Legacy of Learning By Gina Avery Summer Qtr 2012 Professor Anne Blanchard

1. Legacy of LearningBy Gina AverySummer Qtr 2012Professor Anne Blanchard

2. How HSP - 301, 303, & 305 impacted my life. . . I only know as tomorrow arrives what life has in store for me. ~ I hope it's a new set of butterfly wings ~

3. HSP 301 ~ Loving & Belonging ~ “People who have worthiness have a strong sense of love and belonging” “Folks who struggle for it, folks who are always wondering if they are good enough”, These individuals lack a connection with others. Brene-Winter Qtr. Vulnerably: “The willingness to say I love you first”. The “Willingness to something or invest in a relationship where there are no guarantees”. Brene-Winter Qtr

4. “ The good must take care of the evil . . .” Hanh Learning through my self ~ • “If you are unable to take care of yourself how can you take care of anyone else?”Hanh Borders & ObstaclesAmy Purdy “I see obstacles as a way to gain new skills, innovation, knowledge, ideas, and creativity. Roadblocks are only what you make of them.”. You can choose to be held up in life by that roadblock or put in 4x4 and go around. G. Avery

5. Systems Theory Large Systems: Human Services Program Distance Learning* Professors, Library resources, ATUS, WWU resources (these make up the lager system vs. students)Small Systems:Online Community* Classmates/Friendships formed * Understanding – achieving same goal (HS Degree) * Support/Help – other students to lean on or ask for helpEverything within our small system makes us stronger therefore, Reinforcing the HSP - Distance Program.

6. Healthy Relationships – Communication HSP 303 • Honesty • Mutual trust • Understanding & Respect • Accept responsibility • Communicate effectively • No threats among each other • Empathy when others are in need • Respect each other’s opinions • Ability to accept constructive criticism • Forgiveness – if you’re wrong say you’re sorry! • Patience, Ability to listen, Supportive & Affirmation • Jennye & Gina When we practice healthy relationships ~ it increases our odds at success in life ~

7. HSP 303 Communication Connecting:takes us from the way many were raised as an independent (fending for yourself or thinking of only you - mode) to an Interdependent(relying on others) for help or support. Communication:is not about one individual. It’s about actual connection or relationship with others. Relationships can become stronger regardless of hurdles with applied effort. Expanding mode:shows adaptability with perceptions from all angles. During my Junior Core year, I have learned the importance of “Mindful Listening”. Mindful listening is harder than it sounds. In order to be successful, you must give another individual a chance to talk. This moment is not about you~ it’s about the person sitting in front of you. It is important that we never form fixed identities on an individual and see them for who they truly are.

8. HSP 305 Dialogue and trust go hand in hand. Dialogue depends on trust ~ Group Project ~ When working on projects as distance learning students it can leave you feeling more vulnerable. During my Junior Core year, I have learned to open up and trust those I literally can’t see. Use of online forums for communication has allowed an inner growth. I have gained knowledge in learning how to strengthen communication and dialogue . We must never form preconceived notions about those we don’t know. In an online community, I think it allows time to appreciate others for what they contribute to our learning as a whole. There are some individuals who are so materialistic they judge on how you look or dress. Group Projects – have provided an opportunity to gain trust amongst colleagues. Working in our Poverty group, shows how well we worked together to achieve an ultimate goal. I have a greater understanding of individual roles through Tuckman’s break down of categories.

9. Working through our own adversities enables us to open up, allowing us to be mindful of others~ • My core year provided several • Creative and insightful experiences. • The most memorable was meeting and working with Marla in HSP-325 (first quarter). We collaborated as a team discussing our topic, turning in our assignments and basically on everything from start to finish to complete our interview video. • Here we gained Interpersonal skills and overcame basic obstacles together dealing with our nervousness. Most of all keeping each other on track. Which formed a bound with someone I can communicate with. • Listed are just a few of the areas I gained skills and knowledge in: • Active Listening • Multiculturalism • Non-directive listening • Stages of interviewing • Open and closed questioning • Attentive and Authentic Body Language

10. I feel as if I have gained a whole new community of friends. Through online dialogue, I have found many commonalities between classmates. If the world only took time to listen to each other they may find this same connections with others instead of alienating each other. It can be as simple as the love for a dog, views and beliefs. ~ All we need to do is be “Mindful” of others ~

11. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak.  Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Winston Churchill In closing, I feel I have gained this inner growth, just from being a part of a community online. It has allowed me to open up as an individual and feel comfortable to share my life with others. We are an online community stemming from many diversities and the world is filled with copious conditions we have yet to hear, see, or read about. This inner growth has allowed me to grow with my eyes more open than ever. Not only seeing the world from another view but a different perspective in my self. My mom tells me, that I have grown so much since school. I don’t think this means I finally grew up? Just that I a see things in a new light and perspective.

12. References Hanh, T. N. (2009). You are here: Discovering the magic of the present moment. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, Inc. BreneBrown ~ The power of vulnerability: http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html Amy Purdy: Living beyond limits: http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_purdy_living_beyond_limits.html