Tiffany Pan, 4/26/21, Period 2, Day A

Goal Setting and Growth

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?

    As the school year is coming to a close, I tend to look back and think about everything that I've been through and accomplished in the past school year. College decisions are getting wrapped up as well, so it's definitely been a weight off my chest. As for goals going forth, one of my first goals would be college readiness. College is undoubtedly a new and unfamiliar chapter of our lives. Specifically, one of my goals would to find a roommate that shares similar preferences. That'd mean putting myself out there and reaching out to people, something I've never been particularly good at. However, this will be the perfect opportunity to talk to new people and connect with others that share similar interests. In addition to finding a roommate, college readiness also means learning more about the opportunities available at the college I'll be attending in order to ensure that I can make the most out of them when the time comes and I attend college in the fall. Specifically, it could mean looking out and applying for work-study opportunities, or learning about the classes offered and which ones I might be interested in taking. On a more personal level, my specific goals would be to spend as much time with family as I can and to enjoy the moments before I have to go off to college. I want to take the rest of this school year and the summer to spend time with everyone close to me, including my friends, before we have to part ways. 

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? 

    As someone who has never been a big fan of actively reaching out to others or making new friends online, I demonstrate resilience towards my goals by continuously being active on my college's social platforms. These platforms allow me to meet new people, and I try my best to continue engaging with others who I see share the same interests. It was a little uncomfortable at first: trying to be overly friendly with strangers. However, over time, I've learned to just be myself and not to worry too much. I will continue to be resilient towards these goals by continuously pushing my comfort zones by taking the initiative to interact with others.

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? 

    I firmly believe that the world around me makes me perceive this goal of  reaching out to others much more palpable. In 2021, social media and technology makes it easier than ever to meet new people and view their interests. Sites like Instagram allow me to get a sense of a person and their interests from their pictures and captions. Being able to reach out to with a simple click of a button makes me view this goal as much more tangible and even achievable. Personally, I don't feel as stressed when interacting with someone online, versus if I were to be talking to them in person. Therefore, I think the world now definitely encourages me to explore communities more and meet new people.