I must say, life has been great so far after the Spring break; I am loving every single day as I continue to complete things in order. HOWEVER, something is definitely happening to the great friendship I had between my "clique" of friends; not all of them, but just between two of them.
I can't explain everything right here right now, but as a person who needs a good understanding of status quo, there is some kind of intangible, invisible wall between us. Like the miscommunication and misunderstanding crisis I had with that prefect friend in high school (I mentioned earlier), I am sure "letting it out" will help... spill our guts and simply talk to each other which I know will happen later tonight.
Saturday 5 April 2008
Thursday 27 March 2008
Great Awakening
Hello; to myself and to fellow leadership scholars.
On Monday of this week, after returning from a week long college Spring holiday, I had to prepare a presentation and a paper report due for my ORSC Leadership course. The paper's purpose was to seek other's perspective on "Leaders' key responsibilities."
While I was completing this paper, just like that quote in my university's visiting center room "Something happens here," for some reason, I just felt very focus and confident in what I was doing at the moment ever since I got back to school.
It could have been the content of the essay that made me think more about life, because in the paper I decribe the interviewees (who I interviewed) who influenced my life in many ways. But It could just be the resting and the mind-clearing break I had... which definitely one way or the other have affected my will-power somehow.
Anyways, I wasn't sure how I did on my presentation but I am very glad that I completed this assignment. And to summarize this sensation, my body, my soul, and my mind feels extremely healthy. Who knew just a short week could be such a milestone in my life?
On Monday of this week, after returning from a week long college Spring holiday, I had to prepare a presentation and a paper report due for my ORSC Leadership course. The paper's purpose was to seek other's perspective on "Leaders' key responsibilities."
While I was completing this paper, just like that quote in my university's visiting center room "Something happens here," for some reason, I just felt very focus and confident in what I was doing at the moment ever since I got back to school.
It could have been the content of the essay that made me think more about life, because in the paper I decribe the interviewees (who I interviewed) who influenced my life in many ways. But It could just be the resting and the mind-clearing break I had... which definitely one way or the other have affected my will-power somehow.
Anyways, I wasn't sure how I did on my presentation but I am very glad that I completed this assignment. And to summarize this sensation, my body, my soul, and my mind feels extremely healthy. Who knew just a short week could be such a milestone in my life?
Thursday 13 March 2008
Already Spring Break
I must admit, the last couple weeks of school has been on and off; and therefore this diary has not been updated in a while.
I promise to be back soon, and to have more concepts to be discussed.
(I wonder if anybody stops by and reads my blogs other than my Leadership professor...)
I promise to be back soon, and to have more concepts to be discussed.
(I wonder if anybody stops by and reads my blogs other than my Leadership professor...)
Saturday 23 February 2008
Question of the Week Feb. 18th
Thank god for a small break on Monday! and very happy birthday to America's first president George Washington on Friday!
For this week's question of the week, I thought I tackle other person's question and maybe answer it - the question was -
How can we learn to control our thoughts to lower the levels of immobilizing anxiety and stress that rob us of our energy and ability to focus and regain our productivity?!
I believe this question was asked by a lady who works at a law firm in DC, and I feel really bad for her sometimes just by listening to her office stories; I feel like she's going through a lot and she always seems a bit gloomy. But at the same time I feel like she needs to communicate more with her co-workers and have more of an optimistic mindset at work (which probably would be hard if I was in her shoes).
My mother always told me people who have more knowledge are less emotional and have more control over themselves; I may not be translating her meaning exactly the same as she means it in my native language, but I am trying to say if one has more knowledge and wisdom, one looks at situations with more perspectives to handle the situation in a right way.
Just like that quote "There are people who handle situations and there are people who are handled by situations" on the first page of the last powerpoint print out, a successful leader can not be carried away by a silly emotion (although many times it seems inevitable to best of people).
For this week's question of the week, I thought I tackle other person's question and maybe answer it - the question was -
How can we learn to control our thoughts to lower the levels of immobilizing anxiety and stress that rob us of our energy and ability to focus and regain our productivity?!
I believe this question was asked by a lady who works at a law firm in DC, and I feel really bad for her sometimes just by listening to her office stories; I feel like she's going through a lot and she always seems a bit gloomy. But at the same time I feel like she needs to communicate more with her co-workers and have more of an optimistic mindset at work (which probably would be hard if I was in her shoes).
My mother always told me people who have more knowledge are less emotional and have more control over themselves; I may not be translating her meaning exactly the same as she means it in my native language, but I am trying to say if one has more knowledge and wisdom, one looks at situations with more perspectives to handle the situation in a right way.
Just like that quote "There are people who handle situations and there are people who are handled by situations" on the first page of the last powerpoint print out, a successful leader can not be carried away by a silly emotion (although many times it seems inevitable to best of people).
visit to my leadership professor (13th Feb. 3:30PM)
For some reason, my ORSC professor / Dr. G.D. had a miscommunication with me about the 3:30 or 2:30 appointment on Wed. of 13th. I really felt sorry for her because she was about to leave and then I made her stay for a good 30 minutes... but I think the time was used wisely.
The purpose of this appointment was to talk about my latest paper which she immediately pointed out my confusing writing structure, but she was very nice about how my writing is "fixable" and I just need to work on it little more. I knew I had a bit of a writing handicap, but I never realized how obvious it was when she pointed out my essay-jungle. She advised me to make an thorough outline for the final paper and I have been working on it for a while now.
