The Beginning

The first real week of being a QUEST 2 student is over. And as I look and read over the familiar professional attributes, it becomes more apparent how necessary all of these characteristics are in working in a school and simply working with fellow students. I have a different view of these attributes because its taking these qualities and placing them in a real scenario. These attributes can make you or really break you. And even before looking at them, I know the many I need to improve on. One of the attributes I would consider one of my weaknesses to "Organization". Over the course of my school years, I really think I've improved. Comparing high school to present day college years, I went from memorizing assignments in my head to buying and writing in a planner. The thing I need to work on now is to be a consistent and more organized "planner user". I feel like one of the cool, organized girls whenever I pull out my planner. But looking at it, it looks like a big mess! I have scribbles and incoherent writing all over. And the worst part is that I forget to even look back at my planner! I do well with memorizing dates and deadlines, but that does not help when I lose track of what the date is! I know that this all ties in with organization and this is a huge thing I need to work on. But I also know that this is something I am getting better at. I realize that I need more discipline as well as simplicity as I plan.

Another weakness of mine is "Flexibility". I think I am an easy going person, but I have not grown confident enough in myself as a teacher to trust my instinct consistently. At times I feel so confident, thus willing to be more flexible and willing to adjustments. However, I am presently struggling with taking better ownership for my role as a teacher. I want to be confident in myself and trust my gut enough to be more willing and open to what may come. Thinking of a classroom full of twenty or so first graders reminds me how vital this attribute is!

Finally, I think my biggest weakness would be "Attendance and Punctuality". My trouble has to do with the latter. Preparing to come into QUEST 2, my biggest worry was being able to wake up on time. I am not a morning person- but I definitely want to be! I know this is my biggest weakness and I realize this is something I have to take a more active role in. I'm not sure why this is such a challenge for me. I do know that being on time is something I have always struggled with. But being in this program requires and forces me to get up early- which is great! I really am hoping this is the training and the push I need to become more disciplined in this area. I see how something as simple as being on time can affect me in a good way (getting class information, not getting behind) and how it can also affect me in a bad way (being behind and even lost in class). The quality of being late is not something I want to bring into my teaching career so I am really hoping that being punctual is something I can master this semester.

Thankfully, there are some qualities that I feel I am strong in. I feel that my personality is friendly and positive and I feel this makes "Demeanor". I may not know everyone, but I think my personality helps me to be more open and friendly to others. I also feel that "Cooperation" and "Patience" are two other attributes that are my strong points. I enjoy working and learning with others and I am open to others' ideas. Cooperation is great especially in times of group projects or working in groups during methods classes. Cooperation is needed to work together to bring out the potential of the group. At times, personalities may cause conflict, but that is where patience plays a huge role. The QUEST program is all about Collaboration and I have been blessed to have difficult group mates as well as very cooperative ones. The times in which the groups have been more difficult, I needed to practice my patience. It is not always easy and I do give in, (especially in times of stress) but I am realizing from here in the beginning think it is so important to not let the stress make you into a mess! Practicing patience can make all the difference and this is a strength that I do not want to lose, and definitely would love to improve more on!

I am curious and excited to see how the semester unfolds. I wonder if these attributes will remain my vices and if the others remain my strengths, or perhaps they will switch! I do know that I have many things to work on.