It is not often that one is asked the question, “When was a time that you were at your best?” Although this question is one that is not often encountered, it is an incredibly important question to understand your goals and motivations through your successes. As a culture, we tend to focus on our flaws and struggles rather than our accomplishments, whether that be a small moment of achievement or a bigger breakthrough. As I sat down to write my response to this question, I noticed that what I saw as my successes were based around service to my community, a value that I try to embody daily. I chose to display this short reflection of my Best Self Portrait in my ePortfolio to show that we should encourage personal pride and acknowledge even small victories as a way to achieve greater and more impactful leadership.
Reflected Best Self Portrait
Sept. 26, 2019
I feel I was at my best last year on my gap year in Israel. For the second semester, we were living in the city of Tiberias and would be spending three months volunteering at our requested volunteer placement. I had originally chosen to work at a school, but at the last minute a new volunteer location had to be filled so me and three of my peers were placed there, at a living community for adults with special needs. Much of the group, myself included, was nervous to work at such a facility and therefore were upset with the change in plans. On the first day of work, the energy on the commute from my peers was very negative. I encouraged everyone to walk in with an open mind, that regardless of whether this location (called Neve Kinneret) was not their first choice, we were there to help the communities in whatever way they needed. The first few days of volunteering were exhausting both physically and emotionally. The facility housed over 300 adults with varying degrees of special needs, something which my peers and I had never been exposed to on this level.
That first day, I came home deeply impacted by what I had seen and with more questions than answers. How could people live like this? Is it really a life they are living? How much could they understand or process what we were saying? I expressed these questions to the director of the facility named Boaz. Boaz looked me in the eyes and in Hebrew said, “Well, that’s what I find so special about these members. You have no idea what they’re thinking, and I’m sure those thoughts are brilliant. What we do know, though, is that based on their reactions, your presence brings them joy, and that is why you are here.” Boaz was completely right. I had spent the first few days upset, honestly thinking about how much these peoples’ lives were lacking when in reality I should have been thinking about my role in this facility. I expressed this conversation to my peers who were also feeling overwhelmed by our volunteering, and this shift in mindset was what motivated us to embrace our experiences at Neve Kinneret, build relationships with the residents, and ultimately bring every ounce of our energy to work each morning. By voicing my emotions and struggles, I was able to find a purpose for both myself and my group which resulted in experiences that still influence all of us everyday. With the shift in mindset, I could be at my best for the residents of Neve Kinneret, my peers, and for myself.
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