Secondly, I was a bit concerned about how I was doing in class because although I am a good participant and mind-trigger in class, I wasn't too happy about my first paper which professor told me not to worry too much on grade, but keep trying and do my best. And she was please with how much effort I put in class which made my day that she could see that.
I must say, this class have been a lot more challenging then I thought it'd be because I was always a "people's person," but this meet was a good opportunity to make myself more diligent and be proactive for this particular course (and in life).
The purpose of this appointment was to talk about my latest paper which she immediately pointed out my confusing writing structure, but she was very nice about how my writing is "fixable" and I just need to work on it little more. I knew I had a bit of a writing handicap, but I never realized how obvious it was when she pointed out my essay-jungle. She advised me to make an thorough outline for the final paper and I have been working on it for a while now.
Secondly, I was a bit concerned about how I was doing in class because although I am a good participant and mind-trigger in class, I wasn't too happy about my first paper which professor told me not to worry too much on grade, but keep trying and do my best. And she was please with how much effort I put in class which made my day that she could see that.
I must say, this class have been a lot more challenging then I thought it'd be because I was always a "people's person," but this meet was a good opportunity to make myself more diligent and be proactive for this particular course (and in life).
Culture based "expectations"
It's been almost two weeks after I had my last leadership class and I still remember what my leadership professor said about sense of community in western society. Everyone was rushing about at the end of the class so I didn't want to start a debate, but it was interesting to hear professor talking about the concept of "potluck."
But it was more than just about the concept about potluck. She also mentioned how American people are all about bringing the community together and be united and etc; but as soon as she said that, I was confused.
From personal experience, I always thought America was "colder" than most countries I have ever been to.
Although there maybe a strong sense of community in many different areas of United States, to overlook people individually, I feel like in America, people are less caring of each other (having less respect for human beings) and I actually believe it has to do with cultural background of different places (countries, states).
After writing this bit of my journal, I may have confused myself a little more... but if I could bring this topic to the table of class discussion again, I just might have to hear other classmates' opinion.
But it was more than just about the concept about potluck. She also mentioned how American people are all about bringing the community together and be united and etc; but as soon as she said that, I was confused.
From personal experience, I always thought America was "colder" than most countries I have ever been to.
Although there maybe a strong sense of community in many different areas of United States, to overlook people individually, I feel like in America, people are less caring of each other (having less respect for human beings) and I actually believe it has to do with cultural background of different places (countries, states).
After writing this bit of my journal, I may have confused myself a little more... but if I could bring this topic to the table of class discussion again, I just might have to hear other classmates' opinion.
Saturday 9 February 2008
After reading "Self-Control" Chapter by Goleman, D.
Question of the Week -
As I was reading the "Self-Control" chapter of Daniel Goleman's book, I was surprised by the section "The Three-Million-Dollar Amygdala Hijack."
First I didn't know how it related to leadership concepts... but after reading the Tyson story, it also reminded me of what happened during the 2006 World Cup Final in Germany when world famous French footballer Zidane head-butted Materazzi of Italy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAjWi663kXc) after his provocative comment about Zinedine Zidane's mother and sister (still under controversy).
Many people who never heard or knew well about Zidane assumed him as an angry athlete, but to summarize, he is considered one of the greatest of all time and is known for his calmness and control of the game as a veteran footballer. To conclude, many people believe the French side lost the match because of his inconceivable exit.
So I understand this 'amygdala' can affect people unconsciously, but according to the Marshmallow test and Ted and Mack's story in "The Marshmallow Kids Grow Up and Go to Work" section, amygdala can actually foreshadow an individual's "success" in life; how does that work? Where would we draw the line? Everyone can "tick" once in their life time... No?!
p.s.
Me and that friend who I was having conflict with said "Sorry" and I did as well. But I don't think every puzzle is solved but somehow we expressed ourselves through numerous angry messages and we are communicating now. Amazing how people get along these days.....
As I was reading the "Self-Control" chapter of Daniel Goleman's book, I was surprised by the section "The Three-Million-Dollar Amygdala Hijack."
First I didn't know how it related to leadership concepts... but after reading the Tyson story, it also reminded me of what happened during the 2006 World Cup Final in Germany when world famous French footballer Zidane head-butted Materazzi of Italy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAjWi663kXc) after his provocative comment about Zinedine Zidane's mother and sister (still under controversy).
Many people who never heard or knew well about Zidane assumed him as an angry athlete, but to summarize, he is considered one of the greatest of all time and is known for his calmness and control of the game as a veteran footballer. To conclude, many people believe the French side lost the match because of his inconceivable exit.
So I understand this 'amygdala' can affect people unconsciously, but according to the Marshmallow test and Ted and Mack's story in "The Marshmallow Kids Grow Up and Go to Work" section, amygdala can actually foreshadow an individual's "success" in life; how does that work? Where would we draw the line? Everyone can "tick" once in their life time... No?!
p.s.
Me and that friend who I was having conflict with said "Sorry" and I did as well. But I don't think every puzzle is solved but somehow we expressed ourselves through numerous angry messages and we are communicating now. Amazing how people get along these days.....
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