REVISED PLANNING WALL COMPLETE FOR THE NEXT YEAR. I AM STILL WORKING ON COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING 4 YEARS.

REFLECTING ON FEAR....

I have a fear of failing. I have always had this fear, but I have been able to control it for the majority of the semester. While working on the final draft of my planning wall, I had a fear of failing. When I think of making it and being successful, I my heart palpates and I sense hot flashes. This feeling reiterates my fear of failing. It helped me realize that I run from what I want because I am afraid that I am not capable of doing so. I control this by thinking to myself, "The only thing to fear, is fear itself." When I felt fearful I thought of my role model, professor Atuahene and her success. It makes me feel better.

Interview W/ Abigail B.

This week I had a very hard time contacting my contacts. I emailed some people called others and had no responses, others gave me a later date. So I began digging into other contacts, 

My friend A.B. recently graduated with a masters in public health and is currently traveling within the U.S. assisting veterans of war.

I asked her, Why public health. 

AB: after my bachelors in chemistry I applied to Medical Schools, and did not get the response, I wanted. I started applying for jobs and I realized a bachelors in chemistry, I wasn't really the best candidate for many of the positions I was interested in. I decided I needed something more than Chemistry. I researched grad schools and their programs and Public Health seemed almost as satisfying as being a doctor although, I still wonder, what would I be doing today if I had been admitted into medical school.

What is it about beign a doctor that satisfies you:

AB:Well, I want to help people feel better. I want the title Dr. B*****, I want to make good money and feel very important in my career. 

 ME: Do you get that satifaction in your current field.

AB: For the most part. I feel needed at times. I don't feel threatened in my postion, like I might loose my job at any time.  Other postions I have held while in school, I always feared being fired. I make a decent amount compared to doctors, although they obviously, make more! No one refers to me as Dr. B******* . I am helping people, in my current position, veterans at that! I mean they went to war for America and now its my turn to help  them.

What do you wish you knew then that you know now,

I wish I was educated on more careers paths than Medicine. It seems like in the black community, all we know is to become a lawyer, doctor, or something so cliche'! You know what I mean? When I was recieveing my masters I met people who recieved there bachelors in all sorts of interesting fields that allows a person to help others.  I'm glad I know now, my kids will have better oppurtunities. I just pray that I am up to part on information about different majors by the time they go to college.

What kind of majors are you refering to,

Okay one field that I found to be really amazing was a speech and throat therapist. They perform swallow tests and speech tests for patients who are experiencing  complications with speech or swallowing. They don't do much and they get paid very well. 

Interviewing 2 Nurses...

Interview: 

Nurse

Karen

She chose a career in the nursing field because she loves working with people on a personal level. She enjoys her job and gets a great deal of satisfaction when she discharges patients. 

"The best part of the job is when you discharge patients, a patient that came in sick is now healed and healthy. I appreciate my career in Nursing because it pays well, and I have a fixed schedule, so I plan other things around my schedule. "

If she could change one thing about my career, it would be the people who, I can't save. In other words she would save everyone.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have went straight through school and recieved my masters in nursing. Now that I have children and a family that I am responsible for, it is hard to focus on me, studying, going to school and even financially affording to pursue my degree. If you go for nursing, make sure you get your masters, there are more things to do with a masters in nursing and you do not have to be a bedside nurse. Bedside nursing is stressful at times and hard on the body.

 It was origninally hard for me dealing with death and patients, but eventually you become comfortable with the that people are born and people die. It is a cycle in life.

 When I was in nursing school, I was a full time student. I am not the smartest person, and nursing is not an easy major. After the first semester, I got a hang of exam patterns and I improved my study habits by making a very strict daily schedule. That is how I survived.  My family and friends were very supportive. 

If you could do it again what would you do different: 

Obtain my masters immediately after graduating.

I told her about myself and about my experience with changing my major from Nursing to Economics, I explained that my main concern is job security and I am not sure if I appreciate close patient contact. I think there are other ways to help people than healthcare. Some things just make me feel uncomfortable, gross and at times I feel insensitive to certain things because I have seen so much in the hospital. I expressed my soncern with death, I told her that I am fine with death but I can remember every patient that I have had to put in body bags. I expressed my concern with prolonging a patients life when they are on life support, some times you can tell that they are in pain and I feel like it is selfish of any human to prolong their suffering.

She agreed and said these are all valid concerns, you learn the best way to deal with them as you go along. The books can only teach you so much but you know yourself.

Nurse: 

Patricia

How did you know Nursing was the career for you?

I didn;t know.  I was going through a rough divorce and I had to make ends meet and everyone knows nursing gives you job security and good pay. I did it more for my kids than myself.

What do you wish you knew then, that you know now?

I wish I acknowledged the value of an education before I turnesd 32. Going back to school at 32, I felt like I just had to do it and I had no options. Although it was a good motivation, I still wish I had that motivation, when I was young like you. I would have went to Medical School instead. I feel like I limited myself at times. I realized how smart I was in nursing school. All it took was dedeication. 

What were some of the most difficult things about Nursing school, not having support, I though t it was impossible, It took me 3.5 years to complete an associated degree, I went to school part time because I had to work to take care of my kids. It was all worth it. 

Nursing is fufilling, I leave work everyday feeling accomplished. When I had no love with my husband, Nursing became my love and it has brought me confidence, security and experience that I would not have gotten otherwise. 

I explained to her that I changed my major from Nursing, 

" I don't blame you. your young, you can explore other things, there are more things to do in this world than helping the sick. If your heart is somewhere else then follow your heart. Whatever you do, dedicate yourself! Dedicating yourself, you'll be the best you can be in anything you do. Make sure you love what you do, otherwise, it is hard to leave. Think of your career as your husband. Your going to have to see alot of it. Whatever it is you decide to do, as long as there is passion there you'll be successful.

Second Time Around...

My dream, " Take Part in the welfare of all humans and fellow youngsters in particular".

Project Director

The World Bank

Washington D.C. 202-473-1000

Country Director for Nigeria Onno Ruhl Tel: 234-9-314-5263 E-mail: oruhl@worldbank.org

Program Director

Washington D.C. (202) 473-5139

Pgupta1@worldbank.org

Mrs. Ngou-

Lawyer

Lawyer Kayode

815-553-0506

Lawyer Sheila Maloney

s-maloney@law.northwestern.edu

Nurse

Nurse Ann 773-588-9640

Aunty Ganiat

Teacher

Mrs. Margie Cepone

Mcepon2@uic.edu

Professor Rockquemore

rockquem@uic.edu

Mr.RyanDecker

rdecke2@uic.edu

Goal

Working on my research and obtain a PHD in either Economics or Sociology.

