reflection #3

I really learned a lot this class; thank you for gearing the lessons to be interactive, interesting, and applicable. The exercise of having someone try and convince us all to stand was a creative and unique way to drive home a powerful lesson. The level of diplomacy and interpersonal skills we possess will only help us if we consciously exercise our ability to utilize them. We all know the theory behind a lot of this - making others feel appreciated, allowing for communal decision-making, taking other's opinions into account, etc. However, all of that takes conscious effort - even when Rachel gave us such logical reasons of why it would benefit us to stand up, we would not, since all these suggestions were coming solely from her; it was only until she asked us, "what would I have to do to make you stand up?" that we did. Rachel, you did a fantastic job, and I commend you for volunteering even when you had no idea what you were getting yourself into. That takes guts! Thank you for playing such an important role in helping to teach me a lesson I will not soon forget...