Finding my strengths - 9/20/20

Each week brings more challenges but they bring excitement as well. In my AP Language Arts class, we have recently been reading a book called David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. In class, we have been analyzing how audiences have been incorrectly comprehending the biblical story as an improbable victory. The truth is that underdog victories are very much possible and should not be viewed as “improbable.” By playing the right cards, underdog characters are easily able to defeat the largest of obstacles, but how does this relate to me and my ISM journey? Obstacles and challenges do not always have to be a giant or mountain - they can be everyday life problems as well. At some point, everyone has felt like they were not enough to complete something, whether it is a difficult assignment or a hard day at work. Throughout the book, Malcolm Gladwell describes the power of an underdog realizing his or her advantages. By using their strengths and finding “weaknesses” or ways of overcoming obstacles, underdogs are capable of overcoming any challenge.

This week, like most weeks after school started, has been a little difficult for me. I have been adjusting to the busy school environment after months of virtual classes, and I still have not yet overcome my habit of procrastinating work. Despite this, I have found more motivation and always finish my assignments on time. I have been working extremely hard to make everything I turn in a product that I am proud of, and I have fallen more and more in love with the ISM program. I admit that the class has a lot of work and is no joke, however, in the month I have been at school, I have learned so many important lessons that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

As for exciting news, I had two major events happen to me. First, I have made so many new connections in the past week. Many of these connections are other students participating in the ISM course; however, I also connected with two professionals in my field. I still have not gotten over the feeling of having an invite accepted by an actual professional, and I think that it is amazing that I have the opportunity to have this experience. The final piece of news is actually something that I purposefully saved for last, and this is by far the most incredible thing that I have ever experienced. I received an offer to shadow under someone in my field. By ISM requirements I am not able to shadow until I finish my interviews next month, however, I hope I am able to schedule an interview with this professional and then ultimately start my mentorship journey. I am extremely excited and truly cannot wait to see what comes next.