1.~

-Obtain a position as a Young Professional with the World bank

-Masters of Urban Planning or Public Health

1.5)

-Obtain a job as Junior Young Professional with the World Bank

2. (currently doing this)

NIYA Youth Group

* become an active member of this group.

*attend events and meetings

3.

Obtain a bachelors degree in Economics.

*study

*prioritize

*manage time

*attend class, be punctual to class

*complete assignments before dead line

-Internship

* work in a different field other than my first internship

4.

Summer 2010

Study abroad

*Start the application process

*choose a location

*Apply for scholarships

3.

In a few months

Obtain an internship during christmas beak

*Research internships that I can start during Christmas break

*Apply for internship

* Interview

4.

SROP research study

(I have an idea on a topic, but I am afraid to research on the topic, its a bit personal for me.)

*Develop a research topic based on my senior thesis as well as something I can continue to research in my field in the future.

*find a teacher that is either interested in my research or is willing to work on my research with me.

*Face my fear

L

*Exercise 1:
Read Barbara Sher's chapter Goal search
".Write your dream, touchstone, role model and target post them on blog along with insights."

5 lives
*****

Present, I wish it was a fuschia pink to represent my boldness.

Green is from last semester, it represent the "Go" Ahead attitude I had last semester even though I was weary.

Dream : positively impact the Nigerian government
Touchstone: Be in a position where I can represent "the people"
Role model: I don't know anyone currently doing this, but intend to research.
Target: bring hope to Nigeria and it's people

This has not changed, I want to impact Nigeria because I feel shame when I think of the countries failure and the suffering that my people face. Last year I wasn't yet ready to admit that I want to focus on Nigeria, it made me feel selfish, and like I had to help other countries too(which I will). However right now, my priority is based on my experience after visiting the country and reviewing the needs that the world bank have posted on their sight. (I can be close to my family, and get paid in dollars, and travel)

My Role Model is now Wangari Mathaai Authour of Unbowed and a noble prize winner( I read her book while in Morocco).

Lawyer
Dream: Represent those whom can not necessarily afford Lawyers
Touch stone: Be a voice for the underprivileged
Role Model: Obama "Yes we can"
Target: I recognize that life may never be perfect and hope that I can change any little bit of it....
Lawyer

Same as above.
Doctor
Dream : Open a non for profit hospital in Nigeria
Touchstone: Help the ill by providing health care to those who can not necessarily afford it.
role model: My father; he urges me that it is possible and it is needed. From my perspective however, there are other things that must be done in Nigeria before, bettering health care; something higher up in the hierarchic of needs.
target: open a county clinic; non for profit

*Activist
This exercise acknowledged my fear of commitment, I am often afraid to state my plans after my bachelors because they change with knowledge. The more I learn about opportunities that are out there to server the world and Nigeria particularly, the more options I see. Since I have been working towards obtaining my bachelors I have switched my focus of study from Pre-med biology, to Nursing and now economics Pre-law. I often find it hard however to state my current pre-law staus because I am afraid that people will hold me to it. Barbra sher acknowledges this "fear of commitment" in this chapter. She stated that societies misconception is that when we decide on what we want to do we have to stick with it, she negates the idea. Sher, stating that as a misconceptions made me feel much more comfortable choosing and listing the majors above; otherwise this assignment may taken me a life time to complete. Thanks Barbra Sher!(LOL). Barbra Sher goes further in this idea by acknowledging that some dreams are impossible and are mere fantasies; I understand this. However, I believe that most dreams are possible;especially my dreams. As selfish or concieted as this may sound I mean it in a humble manner.
This still remains the same (thats why it is in both colors and I elaborated on it in my introduction)
In order to accomplish my goals I have to begin educating myself on bills and laws in Nigeria.
The reason why my focus is on working in Nigeria is because of the brain drain theory, this theory claims that the reason why many third world countries suffer, is because the professionals who leave the country for educational empowerment often do not return to put their knowldge in their economy/society. I believe this theory because I witness it; when talking to forigners and the question of giving back (human capitol)to their homeland comes up they often ask, "why would I go back to suffer?" My questions is, " Why would you go back to suffer?, Go back to CHANGE!"

*Exercise 2:
Take a personality test @ (http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgiwin/JTypes2.asp) after taking the test we were to read up on our personality type @ http://www.personalitypage.com/high-level.html

My personality type is"ENFJ" Extroverted Intuitive Feeling Judging. extroverted feeling with introverted intuition.

I am now and INFJ(I agree with some but not all, I noticed that I have changed more this semester than last semester. I am always thinking and having conversations in my head, I have become more internal than External, so I can understand why the Extrovert has now become an Introvert. I think it is mainly because I spend more time constantly analyzing myself for improvement and I have been spending alot more time alone.

ast year when I took this test, I was an ENFJ, and this year I am an INFJ. I can totally feel the change. These days I no longer like parties and big social events, I enjoy more intimate small group settings. Plus, I am begining to process information more internally that I used too. I spend more time alone because, I am beginning to realize I can't convince my friends to do what I want them to do(like studying). Plus, I like to have a strict schedule that I follow, I don not want to have to wait for anyone to do what I want to do. I also realize that I process information differently from many people that I find myself around. I don't think about race, gender or things of that nature. I think about all of humanity. I want everyone to be happy(which I am aware is impossible, but I will reach as many people as I can.

• slightly expressed introvert
  
• distinctively expressed intuitive personality
  
• distinctively expressed feeling personality
  
• moderately expressed judging personality

Some bullet points about ENFJ's

*GIVER

*Strong need for close and meaninful relationships.

*Primary mode of living :Deal with things based on how you feel about them ( externally)

*Seconadary mode of living: Deal with things based on intuition.

*Focused Individuals

*have an extraordinary talent for bringing the best out in people.

*main intrest in life is giving love, support, and a good time to other people.

* Motives are "usually" unselfish

*FIND IT DIFFICULT TO SPEND TIME ALONE... but needs time alone (finally getting that alone time in Right NOW)

*Reserved about exposing themselves (ha ha ha....this is why most people would say I don't care what people think.)

*Likely to interact with others on their own level (OMg... these people have been following me around.)

*Express values and Opinions clearlt and succinctly.

*Supportive and responsive to ohers

*May feel quite lonely even when surrounded by people. (YOU can read more on the past in my past blog)

This assignment made me more comfortable with myself and has also gave me a little more confidence about my character. THIS IS WHO I AM... A GIVER!

I am now an INFJ THE PROTECTOR I believe alot of my characteristics still remain the same, except that I process more information internally and I react based on intuition.

