Another class down, about thirty more to go. We had our final communication skills course last night and boy did it feel good! It's funny but even knowing these intensive courses at NDNU (for those of you NOT in the know: Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California) are 7 weeks long, I still get giddy when the announcement of finals (yes, it is kind of odd I'll admit) comes around. It means I am that much closer to my bachelor's degree in liberal studies.
Like every other class I have taken so far at NDNU, I walked away with a better sense of the subject -in this case communication skills- feeling much more confident about my communication abilities that I can use in the real world. I especially enjoyed learning the fundamentals of communication (listening skills, non-verbal communication, communication is symbolic, etc..) because as a writer, I imagine I will refer to these foundational elements pretty frequently. Professor Lopez-Gomez is an amazing professor with a dynamic background. She is a published poet and has written a few notable pieces herself, not to mention her countless volunteer efforts in the Bay Area. Her bits of wisdom and life stories on top of her teaching style inspire me to push forward and continue on this path. Not that I need much pushing anyway. I love school. I love knowing that I do have some kind of measurable intelligence.This class inspired me to write in my blog no less.
I woke up this morning thinking that the change I have been yearning for has to come within myself. In fact, Professor Lopez-Gomez said something last night that triggered a fire in me to do something. She was speaking to the class about her childhood experience with a high school counselor where she was told applying to UC Berkeley would be a waste of time given that being a child of a single parent would be to her detriment. Not only did she get into the two schools she applied to - UC Santa Cruz and UC Berkeley - (where she completed her undergrad education), but received her master of education degree at Harvard. To conclude her final thoughts she said, "you have to lead your life and not always go by what others think you should." or something to that effect. I am in awe and not only because of her ivy league credentials, but how one decision led her to where she is now. Yep, I find that pretty nifty and am grateful I had the opportunity to cross paths with Professor Lopez-Gomez. Thank you for making that right turn at the fork of the road you encountered back in high school!
One portion of the class that I did not feel comfortable in (nor did I make a great impression on) were my public speaking skills. As someone said in class one evening, some people would rather be in a dentist's chair receiving painful dental work done than speak in front of a group (points to self). For the most part, I am glad I had the chance to speak in front of a group and know the the tactics taught in class, practice and exposure will only be to my benefit.
So, there you have it. Another day. Another grade. Another inspiration to write about. I honestly am surprising myself in writing and continuing with this blog.
If you have come this far, this means you are semi-interested in reading my blathering, right? Well, if you act now this blog comes at a very low price - free for a lifetime membership! You can't get much free these days. Maybe a stick of gum. Maybe.
Topics will include: travel destinations where I wish I was, wine, art, music, people I encounter, school, jokes, actual travel adventures, baking recipes, books, more wine and other random topics that I hope you enjoy as much as I do. I will also try to include as many photos as possible as sometimes I prefer less words and more visuals myself.
Oh and from here forward please excuse all grammatical, spelling, and any other errors. You will notice edits on these blogs will happen from time to time 'cause I'm a perfectionist like that. To count, I have edited this post about 18 times. Of course, I welcome your feedback, ideas for topics, inspirations and, well, anything.
Until then.
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