Chapter 4

Step 1: Gathering Objective Data from the Concrete Experience

This week I attended a Discover the Possibilities event at Mosaic. There, I had the opportunity
to talk to a client I have encountered each time Ive visited Mosaic. I had observed this
individual with each visit to Mosaic and every time I saw a big smile and was always greeted
with a hug or handshake and a Hi, how are you?!. Each conversation and interaction, with any
individual, was upbeat and positive. She was complimentary. She asked me what perfume I was
wearing because it smelled good and from there we had a five minute conversation on sprays and
lotions. During this specific event, she got the opportunity to share her life story. She read
through her story and shared more information about the experiences she had. She showed her
emotions about some situations but especially the one about flying independently to visit her
mom. When there was a sad part to her story she countered its ok because. She shared her
hopes and dreams of living in an apartment on her own with her boyfriend. She also helped set
up the event, break it down and even took us on a tour of the facility and all the homes provided
as well as an art gallery. She conveyed lots of positive emotions/comments throughout the
whole meeting.

Step 2: Reflecting
This individual was one individual I was eager to know more about. She was so positive, full of
life and happy. She had not one negative outlook. Everything was in the glass-half-full
viewpoint. I could tell she was proud in her work. She knows her purpose and is living and
serving it. After this night, I went home to reflect on myself and my outlook. She made me do a
lot of self-reflecting. She carried herself proudly. She conveyed positiveness. She expressed
her energy and passion toward her job and life. This experience really made me reflect on
myself as a person.

Step 3: Identifying Relevant Theory and Knowledge

The Theory of Self-Esteem refers most generally to an individuals overall positive evaluation of
the self which is composed of competence and worth (Cast & Burke, 2002). Competence relates
to the individual seeing themselves as capable and efficacious which worth refers to the degree
to which individuals feel they are persons of value (Cast & Burke, 2002). This theory relates to
the experiences mentioned above because the individual I observed displays competence and
worth. She knows and relays her capability through her actions, work and discussions. She
spoke about her job and how she is able to complete her work and do her chores independently
daily. While sharing her story, she expressed her worth to her job and how she is able to
complete daily tasks. She showed her worth by helping conduct the meeting by sharing her story
and taking us on a narrated tour.

Step 4: Examining Dissonance

At first, I was uncomfortable to speak out to this individual because I wasnt sure how to. I
wasnt sure that I would be able to connect with the client.

Step 5: Articulating Learning

You never understand how much someone can impact you until you analyze it. Often times, I
make calculated decisions and set timelines ensuring to accomplish everything. I dont often
take the time to enjoy the ride because I am too busy looking at the big end goal. I gained a lot
of insight about myself through this observation as well as individuals with intellectual
disabilities. Not everyone is the same and they shouldn't be treated as so. The stereotyping
needs to stop because often times it does not reflect who a specific individual is. This specific
observation forced me to do a lot of self-reflecting.

Step 6: Developing a Plan

After this experience, my goal is to slow down, see the positive and find the drive for doing what
I do. The little things in life can bring joy and happiness. I need to allow myself to take the time
to speak more with the clients Mosaic serves so I can get a well-rounded understanding because
they are each unique and have their own qualities they possess. I cant get to know these
qualities through one client but instead I need to take the time to get to know most of them one-
on-one.

Reference
Cast, A., & Burke, P. (2002). A theory of self-esteem . Retrieved from
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.541.6264&rep=rep1&type=pdf