan and keep things organized. I think these are very useful traits to share with an interviewer because they show that I can think deeply and work efficiently. Another cool thing that I would share about my results is that I was balanced in most of the categories, since each section basically scaled you between two traits. This shows that I have a balance of the opposing traits and can get along with most personality types. I also consider things and situations from multiple perspective.
Interviews can be intimidating, especially when potential employers or others seem to expect insightful and Earth-shattering answers. But, as has been reiterated numerous times, preparation is key. Since interviewers often ask about one's strengths and weaknesses, why not use a formal assessment to answer the question? Thus, I see no harm in mentioning that I have had the opportunity to take a series of personality assessments through BLF that provide a deeper look into my being. My results showed that I have a preference for the ENTJ type (Extraversion-Intuiting-Thinking-Judging). This means I focus on the world around me, take in infromation and discern patterns, make decisions logically and analytically, and like to plan and keep things organized. I think these are very useful traits to share with an interviewer because they show that I can think deeply and work efficiently. Another cool thing that I would share about my results is that I was balanced in most of the categories, since each section basically scaled you between two traits. This shows that I have a balance of the opposing traits and can get along with most personality types. I also consider things and situations from multiple perspective.
When sharing this with an interviewer, I would focus on the idea that I can get along with people well and work well on teams. I would keep the conversation professional, but might bring up some of the more individualized traits of ENTJ's, such as impatience, apparent apathy, heavily influential, and apparent lack of compassion for others. But, the MBTI results provide some strong strengths, such as "decisive, clear and assertive, good at correcting illogical or inefficient procedures, action-oriented and strategic, etc." This fits especially well within the engineering industry.
It's a bit refreshing reviewing these results, and I think I've even changed a bit- for the better. Adios.
-Ernesto
Monday, August 27, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Desired Learnings
I believe that having a vision of what one looks to accomplish or receive from an experience better prepares one to receive those desired outcomes. I'm looking forward to working towards all of the objectives. I just need to stay on the ball and keep things moving.
I apologize for any difficulty understanding my response due to background noises. Thought I'd just play with a change in scenery. Enjoy :D
-Ernesto
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Shoot for the Moon
I'm not sure I ever fully understood the whole Shoot for the Moon quote, considering that floating among the stars wouldn't be particularly ideal. I mean, you would run out of oxygen and you can't steer yourself. Anyways, here's this week's blog response. Enjoy.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
And So It Begins..
I must say, this vlogging thing sounds like a really cool idea!
I'm definitely looking forward to having more exciting things to say!
I'm definitely looking forward to having more exciting things to say!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Lessons Learned
We truly never stop learning. And some things have to be learned over and over again before they finally stick. Well, this quarter has been quite interesting, to say the least. I'm constantly trying to figure out how to live my life, and well, it's still a work in progress. Here are some of the things that I've picked up related to the BLF Winter Quarter/Continuous Challenge:
Lesson #1: Balance is Key
Basically, last quarter, I spent way too much time on the Endless Wave Challenge, in that it detracted from my ability to get my school work done. It's not like I didn't have time to get school work done, I just wasn't working smart. For example, I work best in the middle of the night (1am-5am), early afternoon (1pm-4pm), and late morning (8am-10am). I would use time between classes for the challenge instead of using my prime study hours for studying.Thus, I told myself I wouldn't do that anymore.
So, this quarter, I have flipped the coin over and have actually neglected a great part of my duties to the challenge because I told myself I wouldn't use peak hours for extracurricular activities. I guess it's my passive aggressive way of saying I'm not very good at managing my time. What have I learned? I need to plan out my time better. I need to plan out the month, the week, and the day with tasks to be accomplished and hard deadlines so that I don't keep procrastinating and neglecting some areas for others. I've made progress in that I use a planner, Google calendar, a dry erase month and week calendar in my room, and use post-it notes to remind of things to do. What else is there to do?
Lesson #2: Consistency is Imperative
At the beginning of most projects or endeavors, I feel inspired and start fantasizing about the infinite possibilities that can be achieved with hard work, optimism, and strategy. However, it never fails that this enthusiasm wanes and I find myself struggling to stay interested. Not going to lie, I thought the challenge was really cool when it was first presented because I thought that we could literally do anything we wanted. However, after the initial excitement dissipated, I found myself thinking "what now?" I now realize that if I am to remain consistent throughout the duration of a project, I must set up milestones of achievement (in other words, plan better), so that I don't get tripped up by the first hurdle. I find myself thinking about the finish line without thinking about the intervening obstacles and I end up getting knocked off the horse quite easily. Not good. Still working on a solution for fixing this.
Lesson #3: Establish Expectations
During this challenge, I've found myself much more focused on school work and other extracurricular activities and failed to communicate this with the other fellows. Thus, after seeing me heavily involved last quarter, some have come to question my level of involvement. I really should have communicated that this is one of the heaviest quarters for me since I'm taking 3 major classes and 2 of the hardest classes I've ever faced. Not to say others aren't taking hard classes. But, I'm not everyone else and this load is a challenge. Basically, I need to ration out my time better to my various obligations and let people know what to expect so that we can better understand each other and work together.
Reflection. Complete. Enacting Changes. Pending...
That's all folks.