I belive a giver and a protector goes hand in hand. I am willing to give myself and services to others in order to protect them.

As an INFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit with your personal value system. This is the internal change that I have been speaking of.

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types. I have just became more in touch with my creative side during my time outside of the United States(not that the U.S. is a bad place, I love America, God, bless her tender heart, but it is a very fast paced country, I barely have time for myself.)

INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. The good thing is I am finally listening to those instincts, I hae gotten in lots of trouble for not following my instict and sometimes, I feel things and I can't understand them until after things happen. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds,...... and may result in the INFJ not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Or we may see some signs of disarray in an otherwise orderly tendency, such as a consistently messy desk... Lol, my desk might be messy for a minute, but as soon as I realize it I am putting it in order!

INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. As an extreme example, some INFJs report experiences of a psychic nature, such as getting strong feelings about there being a problem with a loved one, and discovering later that they were in a car accident. This actually brings tears to my eyes, I remember that night my aunt died, I kept telling my cousin Janet that, "I am having a funny feeling all I could describe it as was rest in peace tatoo's. She thought I was crazy and after some time started ignoring me. The next morning, We got bad news that my aunt died in a car accident, around the time I was holding the conversation with my cousin, the crazy part is that she was all the way in Nigeria, when she died. Another time, In my dream I saw another aunts spirit in my kitchen, I had not spoken with her in about 5 years or so...a day or two later my uncle came over and told me she died...

This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the INFJ themself does not really understand their intuition at a level which can be verbalized. Consequently, most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it. They are deep, complex individuals, who are quite private and typically difficult to understand. INFJs hold back part of themselves, and can be secretive.

But the INFJ is as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. Omg, I have a major problem with this, especially when a guy likes me, I am able to say, I am not interested but I can never tell the truth as to why because I am afraid of hurting their feelings. I am careful what I say to people because I don't wasnt them to be sad. Or loose their confidence.

They are very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. I can't hold a grudge to save my life. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress. I don't know about all that, once I am comfortable with certain people, I'll let them know! I am not the one!

Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals.

INFJ is a natural nurturer; patient, devoted and protective. They make loving parents and usually have strong bonds with their offspring. They have high expectations of their children, and push them to be the best that they can be. This can sometimes manifest itself in the INFJ being hard-nosed and stubborn. But generally, children of an INFJ get devoted and sincere parental guidance, combined with deep caring.

In the workplace, the INFJ usually shows up in areas where they can be creative and somewhat independent. They have a natural affinity for art, and many excel in the sciences, where they make use of their intuition. INFJs can also be found in service-oriented professions. They are not good at dealing with minutia or very detailed tasks..... I lol, I don't believe in being to observant, I think in some ways over analysis takes place and people tend to loose their sensitivity and begin to hurt themselves by limiting themselves, based on being to judgmental and observant. Some times, things just happen! The INFJ will either avoid such things, or else go to the other extreme and become enveloped in the details to the extent that they can no longer see the big picture. An INFJ who has gone the route of becoming meticulous about details may be highly critical of other individuals who are not.

The INFJ individual is gifted in ways that other types are not. Life is not necessarily easy for the INFJ, but they are capable of great depth of feeling and personal achievment. AMEN to that!

Assignment 3>> 2009

I am pink. I am bold. I am bright and intelligent. Many girls like me, some women love me, men even adore me. I am beautiful, anywhere and everywhere I go I am noticed. I am loving, warm and caring. I wear a big smile all the time. I like beautiful things. I enjoy dancing. I am down to earth, approachable, and humble. I am ambitious. I am open to new things.

Exercise 5:

My apartment is cozy and filled with bright colors everywhere! In every room there is pink, pink may unconsciously be my favorite color. This persons room is tidy and organized. On the book shelf there are a variety of books, she enjoys reading and will read almost anything. The shelf consists of biology, chemistry and poetry books, novels, history, many dictionaries. The movie shelf is filled with dramas and comedies and a lot of African movies, very few action movies, this person maybe laid back. The CD holder consists of old school, hip hop, R&B, soul R&B, African music and Rap. This person definently appreciates music. My closet is organized by colors, whites, pastel then solid colors mostly bright colors because its summer time. There is no trend in her style except for colors, she is a plane jane. She likes lots of comfortably clothing. She values her family and has lots of pictures around the house of her family members. On the walls are favorite poems by Maya Angelou in different color frames. Many stuffed animals are around the room. This person is sensual.

Twenty things I enjoy doing are...

1. acting

2. Travel the world

3. Dinning at different restaurant(different culture)

4. hanging and talking with my friends and family

5. learning and practicing arabic(reading, writing and speaking)

6. Learning

7. Studying

8. Reading

10.Relax, by being pamered. (spa's, manicures, pedicures, waxing, bubble baths)

11.swiming (Good Lawd, knows I can't)

12. Listening to music

13. laying in the sun by the lake front

14.Writing

15. Beign alone

16. Running

17. Listen to people and discussing current events

18. I love visiting museums and aquariums

19. looking out the window, watching the sun set, mountain climbing, I enjoy viewing remains>>working with nature

20. bathing in the hamam (unfortunately I can't do this in the United States)

Exercise 8

My ideal enviroment is clean and cool (in temperature), the sun is shinning filled with people and there is a little corner just for me. This environment is surrounded with water. Eveyone is doing there own thing. There are lots of food and sweets to go around. There are many museums and presidential libraries to see. There are different types of fishes. No birds, no cats, no dogs, no flies(including cock roaches) and they are definently no mice or rats. Everyone is happy, no one is suffering. There is a starbucks and my apple laptop definently accompanies me. All my siblings are right by my side to share the beauty. There are bright colors every where. No cars buses or trains. Everything is close by and everyone owns a horse. I however own a white and pink horse.There are no rules everyone just does what is right and care about the community as a whole.

Exercise 9:

My ideal day

It's 5:30am and I am up bright early filled with energy. I start my morning with a fresh cup of foldgers coffee, I would then check my email and listen to my voicemails, taking notes so I remember everything. I turn to the morning news while creating my daily agenda using my much broader weekly agenda. Next, I open the glass sliding door that leads to the beach in the back of my white house. I start by running along the lake front and then I follow it up with some yoga. I watch the sun rise then head back in my home and prepeare for my day at work, I own my own hospital or I work in Coorperate Law. While at the office, I take care of important business, and work hard to make sure my clients and or patients are satisfied. I socialize with my employees; and try to maintain a strigent boss employee relationship while being very cool with them. I spend fifteen minutes on a phone conference with my siblings and my mother. Then I buzz my father to see how he is doing. After a short day at the office I meet up with a few friends(men and women) for dinner, we discuss everything from marraige life and our children to current events. We spend the last few hour of the dinner discussing an ongoing project that we are forecasting in Africa and discuss our next trip to Africa; we discuss our goals are in helping the country become better developed, promoting scholarship and impacting the government. Then I head home in my two door (whatever year it is)BMW and I call my husband to confirm that his had dinner. When I get home I'll have some wine, with my hubby and discuss our day(if he isn't/wasn't a part of the dinner discussion) then end my day with a nice bubble bath in our medium sized jacuzzi.

