LaQuasia: The Commuincator

Based upon my results, I was stunned that I scored a 62 on the verbal aggression quiz. I'm not sure if I misunderstood the wording, but I always give respect and would prefer to back down, then engage in arguments or debates, even if it is considered inoffensive. I do not engage in confusion, therefore I do what is necessary to stay away from it.  My sister and supervisor scored me in the in the low category (37 and 41), which is still slightly outside of my character.


Even though, I scored low and moderate in the aggressive listening category the descriptions are allowing me to realize that backing down is not always the best tactic. I can respectfully argue my point without insulting one's viewpoint or character. In addition, I can also learn to put personal feelings aside to prevent my trustworthiness from effecting my judgement. Being an easy going and people person, I can admit that at times I allow others to impact my judgement. I must learn when and where to draw the line, especially if it ever begins to effect my professional judgement.


I can utilize mild forms of aggressive behavior, especially within my professional world. As a Early Childhood professional, I am also an advocate for the rights of young children. Therefore, there may be times where I may have to professionally and respectfully debate/argue with someone who is for cutting funds or programs. Public speaking is one of my strong features. Apart of my job description calls for me to provide trainings/workshops to childcare providers. I am able to utilize my strong attribute to aide in the advancement of the ECE field. 


Effective communication is important in professional and personal life because we all come into contact with people everyday. If we are going to collaborate and communicate, why not do it an a manner that will yeild positive results in all settings and circumstances. 

Week 3

Over this short span of time, I have learned what it entails to communicative effectively with others. The following three strategies will continue to be utilized by me when communicating with parents, providers, and children.

1. Platinum rule- Instead of treating people the way I would want to be treated, I'm going to place myself into their position and treat them the way that they would want to be treated. This will allow me to view the context of the conversation from the other person's view.It allows me to think before I speak and to be respectful at all times.

2. Listening- A conversation takes two or more people. Therefore, it can not be dominated by one person. In order to communicate, one must be able to close their mouth at times and let the other person talk. In addition, you must also listen attentively to what he or she is speaking about. By listening attentively I will know how to appropriately respond. 

3. Be aware facial expression and body language- These two forms of nonverbal communication are imperative and can make or beak a conversation. Eye contact is important and shows the speaker that you are listening and that your attention is not elsewhere. 

Week 2

As we go throughout our daily lives, we must interact with others in some way. Whether its verbal or non-verbally, our words and actions will work in our favor or work against us.  For the purposes of this assignment, I DVR'ed the show "House". There were 8 main characters. Five of the eight were younger medical students or first year doctors. There was an older man around 50, who I assumed was the boss because he walked around the hospital with the medical students and was also instructed them in a small classroom. There was also two other doctors, one a woman and the other a man, both who seem to have high positions within the hospital. Based upon their nonverbal communication all of the characters did not get along with or either had varying opinions from the older male doctor. The older male doctor seemed to have a "know it all" attitude and is very sarcastic.

After watching the show with the volume on, I realized that some of my assumptions were correct. the 5 younger characters were taking up residence at this hospital. The older man was the main character Dr. House.  Dr. House, along with the 5 residents, and other doctors worked in the high risk or intensive care unit of the hospital. Throughout the episode House displayed sarcastic behavior towards his colleagues and towards the patients.This show did not interest me, therefor it was not easy for me to understand or get into. However had I been watching Law and Order: SVU, I would have been able to tell you the relationship the characters had with one another as well as how the interacted and communicated with each other and those that they came into contact with. 


My "aha" moment came when I realized that even though House was sarcastic and disrespectful, his services and expertise come highly recommended. In addition, his colleagues respected him, even though they did not agree with him.

Week 1

In regards to competent communicators there are many people who come to mind. However, for the purposes of this blog I believe that my pastor would be the best person to use an example. Pastor Darrel "BJ" Gibson is not only a pastor, he is also a member of the Scotland County School Board. Because he carries various titles, the way in which BJ communicates varies depending upon the targeted audience, purpose, and setting.