Lesson #1: Balance is Key
Basically, last quarter, I spent way too much time on the Endless Wave Challenge, in that it detracted from my ability to get my school work done. It's not like I didn't have time to get school work done, I just wasn't working smart. For example, I work best in the middle of the night (1am-5am), early afternoon (1pm-4pm), and late morning (8am-10am). I would use time between classes for the challenge instead of using my prime study hours for studying.Thus, I told myself I wouldn't do that anymore.
So, this quarter, I have flipped the coin over and have actually neglected a great part of my duties to the challenge because I told myself I wouldn't use peak hours for extracurricular activities. I guess it's my passive aggressive way of saying I'm not very good at managing my time. What have I learned? I need to plan out my time better. I need to plan out the month, the week, and the day with tasks to be accomplished and hard deadlines so that I don't keep procrastinating and neglecting some areas for others. I've made progress in that I use a planner, Google calendar, a dry erase month and week calendar in my room, and use post-it notes to remind of things to do. What else is there to do?
Lesson #2: Consistency is Imperative
At the beginning of most projects or endeavors, I feel inspired and start fantasizing about the infinite possibilities that can be achieved with hard work, optimism, and strategy. However, it never fails that this enthusiasm wanes and I find myself struggling to stay interested. Not going to lie, I thought the challenge was really cool when it was first presented because I thought that we could literally do anything we wanted. However, after the initial excitement dissipated, I found myself thinking "what now?" I now realize that if I am to remain consistent throughout the duration of a project, I must set up milestones of achievement (in other words, plan better), so that I don't get tripped up by the first hurdle. I find myself thinking about the finish line without thinking about the intervening obstacles and I end up getting knocked off the horse quite easily. Not good. Still working on a solution for fixing this.
Lesson #3: Establish Expectations
During this challenge, I've found myself much more focused on school work and other extracurricular activities and failed to communicate this with the other fellows. Thus, after seeing me heavily involved last quarter, some have come to question my level of involvement. I really should have communicated that this is one of the heaviest quarters for me since I'm taking 3 major classes and 2 of the hardest classes I've ever faced. Not to say others aren't taking hard classes. But, I'm not everyone else and this load is a challenge. Basically, I need to ration out my time better to my various obligations and let people know what to expect so that we can better understand each other and work together.
Reflection. Complete. Enacting Changes. Pending...
That's all folks.
Monday, February 13, 2012
My Cooking Dance
Having no idea what to expect, I was quite pleasantly surprised by the nature of our most recent adventure. Well, that's not exactly true. Considering the fact that we were to meet in the Instructional Kitchen, I figured we would be cooking. And I love food, so I was ready to go. I think it was cool that we incorporated our families and friends into this challenge, because not only did we have a chance to kick it with our people, but the families also had the opportunity to get a first-hand view of what the program is all about. They were able to meet with the BLF staff and fellows, participate in a challenge, and enjoy one of the new features of the Ohio Union. This challenge presented us with the opportunity to be creative, to work under time constraints, to work with new people, to work in a new environment, to confront ambiguity, and to have a good time.
I took a back-seat role during this challenge since I'm not exactly the bomb.com in the kitchen. So, I tried to help however I could. I had invited a friend to accompany me during the challenge and she enjoyed herself as well. Roles didn't change much since I was acting pretty goofy the whole time (but still making contributions!). I even got a blood blister from going so hard while stirring the risotto. But the funny thing is, I didn't even notice until I was finished since I was having too much fun. If you haven't already, make your way to YouTube and learn the Cooking Dance. I won't provide a link since it may not be all that appropriate. Just know that I was hitting my cooking dance in the kitchen. :)
My team worked pretty well together. We set up mini-time goals (e.g. "With 6 minutes left, we'll plate the food"). Otherwise, we started planning what we were going to make, and just took off. Sometimes, people (me) would find themselves with nothing to do since everyone was just running around but it was definitely organized chaos. Since Ms. Pacelli was the only non-Ohio State person on our team, we all listened to her. But, we all contributed to the planning and she gave us plenty of room to provide input. There was a natural hierarchy established, which might have been different if it had just been fellows. The hardest part about this challenge was trying to make the dishes awesome with the time we had. We were excited about getting everything moving that we lost track of time. For instance, we cooked the chicken at 400 degrees for 12 minutes instead of 325-350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Even I thought 400 degrees was a bit odd, since chicken was really all I cooked when I lived in an apartment last summer during my internship. The easiest part of the challenge was coming up with our menu. Ideas just seemed to pop out of nowhere.
Regarding competencies, I exercised teamwork skills, dependability, and creativity/innovation. Basically, I had tasks to perform, and I did them....BAM! Team work and dependability. Then, I used a container to smash the pretzels...POW! Innovation.
Overall, the event was pretty cool and chill. I think it would be cool if the event was held again in the future, since people were able to be creative and have fun in a low-pressure competitive environment. However! Next time, everyone should make enough food for everyone to sample, because I really wanted some of what the other teams made, like bread pudding. Yum! But the food that I did taste, was pleasing to the palate.
*Radio noise* Over.
