MSLD 641_March 2019

Dear Melissa, Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished this year! With hard work, sacrifices, and support from friends and family; you are nearing degree-completion. Through several of your MSLD courses, you took intentional steps to think about your career. I know you said that your degree-pursuit was personal, and you aren’t thinking of next career steps; however, I notice that you are thinking about your next steps more intently. Since you know that your career will expand beyond your present organization, how are you going to accomplish your goals?   In your personal vision statement, you noted that you want to leader others as you merge your gift of music and speaking, with your passion to advocate for children. At first you were concerned that your gifts and passions were incompatible; however, through your Personal Vision assignment, you created a plan that merges all of these things. Still, what will it take to get where you want to go, and who will help you? I ...

Based on the responses completed on my Personal Balance Sheet, I was able to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses. A reflection of my assessment is outlined below:   My Distinctive Strengths I am a good communicator/speaker I work well with others Creativity Initiative Patience Flexible Quick-study Reliable Kind Generous Leader Organized My Liabilities Time management- My time management is inconsistent and I want to develop a habit of consistency. Because of my current work position, I am able to adjust my schedule as needed; however, there is still this part of me that underestimates the time it takes to accomplish things/arrive at places. Although I’m usually on time, I tend to rush. When rushing, my stress level increases and I run the risk of forgetting things. A lack of strong time-management could easily cause chaos as I take on more leader responsibilities, so I am constantly working on this. Controlling- If I am unwilling to release control, my...

Taking Stock Activities that allow me to grow in my faith, spend time with family and friends, and activities that allow me to create, are the most valuable activities to me. As far as work is concerned, I feel worth and purpose when I help others; I find worth in building relationships with students and colleagues, and I value the sense of accomplishment I feel when I learn something new, or overcome obstacles. In life, I currently enjoy doing things that make me feel alive; I feel alive when I am using my gifts, sharing my gifts, giving to others, nurturing important relationships, and creating in some artistic way. When I am at work, I enjoy my flexible schedule. Because of my flexible work schedule, I feel like I get more accomplished and I feel liberated. I love working with people that I consider family, not just work associates. I love helping students; I love watching students grow, and I love serving them in a way that leaves them pleased and appreciative. Although wor...