I chose the cultural diversity self assessment and the cultural sensitivity test for this weeks journal. The results from the two self assessments I did show that I always, for the most part, try to see all points of view, realize my personal experiences shape my values and beliefs, am comfortable in situations with people who are different from me, and that it is important to hear all sides of the issue before making a decision. I think that empathy is one of my strongest qualities, and I think it is imperative that all counselors possess this quality. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes definitely helps you understand them better.
After watching Multicultural and human growth and development considerations, I began to think of times in my life when I was made to feel like the “other.” The first time that I can remember feeling like this was when I learned that I had to attend pre-first. I went to a private school for Kindergarten, and at the end of that year, I was accepted to Nova elementary school. However, because of when my birthday falls, it was recommended that I go into pre-first, and first grade the following year. I remember telling my friends who started to make fun of me, by calling me slow or stupid, because I was not going directly into first grade. I felt like an outcast, and I felt like maybe they were sending me to pre-first because I was slow. Of course, my family assured me I was not, but being five years old, I would not hear it. I think this took a toll on my self esteem, and as I think back to elementary, middle, and high school I not only excelled in most subjects, I was placed in the gifted program after taking the test in second grade. I am not sure if the bullying made me try harder in school, either to prove those kids wrong, or just to prove to myself that I was not slow or stupid.
I am not a bully, and I did not pick on people when I was younger, because I know how badly it can make someone feel. This quality has stayed with me throughout my adult life, and I would never do anything to someone else that would intentionally hurt their feelings or make them feel bad about themselves. It is important to realize how different we all are, and that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and no one should ever try to make someone else feel bad because of those differences or weaknesses. It is important to always think about where the other person is coming from and not just the way you see a situation. We all look at life through different lenses, and keeping that in mind helps us understand others.
Based on the results of the self-assessment, I saw a few areas I could improve in. I need to try and be comfortable asking questions until I fully understand what others are trying to convey, rather than just making assumptions. While I am very comfortable expressing my own opinion and interacting with people who are unlike me in some ways, I could improve my efforts to talk to