I took a back-seat role during this challenge since I'm not exactly the bomb.com in the kitchen. So, I tried to help however I could. I had invited a friend to accompany me during the challenge and she enjoyed herself as well. Roles didn't change much since I was acting pretty goofy the whole time (but still making contributions!). I even got a blood blister from going so hard while stirring the risotto. But the funny thing is, I didn't even notice until I was finished since I was having too much fun. If you haven't already, make your way to YouTube and learn the Cooking Dance. I won't provide a link since it may not be all that appropriate. Just know that I was hitting my cooking dance in the kitchen. :)
My team worked pretty well together. We set up mini-time goals (e.g. "With 6 minutes left, we'll plate the food"). Otherwise, we started planning what we were going to make, and just took off. Sometimes, people (me) would find themselves with nothing to do since everyone was just running around but it was definitely organized chaos. Since Ms. Pacelli was the only non-Ohio State person on our team, we all listened to her. But, we all contributed to the planning and she gave us plenty of room to provide input. There was a natural hierarchy established, which might have been different if it had just been fellows. The hardest part about this challenge was trying to make the dishes awesome with the time we had. We were excited about getting everything moving that we lost track of time. For instance, we cooked the chicken at 400 degrees for 12 minutes instead of 325-350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Even I thought 400 degrees was a bit odd, since chicken was really all I cooked when I lived in an apartment last summer during my internship. The easiest part of the challenge was coming up with our menu. Ideas just seemed to pop out of nowhere.
Regarding competencies, I exercised teamwork skills, dependability, and creativity/innovation. Basically, I had tasks to perform, and I did them....BAM! Team work and dependability. Then, I used a container to smash the pretzels...POW! Innovation.
Overall, the event was pretty cool and chill. I think it would be cool if the event was held again in the future, since people were able to be creative and have fun in a low-pressure competitive environment. However! Next time, everyone should make enough food for everyone to sample, because I really wanted some of what the other teams made, like bread pudding. Yum! But the food that I did taste, was pleasing to the palate.
*Radio noise* Over.
Monday, February 6, 2012
A Little Time to Think
Firstly, I enjoy the essence of this prompt. Many people have heard me say that our generation as a whole isn't well versed in the art of free thinking. We think when we have to but seldom take the time to reflect on our lives unless something drastic takes place. However, it is a bit odd being forced to do so, to dive into the depths of my mind to uncover or rediscover some hidden truth. But I'll give it a go...
So, I had a conversation with Mr. Edward Pauline, and he challenged me by asking why I do the things I do. What's the purpose of this activity or affiliation with that group. WHY!? That's such a stimulating and unnerving word. Why? (see what I did there?) Because, we have to face the truth. YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH! Or can you? I must admit, this prompt has started the reflective gears in motion, because the thought that just came to mind is: I do things because I can, not necessarily because I should. I have an insatiable craving for more- more involvement, more work, more fun, more development, more influence, more distinction, more achievement...more stress, more procrastination, more disappointment. It's baffling to say the least. And thus we find ourselves at this week's prompt: What do I do every day?
Recently, I feel like life has just been a drag; I go day to day on auto-pilot, putting mediocre effort into the 60,000 things that I tell myself I must do. And thus I find myself content, but not happy. Then I start thinking about what I'm passionate about, and what I want to do in life, and what legacy I'll leave behind, and...more dramatic stuff. I find that I do a lot of the things I do because I don't like passing up opportunities, and so I make excuses to do so by overwhelming myself. It's a bit of a paradox. One of the most disturbing things that I discovered recently is that I indeed CANNOT do everything. My performance has evolved into a Zero-Sum situation, in which attending to one area of my life means neglecting another. There's a word for this ailment that might be of assistance...I think the word is...BALANCE. Yes, that's it. One day, balance will be in my life, but until then, let me tell you about my day:
So, I had a conversation with Mr. Edward Pauline, and he challenged me by asking why I do the things I do. What's the purpose of this activity or affiliation with that group. WHY!? That's such a stimulating and unnerving word. Why? (see what I did there?) Because, we have to face the truth. YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH! Or can you? I must admit, this prompt has started the reflective gears in motion, because the thought that just came to mind is: I do things because I can, not necessarily because I should. I have an insatiable craving for more- more involvement, more work, more fun, more development, more influence, more distinction, more achievement...more stress, more procrastination, more disappointment. It's baffling to say the least. And thus we find ourselves at this week's prompt: What do I do every day?
Recently, I feel like life has just been a drag; I go day to day on auto-pilot, putting mediocre effort into the 60,000 things that I tell myself I must do. And thus I find myself content, but not happy. Then I start thinking about what I'm passionate about, and what I want to do in life, and what legacy I'll leave behind, and...more dramatic stuff. I find that I do a lot of the things I do because I don't like passing up opportunities, and so I make excuses to do so by overwhelming myself. It's a bit of a paradox. One of the most disturbing things that I discovered recently is that I indeed CANNOT do everything. My performance has evolved into a Zero-Sum situation, in which attending to one area of my life means neglecting another. There's a word for this ailment that might be of assistance...I think the word is...BALANCE. Yes, that's it. One day, balance will be in my life, but until then, let me tell you about my day:
- I try to wake up around 6AM to work out or find some trivial excuse to go back to sleep. This ends up making me sleepy for the rest of the day, thus inhibiting my performance in class and evening commitments. But, I have always heard that successful people wake up at the crack of dawn to conquer the world, so shouldn't I as well? I also consider myself a morning person, so this kind of makes sense, except the part about being a zombie for the rest of the day. If I'm not working out, I normally straighten my room, watch the news, get breakfast, and get dressed for class.
