Communication is an essential part of our everyday life, or so I have been told. Over and over I have heard about how communication is a huge part of our lives, but no one has really showed me how it affects our lives. Lauren and McKaila did a great job of showing how communication can affect everyday interactions and how it will affect us as peer mentors next year.
One huge part of communication is listening. This part of communication has always come hard to me. I love to talk and what I used to do is use the time when other people are talking to prepare what I was going to say next. I honestly didn't care what I had to say because I thought that what I was going to say was more valuable. Last summer I was one of 8 leaders chosen to be in charge of a summer camp that I have worked at since my junior year in high school. One of our main tasks was to help mentor some people in our groups that we were in charge of. That summer I realized the value of listening and the major role that it plays in mentoring someone.
Along with working at that summer camp is something that I talked about during class. At camp we were sharing the Gospel with the campers, the greatest news they would ever hear. But sometimes it felt like they weren't listening to what we were saying. Something that our head director once told us is that, "They won't care what you know, until they know that you care." This applies to us as peer mentors for the next year. The first year students won't care about our experiences, advice, or other things we have to offer, until they know that we truly care about them.
Sam,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog this week! I think it's awesome that you were able to identify that listening was your weakness and realize the importance of it. My problem is actually the complete opposite of yours. I sometimes struggle with the talking part of communication as I'm not a very vocal person. I like to listen and when put in large groups I usually only talk if spoken to first. This is something I need to work on and I hope to get practice through the Hixson program.
See you in class,
Makayla
I also sometimes struggle with the listening part of communication. I have learned through my job how annoying it can be when you talk and no one listens. I now focus on listening to others when they talk. I think the statement your head director told you is great!
ReplyDeleteI too struggle with the listening aspect of communication as well because I talk soo much, but I really do work a lot harder on that specific area of communication as well. I love that quote and will keep it in mind for future references!! Thanks for sharing! :)
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