Journal
It has been ages since my last journal post. Although I have been trolling my dear friends, I have not been updating anything. This will change (at least for this semester) since I am currently enrolled in "Intro to Mediation." The class requires me to write a weekly 1 page journal entry regarding what I learned. I figured this is a great opportunity to entertain you all with my introspective ramblings. Enjoy!
Entry #1
Today I experienced my first General Mediation class. I was fortunate enough to get a spot in this 28 person class after furiously clicking ‘copy’, ‘paste’, and ‘refresh’ at 8AM last semester. To say the least, I have high expectations. So far, the class is living up to them. The instructors informality, humor, and seeming expertise, inspires confidence in my decision to take this class. Although I enjoy learning theory, this class will give a much needed opportunity to learn “real world” skills. My theme for this semester is taking less classes so that I can learn more thoroughly.
Although the first day was mostly introductory (as I expected), I was surprised that I already learned something about myself through a personality test. Although the test was problematic in the sense that the answers lacked context, I think it did get at something important. I am too facilitating in my approach towards conflict. Although I intellectually realize that a rational (and therefore principled) approach, is best in resolving conflict, I tend to subconsciously place far greater value on relationship harmony. This is a personality trend I have recognized since college, and have been trying to correct (with some success) ever since. Not to say that I want to become an a$$hole… Instead, I want to become a firm, principled negotiator that utilizes all potential tools in solving his interpersonal conflicts.
A big step in this is being focused/aware of what I am doing and why I am doing something. This is easier said than done. I really hope that the reading, discussion, and role playing will help me internalize strategies which allow me to overcome my deficiencies, and bolster my strengths. The first year of law school I painstakingly acquired the skill of thinking like a lawyer. The second year, I conquered my deep-seated fear of public speaking. This year I will become the principled and rational person that I have always aspired to, and I will do this partially through mastering this course on Mediation.
Entry #1
Today I experienced my first General Mediation class. I was fortunate enough to get a spot in this 28 person class after furiously clicking ‘copy’, ‘paste’, and ‘refresh’ at 8AM last semester. To say the least, I have high expectations. So far, the class is living up to them. The instructors informality, humor, and seeming expertise, inspires confidence in my decision to take this class. Although I enjoy learning theory, this class will give a much needed opportunity to learn “real world” skills. My theme for this semester is taking less classes so that I can learn more thoroughly.
Although the first day was mostly introductory (as I expected), I was surprised that I already learned something about myself through a personality test. Although the test was problematic in the sense that the answers lacked context, I think it did get at something important. I am too facilitating in my approach towards conflict. Although I intellectually realize that a rational (and therefore principled) approach, is best in resolving conflict, I tend to subconsciously place far greater value on relationship harmony. This is a personality trend I have recognized since college, and have been trying to correct (with some success) ever since. Not to say that I want to become an a$$hole… Instead, I want to become a firm, principled negotiator that utilizes all potential tools in solving his interpersonal conflicts.
A big step in this is being focused/aware of what I am doing and why I am doing something. This is easier said than done. I really hope that the reading, discussion, and role playing will help me internalize strategies which allow me to overcome my deficiencies, and bolster my strengths. The first year of law school I painstakingly acquired the skill of thinking like a lawyer. The second year, I conquered my deep-seated fear of public speaking. This year I will become the principled and rational person that I have always aspired to, and I will do this partially through mastering this course on Mediation.