- I managed to set up my schedule so that my classes start in the early afternoon, leaving me plenty of time to NAP, right after I wake up. Doesn't make sense right? That's what I was thinking. In a nutshell, I waste a lot of time. On days that I'm feeling motivated, I may read my Bible, read a book, answer emails, or even crack open a textbook; but, those days are rare.
- Then, I go to my classes, where I have no clue what's going on because I wasted so much time, thus keeping me from being prepared for class. I'm trying to figure out a way to deal with this issue.
- After sleeping/dragging myself/not paying attention during class, I have the afternoon free in which I normally occupy myself by doing something that doesn't really matter (Urgent but Not Important for those of you into those Leadership books). I then go to organizational meetings.
- My extracurricular involvement is one of my defining features. I am pretty well-known for being super involved, though I don't consider myself to be so. It is what it is. If I have free time, I feel like I'm not doing enough. I do too much but not enough. Interesting!
- Then I grab lunch/dinner/snackage, head to my room where I may take another nap or work on some last minute assignment. Then I attempt to study but end up just falling asleep.
Some of my days are much more upbeat, positive, and productive but in my current mood, the aforementioned description seems typical.
I need to get back to recreational reading, because that always lifts my spirits and gets me back on track when I'm feeling in the dumps. But, if I have time to read for fun, shouldn't I be doing some more productive? Hmm...
Speaking of recreational reading, whenever I'm reading motivational or educational books, I normally type up quotes that speak to me at the time. Here are some of my favorite passages from Crucibles of Leadership.
- Integrity is about knowing what you stand for- possessing a strong moral compass- and having the courage of your convictions; it is a process of self-knowledge that provides a core identity and a spine that remains strong even when circumstances demand that you adapt. Integrity is what keeps the leader from becoming a hollow dissembler or a leaf in the wind. At this point in my life, I have established a strong identity. Now, all I have to do is get my actions better aligned with my character.
- Qualities of outstanding leaders:
- Adaptive capacity
o Resilienceo Creativityo Openness to new experience and a willingness to learno Acute observational skill· Engaging others through shared meaningo Deep sense of purpose and focuso Self-awareness and emotional intelligenceo Obsessive and skilled communicationo Comfort with dissent: Sometimes I'm bothered by people who always want to settle conflicts, like they're afraid of disagreements. I say let people argue until they start to repeat themselves, rephrase what's been said, and then find a happy medium.· Integrityo Clear values and voiceo Balance among ambition, technique, moral compasso Able to work with value conflictso Knowledge of when to lead and how to follow” p.8-9
- …you only learn when your fear or learning is surpassed by your fear of the consequences of not learning… Once I get to this point, watch out, because I might just take over the world. :)
- …outstanding performers often seek out the best available teachers- even when, to the rest of us, it appears that they are at the peak of their game or their profession.”
- But if you don’t have time to practice, it’s hard to imagine how you can improve your performance. There can only be one solution: when you don’t have time to practice and yet you seek to improve your performance, you have to learn how to practice while you perform.
- Even when we have an admirable personal goal planted firmly in our minds, the specter of mind-numbing repetition without a sip from the victory cup can shrivel that vision in seconds flat.” I guess this is suggesting that we need some kind of reward system, some prize for accomplishing goals. But, if you don't know what you're passionate about, how can you reward yourself?
- Life isn’t a train ride where you choose your destination, pay your fare and settle back for a nap. It’s a cycle ride over uncertain terrain, with you in the driver’s seat, constantly correcting your balance and determining the direction of progress. It’s difficult, sometimes profoundly painful. But it’s better than napping through life.”
- High-impact moves are actions you can take that will have a disproportionately positive effect on your development as a leader. How can you know what those are? Interestingly, intuition is not a bad place to start, because, to paraphrase Ed Schein, most leaders know what they need to do and what they are doing wrong. They just need a reason to think it through and commit to doing something about it. Of course, intuition and self-reflection are generally not enough, and there’s real benefit to be had from external, even clinical, judgment. I need some external, critical judgment.
Now, how do I get that feeling back!?
What's something that I haven't thought about in a long time...this is a tough one....
The question: Why am I the way that I am? (That was about as deep as a kiddie pool)
Why #1: I am the manifestation of the culmination of my life's experiences, growth, and tribulations.
Why #2: I have grown into the kind of person who thinks about 90% of the things that take place in my life, either before or after something happens.
Why #3: I think because I feel a need to learn and reflect upon each situation.
Why #4: I feel like there's some kind of lesson to be learned, and by thinking I can avoid making mistakes.
Why #5: I want to avoid making mistakes because of my fear of failure.
Why #6: If I fail, I might not be good enough.
Why #7: (Why does failing mean you're not good enough?) I'm not sure. Until next time!
Peace.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Embracing the Canvas
Creativity is key to expressing the individual characteristics that make us unique. Creativity allows people to see the true expanse of our minds. Naturally, creativity is very important. Where would we be if everyone did the same thing over and over again. How many people like broken records? Right, didn't think so. Creativity leads to innovation which leads to improvements in society.
To be completely honest, I would say that the BLF Autumn Quarter challenge presented me with numerous opportunities to be creative. Our group dynamics stimulated play at every one of our meetings. And this ability to let go and let our minds flow led to a great finished product. There were no BAD ideas (well, some were dismissed), and we were able to feed off of each other's proposals. I can genuinely say that I enjoyed our meetings because not only did we tap into our creative potential, but we also made progress and had fun simultaneously.
