Personal Narrative: Working With An Open Mind

Ever since I was a child I have always been a quiet and reserved character. When I am silent and observant I find it easier to listen to other people's ideas. It allows me to watch and learn people's behavioral patterns and tendencies. I find that knowing your peers and understanding their perspectives makes working with them easier. My ability to work for compromise and to listen to people with an open mind has proven to be very advantageous in not only helping others, but in furthering my own goals.

On multiple occasions, I have found myself acting as a diplomat when some of my peers are fighting. One of my best friends in particular has the tendency to start arguments and fights with anyone over anything. In spending time watching and
observing I notice that he displays many characteristics of an alpha male. He feels that he has to be the best in the room, even if it means bring others down to try and prove it. My diagnosis has opted me on many occasions to implore him to stop being as argumentative and combative, to be the better man and take the high-road especially when he is wrong.

This skill has also helped me in my educational experience. I have been a part of many group projects. Often they consist of a mix of students, each with their own set of ideas. In an instant classroom challenge in my engineering class, I found myself in this exact scenario. The goal was to build the tallest tower out of toilet paper rolls, but it had to be able to hold 1 kilogram. In listening to the litany of ideas presented by my peers, I advocated that we spent some time and resources testing each idea, so that we can not only include each group member but also achieve our goal in the most efficient time possible. Diplomacy is one of the greatest tools I have utilized and refined, and I know that it will help me to succeed later in my life.