Reaching Out

During the wagon wheel activity the different people I partnered up with affected my participation. I behaved differently with every partner depending on how well I knew each one. Even though I was more comfortable and open with the individuals I already knew I still made an effort with those I did not know as well because, I remembered last semester I was shy and didn’t really talk to anyone unless they said something to me first. 

 

So I tried to find things about the person, I partnered up with, that we can talk about to make the moment easier. To make my partners feel as if I were engaged in the conversation and to let them know I was invested in their answers, I listened to what they had to say and did not interrupt them with questions I had until we finished. By listening and not interrupting I felt I understood them more than if I asked them questions and because I did not stop them from talking, their point made more sense.   

 

After talking to the different people during the wagon wheel, I felt as if it was a door opener for future conversations that may have not happened if it weren’t for the activity. 

I feel that in situations where a person is familiar with the surrounding environment, it is up to them to reach out to those less comfortable and make them feel welcomed. Due to my experiences last semester I realized how it can be difficult for a shy or new person that doesn’t know anyone, come into a class and make friends or start conversations.