Going into Friday's workshop at the Columbus Museum of Art, I was deeply immersed in the belief that I was absolutely in no way creative. I don't consider myself artistic in any capacity (except origami), and I'm not generally the person suggesting snappy catchphrases for programs or cool designs for advertisements. I say this because much of my time is consumed by my involvement with student organizations. I also always saw brainstorming and creativity as forced processes that are only practiced for the sake of meeting an end. But, through the activity, my perspective shifted in that I now understand that I CAN have fun while doing work. I find myself constantly separating work from play, which is probably a reason that work/studying seems like such a chore. But, if I can focus on what I enjoy, then maybe, just maybe, I might find more pleasure in my studies and my endeavors. I also enjoyed the collaborative aspect of the activity. I could NEVER have come up with something so abstract and entertaining as my group did if I was flying solo. I have recently challenged myself to learn how to bring out the best in people, and through the activity I recognized that sometimes it's good to just sit back and watch things unfold. One of the most significant things that I gained from the workshop was that I am indeed creative through my elaboration abilities. I elaborate. I enhance. I make things better. I do have something to contribute to idea generation in that I employ my analytical abilities to determine how to make good ideas great- well, that's the goal.
I'm not quite sure if I have figured out how to carry this over into my daily life. I keep myself constantly busy and don't make much time to have fun. So, maybe having more fun while doing work will make life a little brighter. Who knows? I definitely enjoy everything I do, but it's more like it's my duty rather than my passion. One day, I'll find it.
I think the workshop and subsequent dialogue will allow the Fellows to be more receptive of others contributions. Everyone has different roles, but everyone has something to bring to the table. I hope to apply my newly awakened creative abilities to my role on the Marketing Committee during this year's challenge. Again, I'll focus on my elaboration tendencies and we'll see if my creativity capacity expands. Since I had fun during the workshop, maybe I'll have some fun being creative in other ways too.
Since I'm still WORKING on being creative, I have no idea what an autobiography would say. It would probably be blank since I'm the kind of person who doesn't take bite size pieces of big projects. I just wait until the end. Then, I can see how all the parts are interconnected, how this influenced that, and why things are the way they are. The chapter would probably say something about how I was born on December 10, 1990 in Killeen, TX at Ft. Hood Army Base. End of Chapter 1. :)
Roger That.
To be completely honest, I would say that the BLF Autumn Quarter challenge presented me with numerous opportunities to be creative. Our group dynamics stimulated play at every one of our meetings. And this ability to let go and let our minds flow led to a great finished product. There were no BAD ideas (well, some were dismissed), and we were able to feed off of each other's proposals. I can genuinely say that I enjoyed our meetings because not only did we tap into our creative potential, but we also made progress and had fun simultaneously.
Going into Friday's workshop at the Columbus Museum of Art, I was deeply immersed in the belief that I was absolutely in no way creative. I don't consider myself artistic in any capacity (except origami), and I'm not generally the person suggesting snappy catchphrases for programs or cool designs for advertisements. I say this because much of my time is consumed by my involvement with student organizations. I also always saw brainstorming and creativity as forced processes that are only practiced for the sake of meeting an end. But, through the activity, my perspective shifted in that I now understand that I CAN have fun while doing work. I find myself constantly separating work from play, which is probably a reason that work/studying seems like such a chore. But, if I can focus on what I enjoy, then maybe, just maybe, I might find more pleasure in my studies and my endeavors. I also enjoyed the collaborative aspect of the activity. I could NEVER have come up with something so abstract and entertaining as my group did if I was flying solo. I have recently challenged myself to learn how to bring out the best in people, and through the activity I recognized that sometimes it's good to just sit back and watch things unfold. One of the most significant things that I gained from the workshop was that I am indeed creative through my elaboration abilities. I elaborate. I enhance. I make things better. I do have something to contribute to idea generation in that I employ my analytical abilities to determine how to make good ideas great- well, that's the goal.
I'm not quite sure if I have figured out how to carry this over into my daily life. I keep myself constantly busy and don't make much time to have fun. So, maybe having more fun while doing work will make life a little brighter. Who knows? I definitely enjoy everything I do, but it's more like it's my duty rather than my passion. One day, I'll find it.
I think the workshop and subsequent dialogue will allow the Fellows to be more receptive of others contributions. Everyone has different roles, but everyone has something to bring to the table. I hope to apply my newly awakened creative abilities to my role on the Marketing Committee during this year's challenge. Again, I'll focus on my elaboration tendencies and we'll see if my creativity capacity expands. Since I had fun during the workshop, maybe I'll have some fun being creative in other ways too.
