reflection

Here at Ohio State I think it is important for almost everyone to shape their own selves into leaders wherever they want. This class has taught me that there are so many different environments that people need to be leaders and the issues they face. One thing I really enjoyed here was talking about being an ethical person in any setting. It is important that people take the time to reflect on what they do or say and if is deemed ethical. To many times there is an ethical issue that can cause conflict and stir issues. I know in any leadership position I have been in that is something I am careful of. I also learned so many techniques and styles my own classmates shared with me.
There were different approaches that I was learning of in certain situations that I have never taught of before. This tied in with appreciating differences and understanding others. That class was full of tension but it was also a reality. I think that in anytime of my life whether it be a professional setting, meeting with friends or family that I will  be faced with exposure to differences that I have to work with. This class also made me realize the privilege that I have in ways I would have never imagined. I think being aware is helpful.
 Finally, the strengths quest finder was very helpful. It allowed me to have specific areas I can check on how I was doing. I was able to recognize my strengths and use them when needed. We had some really good talks in the class that I picked a lot up from. Everyone's insight was also very helpful. Without real life applications of our discussions it would be difficult to understand it completely.

Peck'sTheory

• Stage One - Pseudocommunity:  In this stage a group may feel like things are just fine, people seem to be getting along, relationships are courteous, but it is in reality a superficial, underdeveloped level of community. Conflict is avoided and seen as wholly negative.
• Stage Two - Chaos: When pseudocommunity fails to work, the community experiences chaos as different members begin to openly vent their frustrations and disagreements. In this stage, community members realize that differences cannot simply be ignored or conflict avoided. Chaos is a challenging stage that makes many people just want to give up - but really it is the first step towards an authentic community.
• Stage Three - Emptiness: Community members learn to empty themselves of ego-related factors and embrace the needs of the group. The needs of the individual are balanced with the needs of the community. 
• Stage Four - Authentic or True Community: In this stage individuals grant each other empathy and understanding.

There are four stages of the peck's theory that help create an authentic community, The first being pseudocommunity in which I remember a time where this existed. When I was on a retreat in high school we all got to the place where we were staying. We unpacked bags and talked with everyone and met new people. Eventually we were in stage 2 which is known as the chaos stage. Soon enough people were arguing with each other about who would have what bed, who would be room mates with who. There was a burst of drama and uneasy tensions that same night. We took a while before reaching stage 3 and it was all because of one of our leaders who realized what was happening. We were not able to participate in the retreat and allow it to help us grow. the way it intended to. So we were given some time off in order to reflect and think about our current situation. We missed out on so many planned activities, group discussions and also free time to enjoy. The following day we came back together and ready to participate. We had just started as a group of people with high tensions towards each other to being able to go deep with one another and able to share things with each other. I think this is a great and common example of Peck's theory in real life.

Blog 7

Many people have target and non target affiliated identities. It can either be a privilege or a burden in your life depending on which one you relate too. For me personally I think me being a female and black are target identities. From my experience already I know women do not receive the same pay as men do for the same job. I have experience different treatment in many aspects of my life just for being a female. There is a set of standards we have set for women and I do not think its fair or equal. The average women makes 77 cents compared to a males earning of  a dollar. It is not fair that they have performed the same task and did the same work load but get different pay based on sex.
As far as my non target identity I think for me is being a christian. We are far past the crusades stage in our history. We are more open to talk about religion. I have the privilege of praying without fear or persecution. Here in America our civic religion is Christianity so I am practically protected to practice it. I am Ethiopian Orthodox and in Ethiopia people are being killed for practicing a religion. For instance, the people are dying for their faith. Their faith has been identified as a target identity that is resulting in death, I understand my privilege here in America for my freedom to practice my religion.