Reflections

 Hi everyone! I’m so happy and excited to be a part of this class. It was not an easy decision to return to university after 30 years. I’m finding it rewarding thanks to professors and students as such in this class. Professor Sinkoff has done a great job of engaging us in class, through the textbook and amongst each other. This class project was a reflection of that effort. 

She allowed certain individuals to ascertain leadership roles, of their own will and had them divide us into 3 groups. Once the groups were finalized we begun the team work. The project consisted of each team member putting a power point together regarding the content  assigned. The team leaders were communicative, organized, and helpful. It was a great start to a class I was apprehensive about taking.

The presentations took place over three class periods allowing each student to speak and explain their power points about the topics assigned. I enjoyed listening while watching the slides my classmates had put forth. They were all based on communication and the numerous different ways that it takes place. I listened to to the way that conflicts take shape in and out of relationships and the many ways we can develop these bonds. Also, intercultural relationships were represented and well versed. It has never been an easy subject but it is a difficult subject to tackle while  the current climate of the country is so divided. Group 1 did a great job in expressing the need for tolerance, empathy and many facets of culture and communication. 

I was lucky to be a part of group 2 and how communicating in groups is soo important. The word group can be family, school teams, work groups and many more. We listened to the discussions and learned that often there are conflicts in groups because of poor communication skills. Also, it was enlightening to learn that most healthy groups have ethical goals! Group 3 was last but closed the project with wonderful presentations. 

I am thankful to have been a part of this collaboration that helped me over come my fear of using new venues for communicating. The members of my group starting with the leader, Jessica, were all extremely helpful and reassuring. I was impressed with the oral skills and willingness to bring forth their best efforts to participate in this project. The slides were a great way to embellish the topics and helped the presenter put a visual picture of  what their intent was to the audience. I’m looking forward to the next project and a successful semester working alongside these young, interesting and intelligent students.