To me, listening and hearing were always synonymous. If I was hearing something wasn’t it the same like listening to it? To my disdain, I was wrong. Horribly enough because my inability to differentiate between the two was what might have led to the various times I was unable to lend a helping hand my friends needed me the most. I failed to recognize that what they needed was an ear, they were not asking e to solve their problems for them or give advice, they simply wanted me to be there and listen.
On the very first day of the workshop, when we were all tested for our listening skills, I remember feeling confident to nail the test with all my responses ready for whatever situation ma’am throws at me. However, when put in the position I realized that what I thought was a logical response, was not the right one. This made me even more inclined towards the workshop and the modules. Throughout the 2 week process I understood the difference between the right sort of questions and the right sort of listening. Especially, the necessity of asking how are you instead of are you okay.
The session helped me understand that in times of dismay or acute feelings, what they want is for someone to listen. They are not asking for advice, they are not asking you for help, they simply want someone to understand the situation they are in. This mindset was what brought along a major shift in the way I approached the idea of Listening. When ma’am explained why this was needed, I understood taking this workshop as an act of service to the people around me. As someone who is easy to talk to, taking up professional training to help people around me was one way to help people around me feel better and know that their situation is understandable and their emotions are being acknowledged. Sometimes something as simple as that can save lives, and give emotional security.
Evidence for the workshop-
CAS strand/stands in focus- Service
LO2- This was a little challenging because the entire workshop was about learning how to listen to others and changing your own perspectives about how you can be of help to people in emotional distress. The challenge was that many a times the sentences that I felt were appropriate reactions to certain situations would often turn out be situations that one attempts to avoid. So it took a lot of patience, skill and practice to complete the entire course.
LO3- Organizing myself was also very crucial during this workshop. Our school had just begun and I was still dealing with the array of responsibilities brought on by IBDP. I soon realized that while the course was important I was unable to manage my time effectively and skipped a lot of the daily tasks. Hence, I decided to plan it out in such a way that I was able to ensure that the course was over before the deadline because it was announced that anyone who does not finish it before the due date, would not receive the certificate. I messed up the plan a little but was able to finish it off before the deadline.
LO 4- With the upcoming deadlines and all the needed commitment and perseverance was the key that helped me achieve the course. Due to the new concept of IBDP, it was easy to sway away from the course but with the want of the certificate, I strived to ensure that I completed the course on time.
Hence, the workshop made me feel like a new person altogether and I can see the results of the same in the daily conversations I have with my friends and family today.