Stay On The Road To Sucess My Colleagues

I just want to take this time out and thank all my colleagues. I have enjoyed each and everyone of you! I know each and everyone will be successful in whatever you choose to do while you are on this journey.

I would like to say to Blessing Biambo; When I first saw your name I said, "I am not the only one with a unique name. I really have enjoyed collaborating with you. You have taught me things about the education in your country. We started out together. I have enjoyed sharing new information and learning new ideas from you! Sometimes when I read your post; I would smile. I wish you all the success! Keep pushing forward, and keep sharing your knowledge. Here is my personal email: gshun42@aol.com. If you need anything call me at 3186550896. May God continue to bless you and your family!
                                                                                                              Guadalupe Hilliard


Hello Tracy Ehlert,
I have missed you in my group. I have enjoyed your ideas, knowledge and commitment in what you do. I thought I had a lot on my plate; you are doing it all! I commend you. I have enjoyed your posts. You introduced me to different organizations that I haven't heard of. After reading your blogs; I would always go and research the organization. I wish you all the success! I know that you are going to do extremely well. You can email me or call anytime. gshun42@aol. or 3186550896. Good Luck!!!
                                                                                                                       Guadalupe Hilliard

Monica Owens-Davis,
You have been my inspiration since the beginning. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have been in this program. You have always knew exactly what to say. Your kind words, friendship, and commitment is well appreciated. I love the energy you bring into our friendship! You are my ride or die friend, and sister!!! I have enjoyed your ideas and knowledge as well! I wish you the best! You will make an awesome, superfluous teacher!! Love you by the pound! In my Catdaddy voice!!! Lol
                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                        Guadalupe Hilliard
Dr. Williams,
I would like to thank you for feeding me knowledge on communication and the help with the APA format. I have really enjoyed your class! I have learned a lot from your feedback. Thank you!!!!
                                                                                                                        Guadalupe Hilliard

The FIve Stages of Team Development

I was working for the juvenile system in Louisiana. I was put on a committee to help girls that have self-esteem issues and have been in the system. The group was called, “Volunteers of Youth Justice.”  I can see this team went through the five stages process. The committee was made up of teachers, counselors and policeman. I remember us going through the first stage, “Forming.” We all introduce ourselves and stated why we were interested in making a change with these youths, as well as sharing our past experiences and interests. I can honestly say we did not go through the storming stage. We all had the same vision, and all ideas were put into place.

This group was hard to leave, because it was a group of people that started something and completed it; which made it very successful. The youths graduated from the program and were very successful. I saw changes throughout the program. Our team did establish a work ethic that was awesome. We took each other’s ideas, and worked as a team to see it through. Our vision became one.

Volunteers of justice were like a family. There were days we cried when we would hear these youths speak about the struggles they have been through. I worked with people that were very passionate and we all had one goal, and that was to make sure these girls were successful.

I believe I have bonded with all my colleagues since being in the Master’s program. We leave each other at the end of each course, but some of us see in each in other courses or down the line. When we get to the end, I will feel like I will be missing a part of my family. We have shared information, ideas, and disagreements throughout this program. Yes, it saddens me. I have met some smart and knowledgeable colleagues. I wish everyone the best!

Disagreements and Conflicts

I have disagreements and conflicts with a colleagues on my job all the time. She is a lead teacher. I always get called on to do her job, or she gets upset, because my idea is better than what she opposed. Then she can never remember when she said something. Let's not for get she always have a personal problem, as if I don't. I have tried to figure this woman out, but I have came up empty.

I think one strategy that I can say is that I have learned to is to listen closely when she speaks. My other strategy is not to be ready to attack or assume what she is going to do, before she does it. I have in the past found myself tensing up when I see her approaching me. I think this body language occurs, because we always bump heads. I have suggested that my colleague, not hide behind what she has said. I have offer her to record herself when she speaks, so there is no miscommunication.

I have looked for broader range of solutions, like let someone else take that position. I have suggested that she say what is on her mind, and not take it to individuals. I have asked my supervisor to speak to her. My supervisor says, "This is our last year with her." Really?

I can use the 3R's by being more respectable to my colleague. For as response, I can show that I am more caring, and not let my body language show. I can work on our relationship, by spending some one on one time with my colleague. I would like to be able to work together without confrontation.

Communicator

When I think about they way I communicate. I see myself as a leader when I am communicating. I was so surprise that some people saw me as controlling; stating that I have a way of influencing people. I have been told when I speak its hard for people not to follow me. I ask was this question; is this a bad thing?  I was told it can be good or bad, because everyone needs to feel comfortable when they are communicating. I was shocked, because I am the one connects with other people. I look at it as expressing myself when I speak.

I have learned a lot in this course about communication. The one thing that I have learned this week is how to improve my perceptions. I need to learn how to look beyond first impressions. As the old saying goes, "Never judge a book by it's cover." This is so true! The most important thing I learn; question your assumption. I think we all need to work on this one. We are always assuming. We need to ask questions and go from the questions. We need to understand that that world we live in a diverse world.