I would rate my own self-image as very strong. I respect myself very much and work hard and always try to be humble. When I become discouraged or fail at something, I remember my good values and that I am worthy and infinitely loved.
How would people describe you when they first meet you?
Other people would say that I am easy to get along with, gentle, and optimistic.
How would people describe you after they have known you for several years?
People I have known for several years would describe me as genuine, positive, and determined.
What do you think people who know you do not see?
People who know me do not see most of my inner beliefs, thoughts, and hopes until I have talked about them or expressed them through actions.
As a person, who do you want to become?
I want to become an individual that people can trust, look up to, seek advice and guidance from, feel comfortable around, and make every encounter with another person a chance to spread my faith through love and joy.
As a professional, who do you want to become?
As a professional, I want to be an excellent communicator, teacher, mentor who is honest, hardworking, and always does what is best for my students.
Is there anything holding you back from becoming the person and professional you want to become?
Something that would hold me back would be the hesitation to take risks.
Taking the Initiative to Lead
When situations arise that require someone to lead, do you tend to take the initiative and lead? Or do you prefer to follow?
I will take the lead if I know to some degree what the leadership position entails, and if I know I will able to do the job effectively and to the best of my ability.
In situations where you made the decision to lead, describe the factors you personally considered before you took the initiative to lead.
If I know I will be able to get the job done well, I know how much commitment the job takes.
In what type of situations do you feel most confident to take the initiative and lead?
When I am familiar with the people I am leading, when I already know what the goals are that I am leading the group in, when I know I can accomplish the role and all of the details that go along with it.
Describe the characteristics a person must possess before you would agree to follow him or her.
Must be able to encourage the heart of those they lead, must be a servant leader and have good values and the right intentions, must know and understand the purpose and his or her “why”, must lead by example, must be honest and genuine.
Name a person you would follow. Why would you follow this person?
I would follow my sister Elizabeth, because she embodies all of the characteristics I have listed above.
Connecting with Others
What do you believe are the best ways to connect with people?
Be kind, genuine, and engage in good conversation. Ask the other person about his or herself, actively listen to his or her response, offer to help, be respectful, professional, willing to reach out, connect with key people that have other good connections too, make encounters with other people purposeful and meaningful.
Are you good at connecting with others? Why or why not?
Yes, I love to talk with all people and finding out about their lives, I feel comfortable talking on the phone, emailing, and talking in person.
What is the major obstacle that prevents you from connecting with others more deeply?
I need to make more of an effort to give my time and listen to others more intentionally. I am also learning Spanish, so more practice would allow me to be more comfortable talking with non-English speakers.
Team Building Skills
What skills does a leader need to possess to get others to become an effective team?
Be able to encourage the heart and make them feel positive about themselves, gain their trust first, humility is important, but gratitude and a willingness to use the gifts that you have been given in a good way is important too, honesty, authenticity, drive, enthusiasm for the cause.
What are some of the characteristics of a successful organization that works as a team?
A clear idea of their goals and values, realistic goals, good intention and correct motive of every teammate, perseverance through difficult times.
What team building skills do you possess that would help a team become more effective?
Optimism, interpersonal skills, gumption to get things done and finish a project that has been started, adapting well with change and different types of people, showing empathy.
Personal Reflection
How much time do you spend thinking about what you believe, where you are going, and how you can improve yourself as a person or professional?
I try to spend about 30 minutes every day in silent reflection and prayer. This time allows me to organize my thoughts, realize how blessed I am, and puts me in a positive mindset for the rest of my day.
What is the major obstacle that prevents you from taking more time for personal and professional growth?
Schoolwork and work prevent me from taking more time for self-reflection. When we are so busy though, these are the times when self-reflection is the most important, so it is necessary to plan times specifically for this purpose.