Since I'm still WORKING on being creative, I have no idea what an autobiography would say. It would probably be blank since I'm the kind of person who doesn't take bite size pieces of big projects. I just wait until the end. Then, I can see how all the parts are interconnected, how this influenced that, and why things are the way they are. The chapter would probably say something about how I was born on December 10, 1990 in Killeen, TX at Ft. Hood Army Base. End of Chapter 1. :)
Roger That.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Gun Show is "That Way": Displaying Strengths
Well, according to StrengthsQuest, I possess the following strengths: Learner, Individualization, Intellection, Achiever, and Deliberative. I feel as if my group will agree when I say that I used my deliberative nature the most during the challenge. Basically, I think about EVERYTHING way too much. It's almost a handicap, really. I remember writing emails to send to companies and student organizations and I burned SO much time re-reading and re-reading, and yup, re-reading. I got some pretty good feedback from one teammate about how meticulous I was being, and how it was indeed slowing our progress. However, I learned to channel these painstaking tendencies towards good. I drafted template emails to distribute to various organizations and entities, and this allowed me to have more time to devote to other aspects of our initiative. Other manifestations of my deliberate nature were our group discussions, in which I would often sit back and listen, contemplating, and only speak up when I had something to say- well, most of the time. Sometimes, I wouldn't stop talking. :) Otherwise, I tried to focus on planning, but, you know what? Things don't always go your way. Preparation is key, but it's important to be both proactive and to react appropriately.
I would say Deliberation is one of my most commanding strengths since it's the most observable. Everyone and their mother is an Achiever in SOME form or fashion (we can debate this if you'd like). But deliberation, makes me different, so I have come to conclude. Basically, I do everything on purpose (well, most things), and I try to forsee the outcome of my decisions. This has stimulated my development and has augmented my perception. I like the sound of being "deliberate", instead of wandering. Not everyone lives his or her life this way, but it works for me. It works especially well in situations which demand a balance of spontaneity and order. Meetings always got the creative juices flowing, but sometimes we lose track of time and of ourselves, getting immersed in the land of possibilities and fantasy. That's my cue to be like "so what's the point?" or "what are we really trying to say/do?" Purpose is the key. It's much easier to get somewhere if you know where you're going. So, I try to make sure people keep their eyes on the prize. I would say this trait serves me well, because my opinion is sometimes solicited whenever groups sense that we are "wandering", and they ask me to help get back on track. It's kind of cool. Everyone, everything, and every act has a purpose, so I try to draw out the meaning and go with it. I think my team liked the fact that I didn't waste much effort. Everything had a purpose, despite the outcome.
All these leadership books keep telling us to make inventories of our strengths. That feels weird to me. I feel like other people are better at observing our strengths. Oh well. Let's see, what am I good at? I think I'm good at making people feel comfortable, even when I make them feel weird. Basically, since people sense that I'm okay with awkwardness, I can basically do anything I want and it works, because they know it's okay. Now, I have my boundaries and I have integrity, so let's not get carried away with the "anything" part. I have been known to say some pretty off-the-wall things in my day, but now I'm more comfortable and other people can sense that. I think I'm good at challenging people. Too often we become satisfied with progress and lose sight of potential. I always challenge people to be better- the same approach that I use for myself. However, I have downplayed this in recent times, since I can come across a little controversial and contentious at times.Hmm. I think I'm also good at calling things like they are. On a personal note, everyone says I'm too hard on myself, but I just call it like it is. IT IS WHAT IT IS. And no amount of self-persuasion or delusion will change that. Objectivity. There it is. Only thing is, logic directs my sails, and sometimes logic changes based on the day. So, that objectivity has a disclaimer.
Of the aforementioned skills, I would say that this challenge offers a unique opportunity for me to challenge people- the way they think, the way they act, and the way they are. Through our group discussions, we have dug up some issues that need to be addressed. I like challenging people to go beyond the obvious and to tap into the core of their being to discover the reasons they hold certain views on the world. Only then can we change; only then can we grow; and only then can we make a difference. Basically, if people are open to being challenged, then I'll do it. I'm not afraid to offend people ("I ain't scurred) for the sake of progress. Remember, everything needs to have a purpose.
I'm doing a lot of talking, and could definitely use some feedback. How do I like my feedback? Thanks for asking. I prefer mine well-done. No juiciness, or tenderness. Just gritty, tough, and to the point. Be prepared for me to get mad and to shrink into my little defensive shell. But just know that I weigh all opinions equally, at first, and will consider the feedback being offered. But, one of my favorite questions is Why, or should I say How So? I don't expect a whole, you suck because of this. No, no. If you take the time to understand the situation, then I will be more willing to accept and act upon criticism. Seek to understand, and then to be understood. -Mr. Covey
Well, that's all I got folks. I think I'm getting a better grasp of this whole blog thing. Stream of consciousness (which is probably why this blog is so long and why I'm still typing.) Anyways, be well.
Ernesto, out.
I would say Deliberation is one of my most commanding strengths since it's the most observable. Everyone and their mother is an Achiever in SOME form or fashion (we can debate this if you'd like). But deliberation, makes me different, so I have come to conclude. Basically, I do everything on purpose (well, most things), and I try to forsee the outcome of my decisions. This has stimulated my development and has augmented my perception. I like the sound of being "deliberate", instead of wandering. Not everyone lives his or her life this way, but it works for me. It works especially well in situations which demand a balance of spontaneity and order. Meetings always got the creative juices flowing, but sometimes we lose track of time and of ourselves, getting immersed in the land of possibilities and fantasy. That's my cue to be like "so what's the point?" or "what are we really trying to say/do?" Purpose is the key. It's much easier to get somewhere if you know where you're going. So, I try to make sure people keep their eyes on the prize. I would say this trait serves me well, because my opinion is sometimes solicited whenever groups sense that we are "wandering", and they ask me to help get back on track. It's kind of cool. Everyone, everything, and every act has a purpose, so I try to draw out the meaning and go with it. I think my team liked the fact that I didn't waste much effort. Everything had a purpose, despite the outcome.
