The Art of Listening

     The article, "In Africa, the Art of Listening," was a very intriguing article in my opinion. The author posed some very interesting ideas about people and how we have changed over time and how we are now. The author seems to think that humans are story telling creatures, and the only way to get anything out of story telling is by being able to be a good listener. I think that this relates to the situation we read in class in the sense that there were several people taking place in an argument and from the way the excerpt sounded, the argument wasn't going to be getting resolved any time soon. Possibly, if the individuals involved would have taken a step back from the situation and would have taken the time to listen to some other prospectives on the topic, the issue could have been resolved. If you don't take the time to listen, you will never be able to give anyone else a chance to explain their point of view to you, ultimately never believing that you are wrong. Everyone is wrong every once in a while. I think if these people would have been better listeners, the problem wouldn't have been as big of a deal.
     I also believe that this could relate to our research project. I think that being a good listener also has to do with being able to read between the lines in a sense. I think it involves going thinking deeper into what a person is actually saying. Throughout our research, we will most likely come across opinions, whether it be from other people or simply online sources. I think if we take the time to listen to them, and not just assume that we are right, our research may come out far more accurate.

Library Session

     I learned a lot of new information during the library session on Thursday. I had used some databases before, but I had never really been taught how specifically to use them effectively. This session went in depth on how to really search and find reliable sources on the topic you wanted. I also learned how the library's website worked and some of its really helpful features. Before the session, I had never been on the website because I didn't know how to work it or what it did. Now I know not only what the website can do, but I know how to use it as well. I know how to use cardcat, which I had no idea even existed.
     This information will be very helpful when it comes to my project for this class. I have already used the databases to find some resources for my topic proposal. I think this information will also be helpful because I now know how to search for books in the library on my topic using the website, when before I most likely would have relied solely on the internet for my information. I also think that being able to talk to a librarian will be helpful. They will know a lot of information that I think will aid in my research process. Overall, this session was extremely helpful and has made me feel a lot better about this project.

Find Out What's Important To You

     Of the given communities, I would say that my personal community is the most important or most significant to me. My family and friends play a large role in my life and in everything I do and I don't know where I would be without them. My mom, my dad, my sister, and my grandmother are the family members that I am closest with and rely on the the most. I also have several different groups of friends. I have friends that I play sports with in several states, I have a group of friends at home, in Columbus, Ohio, and I have a group of friends here at Ball State.

     Some discussions that take place within this community include a lot about my daily life and activities. In addition, my family and friends are the biggest support groups that I have and when we are together we talk about topics that maybe I need help with or reassurance. I always know that I can go to them with problems and they know that they can come to me if they ever need help with their problems.

     I have relied on my family and friends in a lot of situations to help me with major decisions. For example, I played club volleyball my entire high school career. About two years ago, I had a big decision to make. The team that I had played for my whole career was bringing in another player in that played my same position. I had to make the decision whether to stay on that team and sacrifice some playing time, or to play with another team where I would be guaranteed more playing time. However, that meant stepping out of my comfort zone getting used to playing with new people. My friends and family where there for me when I made the decision to play with a new team. They supported my decision and were there for me when I was frustrated with the situation, or just simply needed someone to talk to about everything.

     A problem that exist in this community is that everything is not always perfect. There are disagreements and bickering between family members and friends. When this happens, it is not always the easiest thing to deal with, but it is always important to stay strong and make the most of the situation. Though there are conflicts, your family and friends will always be there for you in the end.