During morning worship, BJ delivers his message by providing a topic and a scripture that his message derives from. In addition, he will use additional scriptures to provide validity to his message. During his message, BJ preaches with enthusiasm, while also utilizing a serious tone or demeanor. Depending upon the message, he may some time have to tell a story that may make us laugh, but it relates to the message. As a member of the School Board, I can imagine that BJ's demeanor is serious and that he speaks utilizing factual information that will be beneficial to the success of students. Because BJ graduated from elementary, middle, and high school in Scotland County, I'm sure that he is able to refer to his experiences as a student to better justify his point. A interesting and key trait of BJ, is that he is able to impact the the youth and young adults, as well as those who are over 35 years of age. My pastor is only 23 years old, but he possess the wisdom and maturity of someone twice his age. When BJ speaks you have no choice but to listen! 

I would model communications after BJ because he knows how to communicate effectively. BJ knows which type of behavior to display based upon the setting and intended audience. In addition, BJ knows how to empathize, comfort, and encourage others. 

Professional Hope and Goals

The last 8 weeks have been an interesting and insightful journey. I have truly and thoroughly enjoyed this course.

I hope to continue to impact the lives of children and families, inspite of our differences. Our differences allow us to be the unique individuals and families that we are.

It is my goal to use every concept and idea, learned through this course, in order to further educate providers on various aspects of diversity. In addition, it is my goal to provide examples and methods on how to incorporated these new ideas throughout their program.

I would personally like to thank each of my colleagues for allowing me insight into their lives and for also sharing their thoughts and beliefs. I sincerely hope that we will all take what we have learn and use it to effectively impact and change lives. I wish everyone success in all of their future and educational endeavors.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Working as  social worker, in Robeson County school system, I was notified that a new family would be moving into our school district with three children ages 4, 5,  and 8. The youngest child would be enrolled in our school's NC Pre-K program, while the other two would be enrolled in kindergarten and third grade. This family is unique from others, because they recently immigrated from Indonesia.

As the school social worker, it is my duty to serve as a liaison between home and school. In order to be culturally responsive towards this family I would research Indonesian culture. Learning about Indonesian culture would be important in order to learn proper forms of communication, physical contact (i.e handshaking), education. Next, I would take the opportunity to personally meet the family and discuss any questions, concerns, and expectations. Once this task has been completed, I would meet with each child's teacher to ensure that each child's need would be accommodated and to ensure that the teacher has become familiar with the family's culture. Next, I would work with the teachers to ensure that diversity, including Indonesian culture, has been positively displayed throughout the classrooms. This is important because the children will be inquisitive and it would be ideal to have materials that relate to Indonesian culture in order for the children to have a better understanding of their new peers, their family, and native country. Finally, once school has begun a form of cultural awareness would be implemented into the curriculum, which would allow the children and their family to share Indonesian culture and for them to become familiar with American culture, in addition to various cultures throughout the school. In addition, I would always have an interpreter on site to help diffuse language/culture barriers.

The above acts would allow me to culturally responsive because I would be able to have a basic understanding of Indonesia culture. In addition, I will also assist the family in adjusting to their new lives in a new country. It is important that children have an understanding of the various cultures around them. Teachers would also assist in the families transition by having basic knowledge to help their students understand and build a level of respect for one another.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

This morning, around 6:00 a.m., I was woken out of my sleep. I was unable to go back, so I decided to watch an old show from the 1990's called "New York Undercover". On this episode, the NYPD police, J.C, Torres, and McNamara, were investigating a string of black churches that were bombed. All though this show was fictional, it still displayed the hatred that many African Americans encountered during the early 1900's and Civil Rights Movement. At the end of the show a list of churches, from around the U.S., that were bombed during the 1990's.

This incident diminishes  equity because it gives off the impression that African Americans and their property is not valued. The prime suspect in the case stated that the churches were being burned in order to rid America of all minorities to get back to a "pure" America.

This incident saddens me because it shows that 30 years after the Civil Rights Movement, this level of prejudice still exist. Even though this show is fictional it depicted current events during this time. I'm still in awe at the level of ignorance that are displayed by people. It often makes me wonder will we ever live in a nondiscriminatory society.


If there was something that I could change, it would be the similar incidents that occurred in real life.