What have I learned?

For my last reflection I'd like to look back on the class and how I've learned how to facilitate and how I have grown: I think the amount of knowledge I've gained from this class has been amazing. I really didn’t think in the beginning I'd have the opportunity to use the techniques from the book and what you had spoken of during lectures because my title is not "facilitator". I think I have had a misconception about exactly what facilitation & leadership was. Now that I have a better understanding of what a facilitator does; I have found many times to use the knowledge I've gained with the classes I teach and even with my advisees at Career and Academic Planning.

The first opportunity I had to facilitate this year was within the first 3 weeks of class. I had the opportunity of teaching international students how to set smart goals. I learned to set up the talks in a circle so that it could foster a safe environment and spark conversation between the cohorts of students. Since they were all international it was important they felt safe with each other and that they were learning from each other. This allowed them to become close so that after the class was over they could still learn from each other and support each other. I also facilitated many conversations with them in smaller groups to find out what their struggles were in moving to America. To let them know that they are a group that needs to be there for each other and that they can best understand one another. I think the most important thing I've learned is to let them talk and let them get out their feelings with one another and their experiences, rather than talking about me or too much about myself. At first I felt I was always speaking because I didn’t give them the chance. Once I shut up they would just flow with ideas, thoughts, feelings and their emotions. It was great to see that these sessions I set up were helping them.

The next opportunity was with the CEOs, and I must say the difference between my first facilitation and the facilitation with the CEOs was huge! You were there to view it and see how I’ve learned to facilitate and although I thought I might be nervous I wasn’t, I felt comfortable and having Jess and Carrie as a support was great. Although, I still did not speak up as much as I had wanted and thought I was, I felt that I really had grown from that experience. I really feel in this class by allowing myself to mess up during class and to watch my peers and learn from their mistakes, I’ve grown significantly. Watching their distracting habits and what they make mistakes on to try and learn not to do them myself. I've learned that I need to make my voice louder when I speak. To work with others, to be welcoming and understanding to members in a group, to try to let groups work out their issues, to stay neutral, that I'm not perfect, I make mistakes and that it is okay to make mistakes. I feel learning all this has allowed me to grow and that I will continue to grow as I have more opportunities to use the techniques.