(That was fun. I am laughing but I can see that being an ideal day for me.)

Exercise 9:

Fantasy Analysis

The elements in my ideal day analysis that are essential is the success, close relationship with my family and projects in helping Nigeria become a better place.

The elements that can be eliminated however are the BMW, the jaccuzi, living in a beach house.

The unessential elements are watching the sunrise from the lake front. I can have a area in my home office or bedroom(anywhere) that will allow me to enjoy that sun rise!

The indispencible element are the most vital things to my heart. If I have to leave everything else and just deal with the essentials, I would still be happy with myself.

The elements that already exist is the daily talk with 1 of my 4 younger siblings. At least once a week we have a phone conference with my mom and sometimes the other siblings and dad are present.

I currently do not have that(whatever year) BMW niether do I have a hubby nor am I a boss. (But I am "bosslady")

The walls that are currently between me and my ideal life is time, me completing my education and money.

Activities I love...

This weeks activity I joined the Nigerian Islamic Association Youth Ministry. I enjoy going to the Mosque and being involved with both my religion and people. We discussed issues and planed a movie night.

Interviews. Fall 09

Interviewing mom/ dad over the phone str8 from Naija... Recorded Telephone conversation:Me : I am doing an assignmeent for class and I need you to tell me what I was like before six years old? Can you do that?. Mommy: (Laughing) Okay. Mommy/Daddy:(Dad was in the background) You were a character! You were exremely entertaining! Although you were a kid, u had a fast and sharp response for everything. When the driver would bring you home from school and neighbors saw you they would say, "APATA" (Which was teh name of my school at the time; it is one of the best primary schools in Nigeria)your response would be "APATA, Iyanlaya e!"(Your mothers, mother is Apata... doesn't sound so good translated, but it is a verbal insult) Everyone knew you and some of them you didn't know; but they love you! Some people still ask about you. Any where you went you stood out! You liked dancing and listening to things... you would listen to the tele; but you never sat and watched it much. The only way we knew you were listening because you would repeat things from the tele like commercials, or a funny part of the showing. You were nice most of the time, but when people upset you, you were abusive(this does not mean physically violent, it means verbeally). Other than that you were friendly, you like to mingle with people and ask A LOT of questions, some times I would beg you to be quite because you asked people real personal questions and it was embarassing at times.(Laughed) With the other kids I would bribe them with food and candy to get them to listen, but you hated food we had to beg you to eat and you would fight and cry becuase you didn't want to eat. You were quite, but you were always listening to people's conversations, even when they thought you were not listening. You were very caring and helpful, sometimes I think you tried to protect other people before you thought about yourself, none of your siblings were like that, it was always ME ME ME! (Laughing) If someone said they wanted to do something; you would get up and go do it for them. They were usually shocked, because they could not believe you were listening to them.(Laughing) You like to dance and dress up, you were very (Oman shebi omo obirin gon.= prissy) and you got a lot of attention.You read a lot, you love to do math problems and you like studying. Your teachers usually made comments like she is a very smart girl, she learns quickly. Her attitude is dominating, and she can be very mean at times, when people upset her. This assignment was fun. It had me laughing so hard becuase a lot of what they said is still what I do and who I am today.


Interview of Five Friends..


What do you think are my gr8est gifts and strengths?


Wale I. says, " you have potential and ability to be a great leader, you are very bold, honest and hardworking..."

Fat Salami says, "You are dignified,determined, generous, independent dependable and you are a leader."

Rukiat Lawal says,"You're strength is that you are determined. You're gift is that your always kind and helpful to others.

Chavonna says, "Your greatest strength is that your highly confident and your gift is that you're very strong."

Wale E. Says,"Um, I gave it some thought and I think your strengths are you're:  outgoigng and adventurous, smart and SAvvy, independent minded and forward looking.

Interviewing my friends this year and reviewing my previous interview, I see that I am known for being determnined and helpful. :)

What I did this weekend that I have not done in a long while:

This weekend I hung out with my childhood friends  and discussed long excessive memories of each other.

So during last class activities I concluded that I like to engage in challenging activities. I and 3 other friends visited a gun range in Indiana; They all shot the guns,but me, I chickened out and was on the verge of bursting in tears. 

Week 3

June 19, 2009-June 22, 2009
Friday-Sunday
Morocco is great. I finally can spell Morocco right without thinking about it. LOL. The Arabic language is getting easier to read but the vocabulary is still a bit heavy. At the beginning of this week we switched from Darija to Fus’ah. Fus’ah is standard Arabic, while Darija is a broken form of Arabic and French that is unique to Moroccans. It’s great being here. I am learning so much. This past weekend, myself and a few classmates (Maddie, Kathy, Sara, Kate, Marissa) went Fes. We stayed at Hotel Splendid. The hotel was nice, we had a swimming pool and we took advantage of it when the heat became overbearing.
Fes was the imperial capital under the Merenid, Wattasid and the Alouite dynasties while in Fez we toured the Old Medina and visited some interesting sights. We saw the famous leather sights that are in all the books; we visited a scarf factory and also a factory where beautiful brass, gold plated crafts were made. As a Muslim, I was also granted the opportunity to visit the Mosque within the Old Medina where the tomb of Medresa Bou Inania laid. It "weirded" me out a bit because people were in their kissing the tomb and in a sense giving the tomb of this human too much credit. What happened to Laillah Illah Allah?
I really didn’t enjoy Fes to be quite honest, but I definitely appreciate the experience of seeing another Medina. The Medina in Fes is dirty and rough. They are lots of donkeys and horses to scare me! Surprisingly a lot more cats than that of the Medina in Rabat, which is where I am living with my host family.
We ended our stay in Fes on Sunday and headed to Volubilis to see the remains of the Roman Empire. Some of the buildings there date back to B.C. while others were as early as A.D. The trip to Volubilis lasted about three hours, including the time it took us to argue with the Grand Taxi drivers. The Taxi drivers wanted to cheat us and charge us 100DH per person, when the real price 150DH per Taxi. It’s crazy out here in Morocco, when they think you’re from England or the states they do everything to rip you off. My attitude came out! I got very feisty and I made it clear to them that we knew they were cheating us and the most they were going to get was 250DH that is no tip included since they already added their tip. Volubilis was beautiful and so was Fez. We returned to Rabat Sunday around 5pm. I went to a concert by the Atlantic Ocean for an hour with some friends and returned home to catch some z’s.
June 22, 2009
Monday-
I got really sick, I was running a Temperature, I had a headache and body ached as well. I went to Arabic class but got to sick to make it to the culture seminars.
June 23, 2009
Tuesday-Feeling well enough to go to class and by the end of the night I had a headache. My head was hurting to bad, so I did most of my homework and left the rest ☹
June 24, 2009
Wednesday- woke up not feeling sick again but I forced myself to go to class. I am learning my way around the Medina very well. Today we discussed some detail about our southern excursion to Marrakesh and Essouira.

