For the career section of the blog posts, I decided to attend a STARR career workshop. I chose “Small Talk Part II: It’s a BIG deal!” under the direction of Ms. Adia Tucker. I enjoyed the workshop and thought it was useful in addressing something many of us overlook or fail to take seriously. Small talk is a part of our everyday lives and assists in forming/receiving an appropriate and crucial first impression (depending on who we’re talking to). I believed I could easily do it, however, a few minutes in I realized I didn’t. The workshop was a series of activities where participants would act as representatives, recruiters, potential employers and employees, co-workers and/or complete strangers and engage in conversation to practice their small talk skills. I enjoyed these activities and learned new ways of introducing myself or striking up a conversation with someone I wouldn’t be too familiar with. I’m happy I chose this workshop because it has shown me how my small talk/sociable skills need some sharpening and has laid down the basics of achieving just that. I look to improve on this tiny but important skill, especially with the help of the STARR Career Development Center, and better the impression I give off throughout my college career, professional career and day-to-day life.

For the Student Life Category, I chose my experience at the Club Fair that took place on October 2nd. This was a great event that displayed many of the college’s clubs and offered to students the opportunity to learn more about the groups and join. I recognize how important it is for college students to take their minds off work and relax, whether that is kicking back and getting some  sleep or hanging out with friends and participating in some engaging activity. Clubs provide the much needed break and succeed in engaging students with a common interest. The club fair showed me the diverse community of Baruch and the array of interests that exist within the student body. It truly has a place for everyone and that pushed me to consider new and help expand old interests. It was a fun event with entertaining activities and overall worthwhile.

Prior to taking it, I had never heard of the V.A.R.K. Questionnaire. Upon completing it and eventually looking up the meaning of my results, I realized that the entire point is recognizing “the way I learn best” through my answers rather than my numerical score. (I’m assuming participants in a discussion use the actual numbers.) Reviewing my choices, I noticed how I preferred learning with the use of visuals and if possible a step by step narrative. I began to notice how with those methods I tend to understand information presented to me quickly and easily. In other words I will be less likely to reread something or ask for more explanation. I think that it’s important I am aware of this in order to take  advantage of more resources and save time through the course of my studies. Whether or not I am able to reciprocate my methods of learning to others in terms how I give out information I am not so sure. I  think I rely on those methods when explaining something because I trust their effectiveness more than a thorough worded explanation, however I do  need to brush up my skills. Overall, I plan to take advantage of the way(s) I learn best and hope to  see fruitful results in my studies and future.