Homework #2 (strengths)

My mother:
#1. What was I like in the first 5 years of my life?
You were very attached to me; shy. You wanted bedtime stories and a song, each and every night. You were inquisitive. You were always digging in something; the toilet, the garbage can, etc. And you would stand on your tippy-toes to see what was on the countertop or other high places to attempt to see those things even though it was almost impossible.

#2. What things did I love, what games did I like to play, what did you think was unique about me?
You loved to ride your bike and your Power Wheels (pink Corvette). You liked to dance and loved music. A unique gift of yours was that you learned to walk by 8 months and potty-trained by one year old. So, your developmental processes happened fairly early.

#3 What did you think I would become when I grew up?
I thought you would become a musician. You banged on every pot, pan, bucket, sink, or whatever you could. If a song was playing, you would pick out the most underlying, minute detail of the song and mimic it; parts that the average person wouldn't pay any attention.

Although the assignment was to only ask friends about my strengths, I decided to do a little more evaluating and soul searching and ask about my weaknesses also.
friend #1
strengths:
You are probably the most selfless person I know. You're very giving. You never give up on someone. No one has to ask and you are always willing to render your services and yourself, fully.
weaknesses:
You muster up your anger. You keep your personal issues i.e. family issues, bottled up inside when you really want to cry.

friend #2
strengths:
You are very determined, strategic, loyal, easy to talk to and sooo fun to be around.
weaknesses:
You're sort of hot-tempered. But, I wouldn't really call it a weakness because most of the people I know are what I would consider, hot-tempered. In fact, I'm a little hot-tempered myself.

friend #3
strengths:
You are highly motivated. You are determined to be great. And you're very educated.
weaknesses:
I think I'm going to have to saaaay....Math...lol. But honestly, you don't allow yourself to be vulnerable and open.

friend #4
strengths:
I think that you interact with other people. You are sooooooo a people person. And a good listener.....sometimes...lol
weaknesses:
If you have any, I can't think of any right now.

friend #5
strengths:
Hmmmmm....I think I would have to say your abnormally large head is your best strength! HEHEHE! But no seriously, I really like how you can talk to absolutely anyone and make them feel comfortable (if you want to...lol jkjk). You're an excellent people person and you're a good listener. You're a very strong woman and knowledgable and might I add, eloquent.

homework #1

1.) Why are you taking Leadership for Change?

Over the course of my first two years here at UIC, my plan for post-collegiate life has been quite ambiguous.  At first I wanted to be a Physical Therapist but after failing Earth and Environmental Science and nervousness of taking Chemistry because of my distaste for math, I decided that wasn't for me.  Then, I decided I wanted to be a teacher. Though I love children and still want to work with urban youth, I realized that I do not want to be in a classroom for 6 hours everyday. So, formal teaching is out also.   I have many gifts and feel I am talented in many areas, but I cannot decide exactly what I want to do with my life.  Hopefully, by the end of this semester, I will at least be a few steps closer to my purpose in life.

2.) What do you hope to get out of this course?

Aside from the aforementioned things,  I hope this course points me in the right direction of an interesting vocation, not just a job.  I hope this class gives me the tools and skills needed to gather all of my talents in order to form one giant ball of meaningful and productive creativity.

3) Who were you as a child?

As a child, I was a pretty average child in most aspects of life.  Although, I was a "tomboy" for most of my youth and still am today i.e. loved playing sports while the other girls jumped "double-dutch" and traded "gel pens."  This can probably be attributed to the fact that I was the only girl, growing up with 4 boys.  I would have to say that I lived through all of my senses.  I was very inquisitive.  I played with everything I could get my hands on or reach, no matter  how dirty: toilet paper and garbage straight from the can.  I watched and listened to my brothers and often times tried to mimic their words and actions.  I wanted to be just like them when I grew up, well....in most ways.  I loved karate and am still a studying martial artist today.  In fact, I dreamed that I would one day become a Power Ranger.  I am definitely still a kid at heart.  I am still very observant, love to play basketball, love teaching and studying karate, and still idolize both of my brothers aside from all vices they may possess.