Final ALE Refection

Within the Discipline

Although I have not taken many of my education courses related to my field of study, a
couple of classes I have taken taught me some valuable skills and ideas that I could relate to my
first year as a Residential Leader. In my Introduction to Education class, we read a nonfiction
novel about a special education teacher, the author Torey Hayden, and her experiences in the
classroom called Beautiful Child. In class, we discussed Haydens different teaching strategies of
interacting with her students such as relating to them and creating a group atmosphere. Both of
these are very important in the Residential Leader position. When I relate to my residents, they
seem to be more open to creating a better relationship with me. Establishing a group atmosphere
is important in a residence hall because it establishes identity and inspires pride in the individual
for their hallway, their residence hall, and the university. In my Survey of Exceptional Learners
course, we have been learning a lot about collaboration and inclusion which is very relevant in
being a Residential Leader although the course is about working with students with disabilities.
Collaboration is related to creating a group atmosphere because it involves two or more people to
work for a common goal. If a group atmosphere is not established, collaboration may be harder,
and goals may not be met. I encourage my residents to collaborate and keep each other
accountable as they all strive towards their common goal of graduating. Also, collaborating with
other staff members is essential to being successful in this position. Inclusion is talked about
frequently in education, but it is very important to keep in mind in all aspects of life. Residence
halls are full of diverse people, so inclusion needs to be encouraged in the hall to encourage

everyone in the hall to have a positive and meaningful college experience in and out of the
classroom.

Beyond the Discipline

Several of my core curriculum classes have helped me in this experience. When I took
Public Speaking, I had to learn how to speak in front of people and, even sometimes, without
time to prepare. As a Residential Leader, I have to constantly be communicating with residents,
staff, and other students, occasionally in large groups, and when working the desk or having
meetings, I have to use my knowledge and ability to think and speak extemporaneously. I learned
and strengthened both of these abilities in my Public Speaking class. Psychology, specifically the
problem solving and human needs aspects, has also contributed to my experience. Problems arise
frequently for Residential Leaders whether it be difficulty getting people to attend meetings or
open up about themselves. I have had to use trial and error to solve problems like these in order
to help my residents achieve success and build positive relationships. Motivation and needs are
discussed in psychology as well, and I have used my knowledge of needs to further motivate my
residents. Two of the three basic human needs are needs for achievement and power. Many of my
residents are nursing majors, and the nursing program has very vigorous coursework even before
getting into the program. Therefore, I have had to remind them how important it is to keep their
grades up and have a positive social life to activate their need for achievement and power, and
because of this, they are able to improve their academics and lifestyle.

Beyond Academics
Every day brings new opportunities to learn, and learning is always taking place even
outside the classroom. In high school, I was an active member of the marching band for four

years which helped teach me how to better balance my time management skills. We would
rehearse eight hours per week outside of school, and during the month of October, we would
often be performing every Saturday. My busy schedule during this time allowed me to develop
my time management skills that I applied to my work as Residential Leader. In this position, I
have had to take study and social time out of my schedule for helping residents. Also, as a senior
in high school, I led a small group of sixth-grade girls for the youth program at my church. This
leadership position taught me that I need to set a good example in my life to help impact the girls
I was leading. This experience has placed in a situation where I can set an example for my
residents every day by what I do. If they see me going to class and doing homework, it
encourages them to do the same. This influence is a good tool in helping residents become
successful.

Interconnectedness
Being a Residential Leader has caused me to utilize different knowledge and skills from
within the field of my future profession, in my general education, and in other life experiences.
In many of my education classes, we discuss how people intermingle and learn best. This has
helped me interact with my residents and classmates, and it will continue to help me in the future
when I need to work well with other teachers and students. My general education has taught me
about necessary skills and knowledge that I use in my day to day life like analyzing readings and
communicating. Much of the information I learn in my general education classes I will have to
teach in future, so it is essential for my future profession. My other life experiences, like
volunteering at my church in the childrens ministry department, has helped me work with and
teach with children which Ill need to know how to do as a teacher. My time management skills I

learned through doing band and leading a small group has helped me manage my specialty and
general education classes, extracurricular activities, and my Residential Leader duties.

Global Awareness
This experience has allowed me to see how alike a diverse group of people can be and how
much of an impact one person can have on others. Everyone in the hall comes from different
backgrounds and have a variety of interests, yet we can almost always find a common interest
among us even if it is being students at Tarleton. For example, many of the girls listen to rap or
country music, and some of them come from harder family lifestyles. Although they have large
differences in their lifestyles, they still are able to form positive relationships with each other.
Having a diverse group is great for meeting people youd never thought you would meet and
opening yourself up to other opportunities you would never think youd have. The impact of one
person can also have a huge influence on a group of people. For example, when one student is
interested in an event going on in the hall, most others will have an increased interest as well.
This has happened to me several times in this position. It only takes one person to make a
difference, and this opportunity has showed me that.

Broader Implications
The Residential Leader experience has provided me with experiences that will help me in
the teaching field and life in the future. My Strengths Quest top strength is relator, so I was
able to strengthen my ability to relate people to myself and each other through this experience. I
enjoy finding common interests among others and help them establish positive relationships
around those common interests. This will allow me to help my future students in the classroom to

cooperate and make friendships among each other. Dealing with roommate/hall mate
disagreements can help me with resolving conflict and creating a harmonious classroom.