REFLECTION

WHAT I’VE LEARNED
The most important thing I have learned this semester is that anything is possible with hard work, research and dedication.
REFLECTION
1 and 2
After reading my blog I got a rush of excitement. I was able to see the bad and the good experience that has helped me grow this semester. I started out a confused about my goal in life and after following a few steps, I realized my touchstone and from that developed a goal that suits my personality type. I realize that in order to accomplish my goal I must work hard to attain my degrees and set goals. This semester I set a short-term goal and I was able to make that dream come true, through hard work and dedication. That alone has been positive reinforcement that hard work pays off.
3
This semester has been filled with blessings. I am actually doing the things that I really want to be doing versus what I think will bring me money. I am truly happy and looking forward to the next five years of my life.
For the first time, I interviewed people that are actually doing what I want to be doing. Professor Atuahene has had a great influence on my hard work and positive attitude. On a daily basis, I recall many of the things from our conversation and they motivate me more than I can explain. From the one conversation we had, I feel like she is kind of a mentor. I intend to keep in touch with her and learn a great deal from her. The best thing that happened to me this semester is growth. I grew from not knowing and inquiring. As professor Atuahene told me, “Inadequacy allows one to grow.” In the past when I felt inadequate I would easily give up, however, after hearing that comment form professor Atuahene, I knew right then that feeling of inadequate is not necessarily a bad thing. For such a smart woman to say that Inadequacy is equivalent to growth; I knew I was on the right track.
Other activities that I participated in for the first time is Yoga and kick boxing. I used to box as a hobby from elementary to high school. I loved boxing! But I like kick boxing more because it is more lady like. I enjoyed yoga as well.
Next semester,
Professor Atuhene should be a guest speaker. Although her career may not fall in many peoples career path, she is a smart and successful black woman. She is doing what she really wants to be doing and loving it!

I enjoyed the class 1.conversations, 2. professor’s sense of humor and especially appreciate3. professor Rockquemores dedication to us. The motivation emails from the café in Iowa did it for me. THANK YOU A BUNCH DIVA PROF!

Suggestions
I Love this course, I think it should be proposed as a requirement course sophomore year in college. It will help people find their path before they get in to a major they’ll probably regret. I would also suggest that the planning wall be a big chunk of the grade (probably put in place as a final project) that way people are forced to put real thought into the course and their future.

WORK IT GIRL!!!! LOL

Its been a great and successful semester but it is coming to an end sooner than I like.... :( This semester has been very fulfilling and these next few weeks will be hectic!

Fist Steps...
I had a long list of first steps because I know if I wrote them down they would all get done. It's something about reading the list in front of the class that makes me feel obligated to completing my first steps.

Complete purchasing ticket to Morocco. COMPLETED and paid in full! :)
Attend Study Abroad pre-departure orientation. I completed this on Friday at 10am; the orientation was very informative and helped a great deal in packing both for Nigeria and Morocco.

Send out Application for Visa~ My application has been sent out, I am praying and keeping my fingers crossed that my visa arrives before I leave for Nigeria! : % I have been trying to contact the Moroccan Consulate to check if there is a possible express issuance; I never knew trying to get someone on the phone could be so hard.

Obtained traveling Insurance. ~~Got to be safe! ~

The hardest assignment was my immunizations, ONLY because I am scared to death of needles, (I had to shed a few tears) Immunization is COMPLETE!

Last but not least I have started studying for finals!

AHHHHH.... that feels good but I am STRESSED OUT!

Business Meeting

Okay so I have finalized who my permanent BUDDY will be, My Lil' Sis Bakare!

This week we discussed moving before next semester, we decided that moving will be beneficial as far as space and we can get a place for the price that I am currently paying.
We decided that we would call around our area of interest for available apartments.

We also discussed my progress with preparing for my trip. She made a few personal suggestions regarding my traveling. I am glad I spoke to her because Lil' Sis Bakare was able to see things that I couldn't.

During my Sunday Meeting I planned out my week...A little TMI for my Blog!

My plans for this week
Monday-->
* GO TO WORK (try to enjoy it; keep an open mind!) Completed
*After workshop til 8 pm.
*Develop an introduction for my English 222 paper.
Tuesday--->
*Complete paper for presentation
* Write at least 5 pages towards English 222 paper
* Immunization
*Return library books
Wed.-->
*Complete English 222 paper
*Create last presentation for English 114
*Set up an appointment with an immigration officer
Thursday-->
*Present English 114 paper
*Meet with Econ professor (set up a date to take my finals)
*GET my hair washed and styled!!! PAMPER MYSELF!!!!
*Start on Econ II assignment and study
Friday
*Go to Mosque
*Work either 3-11 or 11-7 ;( unfortunately I have to give them hours for the three months that I will be out of the country! (So a minimum of twelve days before I leave, SIX MORE to go....;(

Saturday
*Work at some point, hopefully a sitter case! (Loll)
*Study during the day and early evening
*Party like a ROCK STAR at night