All these leadership books keep telling us to make inventories of our strengths. That feels weird to me. I feel like other people are better at observing our strengths. Oh well. Let's see, what am I good at? I think I'm good at making people feel comfortable, even when I make them feel weird. Basically, since people sense that I'm okay with awkwardness, I can basically do anything I want and it works, because they know it's okay. Now, I have my boundaries and I have integrity, so let's not get carried away with the "anything" part. I have been known to say some pretty off-the-wall things in my day, but now I'm more comfortable and other people can sense that. I think I'm good at challenging people. Too often we become satisfied with progress and lose sight of potential. I always challenge people to be better- the same approach that I use for myself. However, I have downplayed this in recent times, since I can come across a little controversial and contentious at times.Hmm. I think I'm also good at calling things like they are. On a personal note, everyone says I'm too hard on myself, but I just call it like it is. IT IS WHAT IT IS. And no amount of self-persuasion or delusion will change that. Objectivity. There it is. Only thing is, logic directs my sails, and sometimes logic changes based on the day. So, that objectivity has a disclaimer.
Of the aforementioned skills, I would say that this challenge offers a unique opportunity for me to challenge people- the way they think, the way they act, and the way they are. Through our group discussions, we have dug up some issues that need to be addressed. I like challenging people to go beyond the obvious and to tap into the core of their being to discover the reasons they hold certain views on the world. Only then can we change; only then can we grow; and only then can we make a difference. Basically, if people are open to being challenged, then I'll do it. I'm not afraid to offend people ("I ain't scurred) for the sake of progress. Remember, everything needs to have a purpose.
I'm doing a lot of talking, and could definitely use some feedback. How do I like my feedback? Thanks for asking. I prefer mine well-done. No juiciness, or tenderness. Just gritty, tough, and to the point. Be prepared for me to get mad and to shrink into my little defensive shell. But just know that I weigh all opinions equally, at first, and will consider the feedback being offered. But, one of my favorite questions is Why, or should I say How So? I don't expect a whole, you suck because of this. No, no. If you take the time to understand the situation, then I will be more willing to accept and act upon criticism. Seek to understand, and then to be understood. -Mr. Covey
Well, that's all I got folks. I think I'm getting a better grasp of this whole blog thing. Stream of consciousness (which is probably why this blog is so long and why I'm still typing.) Anyways, be well.
Ernesto, out.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Big Kahuna
When I first heard that we would be planning a Leadership Conference, I was slightly disappointed since I thought we would be doing something that had never been done before. Then, my excitement began to build because we can make this conference into anything we want; it can be fun, informative, and stimulating. And, since we know what we like, it will be easier to provide invited students with a memorable and educational experience. I'm anxious to see what kind of ideas the group comes up with. I also wasn't sure how I felt about working with a group of 19 people, but then I realized that this is one of the real-world components since we will indeed have to collaborate with large groups of people for long periods of time in our careers.
The only things that I'm nervous about are losing momentum, inefficient communication, and skewed divisions or responsibilities. As usual, everyone seems excited about starting the planning of the conference and we had a successful first meeting, but I'm interested to see how long this enthusiasm lasts, especially when we are faced with exams, internships, research, and other activities. With such a large group, we will have to implement a robust and effective communication system so that everyone can stay informed without inundating everyone with slightly relevant information. I am confident that we have enough trained leaders in the group to fabricate or utilize a good system. I'm also curious to see how the division of responsibility will take place and how people will handle the different levels of duty. Hopefully, people will step into roles that allow them to perform at a level consistent with their strengths, opportunity areas, availability, and commitment.
I hope we continue to demonstrate our creativity and leadership by creating a conference that ACTUALLY makes a difference and conveys innovation. I hope we can actually appeal to the non-traditionally involved students so that they may too be better equipped with the skills to accelerate them in their careers and professions. I hope that everyone remains focused on the goals, maintains a purposeful and professional demeanor, and continues to stay respectful of others opinions and characteristics.
I plan to contribute as much as I can to the conference planning without compromising my academics and other activities. I hope to challenge myself and to improve my teamwork skills. I expect to help with the maintenance of order during meetings and to summon the creative energy that exists within each person. I expect that this challenge with increase our interactions with alumni and hopefully our influence and reputation on campus.
I think this challenge will call upon us to exhibit all of the 14 competencies in some capacity, since over the course of the year, situations will undoubtedly emerge that will call upon us to either display or improve our skills in the established competencies.
Until next time, adios.
The only things that I'm nervous about are losing momentum, inefficient communication, and skewed divisions or responsibilities. As usual, everyone seems excited about starting the planning of the conference and we had a successful first meeting, but I'm interested to see how long this enthusiasm lasts, especially when we are faced with exams, internships, research, and other activities. With such a large group, we will have to implement a robust and effective communication system so that everyone can stay informed without inundating everyone with slightly relevant information. I am confident that we have enough trained leaders in the group to fabricate or utilize a good system. I'm also curious to see how the division of responsibility will take place and how people will handle the different levels of duty. Hopefully, people will step into roles that allow them to perform at a level consistent with their strengths, opportunity areas, availability, and commitment.