Sunday--->
*Study
*Work

Monday--->
Work


Before the end of the week I'll be out of the country.... The workload is hell of a lot. GOD helps me through it!
~~~~~~~~~~>>>>Nigeria, HERE I COME<<<<<~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ahhhh.... fresh Air and more!!!

First step for this week was to complete my registration for my Study Abroad Program,
1st-This means completing my application, paying my fees(which means going to this darn job that I hate!) and getting my immunizations by setting up a doctors appointment.
SO...
I had an appointment for teusday 4-14, I found out that my insurance does not cover my immunization and I have to come up with $360 US Dollars(:( ) before friday because my application is due on Friday. (In the works)
Next weeks first step is to have my application completed! Plus immunization
Purchase travelers insurance $$$
Put down my security deposit for study abroad$$$$$$
Purchase my ticket for Morocco, and extend my ticket for Nigeria.
Awww.... this is alot but it's got to get done!

2nd-
I will be leaving for Nigeria in May, my next step is to start shopping for things that I need.
So...
I've completed half of my shopping as far as clothes and safety needs(Medication, First Aid Kit etc.)
next weeks first step is to complete my packing! COMPLETEELY!

BUDDY....
Finding a buddy has been of a difficult task.
But this week I used my cousin Janet as my buddy, she is cool, we talk about our process of finding our goal in life all the time!
Okay,
I discussed my fear with her.
My fear is not knowing what to expect in Africa and being overwhelmed by the expenses that I am incurring.
She said take it one step at a time, write down all that I have to do, how much it costs and when do I need to complete it by.

We also discussed potential adventures that I can involve myself with whie in Africa.
While on this trip I intend to meet with the Nigerian governor, Fashola and interview him regarding potentials for working with Lagos in the future. As well as volunteer work that i can participate in this summer while I am in Africa. I called my father and discussed this with him.... and you wouldn't believe what happened next!
My father gave me the Governors number!
So, I will be calling him to introduce myself, possibly interviewing him and setting up an appointment while on my visit! (I am nervous to interview him, so i postponed the interview for later this week.)


We talked

"The only thing to fear, is fear itself!" FDR

My First Steps

This week, I commited to three first steps and I am in the process of completing my last step.

My first step was to set up an appointment with UIC's student career center to revise and edit my resumee. My appointment is set for Thursday at 3:30pm.

My second step was to search for a new job perferably a paid internship, I have researched a few  internships through UIC's  Economics department, I intend to continue  searching until I find the perfect match. I will begin applying after the revision of my resumee. Since  I have been researching I found a work study position that pays well. The position is to tutor Chicago Public High School Students. I think this position may satisfy my craving for a position that allows me to help people on a non personal level, which is the case with the current position I hold! I know hate is a strong word, but I hate MY JOB! (LOL)

My third first step is to apply for the MLK  Scholarship. I have completed the essay and the application I am cureently waiting on my two  letters of recommendation. 

REVISED PLANNING WALL COMPLETE FOR THE NEXT YEAR. I AM STILL WORKING ON COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING 4 YEARS.

REFLECTING ON FEAR....

I have a fear of failing. I have always had this fear, but I have been able to control it for the majority of the semester. While working on the final draft of my planning wall, I had a fear of failing. When I think of making it and being successful, I my heart palpates and I sense hot flashes. This feeling reiterates my fear of failing. It helped me realize that I run from what I want because I am afraid that I am not capable of doing so. I control this by thinking to myself, "The only thing to fear, is fear itself." When I felt fearful I thought of my role model, professor Atuahene and her success. It makes me feel better.

Last week I interviewed Diva Prof, I informed her of my intrest to start a group that is similar to our class, Leadership For Change.  She gave me some intresting feedback regarding the course. I will jot them down after confirming with her that it is okay to post the interview. I forgot to ask her permission.

 

Interviews and 5 year time line

Pls excuse this draft it will be editted by this weekend.
5 year Time Line



I COMPLETED the first step. I applied for study abroad, got all my transcripts, letters of reccomendation and Financial Aid Application, I am still wroking on scholarships, butI have done  what I commited to before leaving class!

Tope Odofin, of Odofin Law Firm is a recent 2008 graduate of John Marshall Law School; she started her own general practice law firm immediately after graduation. She is ambitious and out going. I have known Tope for many years but have always had short casual conversations. This interview showed me all what I was missing out on in not holding an extensive conversation with her. She has traveled around the world and is only in her mid twenties.
Ms. Odofin claims that that the first year od law school is the hardest. You are under constant pressure, you are constantly panic. You have to develope new study habits, crazy studying hours.

*She has a human rights mission.
*She reccomends a break between bachelors and law school
*LSATS during break from school

Experience
*Study Abroad in Israel, China, Palenstine

Working on starting non profit organizations
* when u love what you do, you don't feel as much stress.

One Group Interview lawyers who run the Legal Trek organization I may be attending. I asked four questions because it was so many of them and limited time.

Sheila Maloney
In Law School, she worked full time and was also a full time student.
She felt inadequate, unhappy and alone because no one else could relate to her struggle.
She experienced growth and inner confidence and strength. "I can do it myself".

Kristen
EnjoyedLaw school because, she had talented classmates and everyone that was there sincerely wnated to be there. Recommends that you know yourself before attending law school, "find your identity" otherwise you'll fall for anything.

Johnathan

Learned that there is no right way to study, yo have ot do what works best for you. Everyone has there own style for studying and learning. Be excellent in your way of doing things. Recommends that when learning from people take 1 or 2 things that you like about the way each individual does things and work it with ur way of learning.

My "Role Models" gave me a boost!

I interviewed four of my role models this week. Two of which are lawyers with interests in justice internationally, one is a current law student and the last, but not the least person, is actually an engineer (Way out my alley, but I found a common interest), she is one of the founders of a non-profit organization called, "Mercy Hearts". Interviewing my role models was very good for me, it gave me a more strict direction and provided me with confidence on things I was skeptical about such as my future after undergrad, my current undergraduate degree, study abroad, and many more.

My first interview was with Babajide an engineer for ford motors who is also one of the founders of "Mercy Hearts" a non -profit organization whose mission is empowerment through education. She is doing great things!
What motivated you to start a non-profit organization?
On her my many visits to Nigeria she witnessed school age children roaming the streets during school hours.
What were some of the hardest things you had to overcome when starting this non-profit organization?
She stated that school officials were concerned about overstepping the governments free education system. Schools were afraid of getting in trouble with the Nigerian Federal Government.
Are you know or where you ever affiliated with the government?
She stated that her organization is not currently affiliated with the government, but they now have moral support from the government that makes it easier for them to fulfill their mission.
She stated that, " the government is excited about supporting us, they are open to our mission (as it is something fairly new and not common in Nigeria). The government assists us in obtaining information on schools that may need our assistance. She gave me an example of a situation where a principal of a school denied his students the ability to apply for the scholarship and the government got involved giving the principal confidence that accepting this scholarship would in no way hurt him or his institution.
What would be your best advice to someone who is interested in starting a non-profit organization?
"Remember that you can not help everyone." "Put together your scope and vision and stick to it, this helps maintain order. Have a fixed goal. There is always someone in need of help; people all have emotional stories that will make you cry. Write your constitution focusing on what you really want to do. YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH."
IF you are working internationally have people abroad, that can account for every penny you spend, it is important for your organization as well as well as the people who are investing in your organization.
How are you able to financially afford to support student’s tuitions, supporting orphanages etc.?
Fundraisers, people make donations on our website MercyHearts.org.
What are some of the activities you've done through this organization?
Assisting Orphanages in Ibadan, tuition assistance for 17 kids, in an AID's orphanage in Uganda who were suspended from school due to non-payment, Scholarships for students in need, 1 million dollar project used in remodeling class rooms, roofs and science lab at a school in Nigeria and Adopt a class room.


Second interview:

Current Law Student. A hard working highly motivated student

I currently go to Kent law. I transferred from the University of Alabama.

What I wish I knew first:
I wish I knew that law school would try to take over my soul, chop it up into little bits and then try to sell it to the highest bidder. Despite this, (that is, knowing what I know now) I would still have come to law school. I just would have had a lot of sex first...and maybe tried a few illegal drugs.

Why I do it:
The law provides a huge opportunity to affect your community. To provide justice, to change the way things are viewed, and ultimately, to bring access to the world at large to people who have long been denied it. Every large social revolution has had to be moved by a change in the law. A few examples: the end of formal American slavery, the end of apartheid, the bloodless Revolution in England (that changed their government from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.)

Before law school, I believed that the first step to ensuring world peace, goodness, etc. was ensuring that everyone had food. I now believe the road to any type of justice begins with access to law. Until all people have access to the law in some form, through the legislative process and, ultimately through the courts, their "rights" are theoretical and not meaningful rights that affect or empower their lives.

What I've learned:
The most successful lawyers are those who know who they are and what they stand for. Because of the framework of our profession that dumb saying " if you don't stand for anything, you'll fall for everything" holds especially true. There are so many gray areas that if you don't have your "line" it's easy to be swallowed by this mass of grayness and become a monster far different from the person you envisioned yourself becoming. I think this reality is at the root of law profession being the profession with one of the highest addiction rates.

Third interview:
This interview was with Professor Atuahene, B.
Professor Atuahene is amazing, Early in life she started out wanting to be a pediatrician. Her junior year in high school while on a field trip, her class was going to view cadavers, s he panicked and could not go into the lab. At that point she knew she could not do anything in the health field because of her fear of dead bodies. When she was in undergrad at UCLA she started out undecided. It was not until her junior year that she declared a major in Political Science and African American Studies.
She has a wide range of experience; Law and International development, she has worked for the World Bank in Washington D.C. (she believes that Lawyers in the World Bank are marginalized) and the Center for Economic and Social Rights and more. She recently completed a nine months research project on Property Rights in South Africa. Her researched was based on property that was traded by slaves in South Africa with white slave owners in place of their independence; "monetary compensation". She believes this transaction was a "fausty embargoing"(selling one soul to the devil in exchange for something the person wants, whether is youth, knowledge, power etc.).

Our conversation was more like a friendly lecture; she gave me all the information I needed with very little questioning. It was great I took notes and asked questions as needed.

She told me about the 3 different lenses, in which Law can be viewed,
Distributive Justice, Law and Economics; which focuses on efficiency and also Libertarianism.

She helped me understand that some of the discomfort I feel as in the academia is perfectly okay. As intelligent and experienced as she is she claims that she still feels inadequate at times. She comforted herself and I by explaining that, "growth happens when we are outside of our comfort zone. " Embrace discomfort, get comfortable growing. She even confirmed Barbra Sher's "pity party", stating that it is okay to have a "pity party", but pick yourself up and keep moving, "you can't stay there for long". This assignment definitely took me outside of my comfort zone, but was a great experience because I know nothing in heaven or earth, would have prompted me to interview my role models.

She suggests, before attending law school to take a year or two off, to gain experience and travel and work with non-profit. She attended Law School at Yale, where she did most of her growing, "I felt inadequate" She spent to years at Yale and received her MPA. She attended Harvard University on a full PPI scholarship.

If she could do it all over again she would have earned her JDPHD. She suggests doing a Joint Degree in Political Science, Sociology, History, Economics (strongly, if I can handle the math; I am praying on it) and Law School.

When I told her about my options for this summer, which are either, taking Arabic at UIC and attend a Law School prep program called, "LegalTrek" or Study Arabic Abroad in Morocco she strongly suggested Morocco. She stated that, actually going there to learn the language and speaking it is a good experience, and learning the culture of Morocco is a plus, also stated that because I am Muslim learning Arabic will also help me grow spiritually. She emphasized the importance of having a language "on lock". Arabic she claims is in demand; there are not enough people that know both Arabic and English fluently. She urged me to speak only Arabic while in Morocco; "the other American students may want you to speak English to them, but the more you practice the language the better you get. Emerge. Be militant!"

She suggested that I focus on school versus boys sharing a personal experience. She also suggested that I should read a lot, at least 5 books this summer. She suggested that I spend my summers doing things that will prepare me for my future goals. "It is in you reach, make choices". My favorite quote that she used to imply the importance of making decisions is, "Some people are like a current they just go with the flow and let the current pull them down stream. Swim against the current; upstream", She suggested that I spend my time wisely, which I do for the most part, but sometimes I get lazy and distracted. She even suggested Killing the T.V.; I don't like T.V. so that will be easy, thank God for blessing me with that. She also suggested that I question my grade, when I believe I deserve a better grade. "Question every B, why did I not receive an A and what could I have done to receive an A".

Professor Atuahene also put me in touch with one of her friends from Law School, who is also Muslim. I will be interviewing her later this week.

BRAIN STORMING

How can I get it without X?
How can I get X?


Through success team

|
Find Funding Online and through Role Models

|
Finances -Scholarships- Research
|
---->International<---- Law
|
LegalTREK
(Summer Prep Program)
|

Write Essay
Copy of transcript
And turn in application
|
Non-profit
Community Service
w/Politics
|
*
Mikva Challenge
| Call Bunmi
E-mail
Mikva
|
“Do you do
anything involving
international justice?”


__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Prioritize
|
Create a daily TO DO
LIST
|
Time mangement
|
( Good Grades )
|
---→Economics←---
|
Testing
|
Study Group
|
Email Classmates
|
Pick a date, time and location



__________________________________________________________________

←----Social Justice----->