I hope we continue to demonstrate our creativity and leadership by creating a conference that ACTUALLY makes a difference and conveys innovation. I hope we can actually appeal to the non-traditionally involved students so that they may too be better equipped with the skills to accelerate them in their careers and professions. I hope that everyone remains focused on the goals, maintains a purposeful and professional demeanor, and continues to stay respectful of others opinions and characteristics.
I plan to contribute as much as I can to the conference planning without compromising my academics and other activities. I hope to challenge myself and to improve my teamwork skills. I expect to help with the maintenance of order during meetings and to summon the creative energy that exists within each person. I expect that this challenge with increase our interactions with alumni and hopefully our influence and reputation on campus.
I think this challenge will call upon us to exhibit all of the 14 competencies in some capacity, since over the course of the year, situations will undoubtedly emerge that will call upon us to either display or improve our skills in the established competencies.
Until next time, adios.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
New Goal
Goal 4: Figure out how to publish BLF blog instead of saving as a draft. Ugh. I guess mistakes are meant to be made at least once...
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A Step in the Right Direction
My time spent with the Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program has truly been a blessing. From the numerous learning experiences to the fun memories to the immense insight gained, this has truly been a remarkable experience thus far. I initially had no idea what to expect of this program- and I'm glad I didn't. I was able to enter the quarter and accept the challenges with an open-mind and enthusiasm. One of the things that I most appreciate about the program is that I have been taken out of my comfort zone on several occasions and forced to act. These have been great exercises for me and have shown me new behaviors, thoughts, and aspects of myself.
I also had the privilege of delving into the core of my being by working with other talented, driven, and creative leaders. I was truly humbled not only by being accepted into the program but also by working alongside some of the best and the brightest that Ohio State has to offer.Working with these students taught me a lot about team dynamics and division of responsibility. Initially, we ran into issues with communication in that we would overwhelm each other with emails, since we wanted to keep everyone abreast of our efforts and to solicit feedback. This inundation of information caused us to miss key information. To alleviate this issue, we attempted to do daily updates, but this quickly fell through due to the laborious nature of the task. Eventually, we divided responsibilities and this improved our communication since we would only need to contact others individually if his or her duties merged with those of a teammate. Thus, we had excessive communication at first, but this was quickly improved and our correspondences become much more efficient.
I am pleased that my group began the challenge by forming a vision not only for our tangible goals but also for what we hoped to gain from the experience, as well as the change we hoped to bring to the campus and to the lives of those cancer patients that our efforts would help. The nature of the challenge as well as the gifts and opportunities that we received empowered me and motivated me to put forth my best effort.I look forward to making a greater impact on the campus by paying it forward.
Going into the new quarter, my goals are focused on improving time management, balance and focus:
1. Set Goals- My performance increases dramatically when I set and achieve small and manageable goals for myself. These can be as small as making my bed everyday, and as large as discovering my purpose in life. My main goal for the quarter is to achieve a 4.0, without detracting from performance in other endeavors.
2. No Excuses- My main slogan for this quarter is to decrease the amount of excuses that I make for myself. I had long periods of reflection over the break and recognized that I am performing below my potential. My goal is to discover what it means to do my best. I fully expect to see drastic increases in my academic, extracurricular, social, financial, and personal aspirations.
3. Develop Network- One goal that I have for my involvement with the Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program is to improve my networking skills and to expand my professional network. I look forward to making my interactions with others more meaningful and to establishing relationships with mentors and professionals.
I am looking forward to a challenging and rewarding Winter Quarter!
I also had the privilege of delving into the core of my being by working with other talented, driven, and creative leaders. I was truly humbled not only by being accepted into the program but also by working alongside some of the best and the brightest that Ohio State has to offer.Working with these students taught me a lot about team dynamics and division of responsibility. Initially, we ran into issues with communication in that we would overwhelm each other with emails, since we wanted to keep everyone abreast of our efforts and to solicit feedback. This inundation of information caused us to miss key information. To alleviate this issue, we attempted to do daily updates, but this quickly fell through due to the laborious nature of the task. Eventually, we divided responsibilities and this improved our communication since we would only need to contact others individually if his or her duties merged with those of a teammate. Thus, we had excessive communication at first, but this was quickly improved and our correspondences become much more efficient.
I am pleased that my group began the challenge by forming a vision not only for our tangible goals but also for what we hoped to gain from the experience, as well as the change we hoped to bring to the campus and to the lives of those cancer patients that our efforts would help. The nature of the challenge as well as the gifts and opportunities that we received empowered me and motivated me to put forth my best effort.I look forward to making a greater impact on the campus by paying it forward.
Going into the new quarter, my goals are focused on improving time management, balance and focus:
1. Set Goals- My performance increases dramatically when I set and achieve small and manageable goals for myself. These can be as small as making my bed everyday, and as large as discovering my purpose in life. My main goal for the quarter is to achieve a 4.0, without detracting from performance in other endeavors.
2. No Excuses- My main slogan for this quarter is to decrease the amount of excuses that I make for myself. I had long periods of reflection over the break and recognized that I am performing below my potential. My goal is to discover what it means to do my best. I fully expect to see drastic increases in my academic, extracurricular, social, financial, and personal aspirations.
3. Develop Network- One goal that I have for my involvement with the Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program is to improve my networking skills and to expand my professional network. I look forward to making my interactions with others more meaningful and to establishing relationships with mentors and professionals.
I am looking forward to a challenging and rewarding Winter Quarter!
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