|
Organization
(Volunteer)
|
Mercy Foundation
(eventually start a branch in Chicago) '
|
Write Proposal (Spring Break)
|
Research online and face book
|
Interview (2) current members
and (1) founder
|
set an appointment for interview

Interview notes

When Touch stone and Personaliy meets...

Each week in this course has been good to me. I learn a little more about my self; past, present and future. This week I realized why I choose not to pursue a career in theater versus all of the possibilities that you will soon read on below. I choose not to pursue an acting carrer because my purpose in life lies far from entertainment, I think my purpose in life is to serve the under represented by giving them a voice.

*Exercise 1:
Read Barbara Sher's chapter Goal search
".Write your dream, touchstone, role model and target post them on blog along with insights."

5 lives
*****
Some where in politics
Dream : positively impact the Nigerian government
Touchstone: Be in a position where I can represent "the people"
Role model: The older I get, the more I realize who I am becoming, I am unaware of anyone that is currently in such position, but I do know that they exists. I intend to research; not for the purpose of making anyone my role model, but if it happens, great!
Target: bring hope to Nigeria and it's people

Lawyer/
*Senator(Something in politics)
Dream: Represent those whom can not necessarily afford Lawyers
Touch stone: Be a voice for the underprivileged
Role Model: Obama "Yes we can"
Target: I recognize that life may never be perfect and hope that I can change any little bit of it....

Doctor
Dream : Open a non for profit hospital in Nigeria
Touchstone: Help the ill by providing health care to those who can not necessarily afford it.
role model: My father; he urges me that it is possible and it is needed. From my perspective however, there are other things that must be done in Nigeria before, bettering health care; something higher up in the hierarchic of needs.
target: open a county clinic; non for profit

*Activist
This exercise acknowledged my fear of commitment, I am often afraid to state my plans after my bachelors because they change with knowledge. The more I learn about opportunities that are out there to server the world and Nigeria particularly, the more options I see. Since I have been working towards obtaining my bachelors I have switched my focus of study from Pre-med biology, to Nursing and now economics Pre-law. I often find it hard however to state my current pre-law staus because I am afraid that people will hold me to it. Barbra sher acknowledges this "fear of commitment" in this chapter. She stated that societies misconception is that when we decide on what we want to do we have to stick with it, she negates the idea. Sher, stating that as a misconceptions made me feel much more comfortable choosing and listing the majors above; otherwise this assignment may taken me a life time to complete. Thanks Barbra Sher!(LOL). Barbra Sher goes further in this idea by acknowledging that some dreams are impossible and are mere fantasies; I understand this. However, I believe that most dreams are possible;especially my dreams. As selfish or concieted as this may sound I mean it in a humble manner.

In order to accomplish my goals I have to begin educating myself on bills and laws in Nigeria.
The reason why my focus is on working in Nigeria is because of the brain drain theory, this theory claims that the reason why many third world countries suffer, is because the professionals who leave the country for educational empowerment often do not return to put their knowldge in their economy/society. I believe this theory because I witness it; when talking to forigners and the question of giving back (human capitol)to their homeland comes up they often ask, "why would I go back to suffer?" My questions is, " Why would you go back to suffer?, Go back to CHANGE!"
*Exercise 2:
Take a personality test @ (http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgiwin/JTypes2.asp) after taking the test we were to read up on our personality type @ http://www.personalitypage.com/high-level.html

(To my friends that follow my blog, I recommend you take the personality test as well; be sure to be truthful with your answers, only then will your results be true to you.)

My personality type is"ENFJ" Extroverted Intuitive Feeling Judging. extroverted feeling with introverted intuition.

Some bullet points about ENFJ's

*GIVER

*Strong need for close and meaninful relationships.

*Primary mode of living :Deal with things based on how you feel about them ( externally)

*Seconadary mode of living: Deal with things based on intuition.

*Focused Individuals

*have an extraordinary talent for bringing the best out in people.

*main intrest in life is giving love, support, and a good time to other people.

* Motives are "usually" unselfish

*FIND IT DIFFICULT TO SPEND TIME ALONE... but needs time alone (finally getting that alone time in Right NOW)

*Reserved about exposing themselves (ha ha ha....this is why most people would say I don't care what people think.)

*Likely to interact with others on their own level (OMg... these people have been following me around.)

*Express values and Opinions clearlt and succinctly.

*Supportive and responsive to ohers

*May feel quite lonely even when surrounded by people. (Okay ya'll... here it is...this is why I am a "PARTY POOPER" I prefer small social gatherings that way I am able to interact with people. The club to me is like a war zone! )

*"People love ENFJ's, they are fun to be with and truly understand and love people."

*They are straight forward (If you "Nomi" you know this..)

*Self confident

*Bright, full of potential, energetic and fast paced (They've been stalking me how did they know that!?...lol)

*Good at anything that captures there interest (It hard for things to capture my intrest but when it does... I am one of the best at it!!!)

*Well organized, structured and ambiguos ( All ways working on that)

*Do well in situations where they can inspire and lead others (NATURAL BORN LEADER)

*Do not like dealing with impersonal reasoning.

*Get excited about the future and possibilities.

*Unhappy in situations when they are forced to deal with Logic without human connection (this is true...shhh....but I didn't like my job in AAAN because I was stuck at a computer typing with no one to talk to!) (But too personal can be bad too...I dislike nursing because IT IS WAY TOO PERSONAL!)

*"Their genuine intrest in Humankind and their exceptional intuitive awareness of people make them able to draw out the most reerved individuals." (OMG....I do this all the time. I always talk to strangers, thats a GIVEN! BUT, whenI notice someone is shy or uncomfortable, I try to talk to them and make them feel comfortable.)

*Loyal and Trustworthy "Once involved in a relationship"(haha...YES, I am trustworthy... mostly because of GOD! I know that individual that I am being untruthful to doesn't know it...GOD does, because he sees and knows all things.)

*An ENFJ who has not found there place in the world is likely to be extremely sensetive to criticism, and have a tendency to worry excessively and feel guilty.(This when I usually hear people say, "Don't worry, your still young, you'll find your "calling" soon. Last semester was tough for me, I was extremely worried and felt guilty because I had decided nursing was not for me. I felt lost and uncomfortable and would spend hours worrying. If you know me well you know that I am very hard on myself. NOW, the new Nomi is majoring in Economics and hoping to go back to Nigeria soon and help in the development of the country.)

I tend to think that I talk too much or that I am too friendly, some times I would tell myself today, I am going to stay to myself and not talk to people. This assignment has done a great job helping me feel comfortable with my "jabber box mouth" and my over the top friendliness. It has helped me understand why I put people feelings before mine; usually when I tried analyzing why I put people's feelings before mine, I would often say to myself, "it's because I know that no matter what I will be Okay!" Although this is still true, I have a more in depth understanding of this reasoning.

This assignment made me more comfortable with myself and has also gave me a little more confidence about my character. THIS IS WHO I AM... A GIVER!

Almost all my friends are best friends! I tend to develope meaningful relationships without trying. I hold on to close friends rather than many friends. I would give my friend anything I got that they need. I tend not to have associates, and the few that I do have I would make them a close friend in a heart beat!