Take the high road

The high road of service in Leadership is travelled with integrity, compassion and understanding. People don't care you much you know until they know how much you care.

There is no blame in Healing

It is very difficult to help someone else if you can't help yourself. Everyone that knows me, knows that I care alot about the ones that I love. I took a big step yesterday to stand up for myself and talk about my experiences of living with someone with military PTSD. It is not a big secret or shame because I always keep in mind to be fair and respectful. There is no blame in healing.

 

It's when no one knows, no support is offered. When people are aware then more changes can happen and that is what is needed right now because it has become more and more common occurance in our military. Some people look at "speaking out about problems" as in insult or embarrassment! I rather take pride in making changes, than hiding secrets. Walls need to come down.

 

We still have choices about how to react and treat people and taking it out on your support is not the right decision. Ownership and awareness is never easy but its the first step to healing. 

 

If you have PTSD, your family needs to know HOW to support you to begin the process of healing. We ALL go through "Stuff". It's usually friends and families are the ones that hold the key to unlock the doors that were closed by pain. When the cards are on the table, you can see who is going through the process with you.

"Be true to your word, be solid in your trust, be honorable to yourself and be open to change" ~ Roberta Hibbert

Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI)

1)      Where you surprised by you results? Why or why not?

The highest score was 95 in ‘Information Processing’ and the second highest was ‘Study Aids’. This tells me that I use my personal experience to aid my learning habits and skills. I feel this is accurate because of how I learned growing up. I only completed grade 7 in formal education before my family decided to home study on a farm It was here that I learned by experiencing and doing the work necessary to accomplish a task.

      Using study aids and building a link helps me plan a visual plan so that I am confident about changing the delivery method if I feel that I am not gaining insight. I call it the ‘sticky note’ method of learning.

2)      List the categories that you want to work on in order of importance (to you)

My lowest mark was ‘Test Strategies’ and ‘Time Management’, it seems to go hand-in-hand. If I find the solution to one, I’m sure it will strengthen the other skills, that are linked by tasks.

     By order of importance to improve is: 1) Test Strategies 2) Time Management  3) Self Testing

3)      Come up with one idea (per top 3 categories) about how you might start working on each of your weaker areas.

Test Strategies:  The first step is making sure I am caught up on homework. I find my struggles come from not being prepared for the test because I crammed through the assignments and didn’t really fully understand the assignment which makes it stressful to take a test. Another strategy is to make sure I do at least a review a day, two days prior to the test so that if I have any questions, it would give me enough time to work out a solution.

Time Management: Being on time makes a big difference for being ready to engage into discussions, tasks, lectures, etc. I will make sure I have at least 5 minutes before class to be prepared to take notes. Also having a complete schedule of assignments will keep me focused on what is a priority.

Self-Testing: When I rush through the work, I find I do not retain the information for understanding. My ability to comprehend the materials when I am stressed or rush is not practical so if I make an conscience efforts to check my understanding at several points, then I can learn the materials with a step by step method.

What will you do to maintain you stronger areas?

What I have learned from this task was the importance of a clear study & assignment schedule. My strength is having a plan and having the right attitude to follow through. With my busy household responsibilities, I find it hard to set time aside to complete my homework so I end up putting it off until I have some quiet time. If I have a schedule that I can work on things bit by bit then I may get further ahead and reduce the stress of my responsibilities as a student.

Learning Experiences

Learning Experiences

1. The incident (or incidents) you recall as being the most exciting and rewarding for you - the times you felt something important was happening to you as a learner

 

 When I first started looking into getting my GED, I was 23 and had a grade 7 formal education. I was determined to get into university to get my academics started. I felt scared and excited to join a group of students and be able to apply myself out of my comfort but it was the first step to achieving my goals.

 

2. The incident (or incidents) you recall as being the most disappointing or distressing for you - the times you felt despair or frustration about your learning.  

 

In May of 2008, I was in a car accident which prevented me from continuing my career as a Financial Consultant with Investors Group. I finished my first year at Loyalist College in the  Sales & Marketing Program and was looking forward to completing my diploma. The injury to my back and neck left me with less congnitive skills and dealing with PTSD symptoms. When I returned to school to finish my diploma it was a huge phyical and mental challenge that left me struggling to complete it.

 

3. The characteristics and behaviors of teachers that you found most helped you learn. Give specific examples of actions and events.  

 

I give credit to my Business Professor. Mr. Bob Millard. His charisma and dedication to the SIFE program helped pushed it into position to compete at a National level and  win top awards. Being a part of his group of fellow students working on community projects, allowed me to understand what I wanted to do and become once my degree is finished.

 

4. The characteristics and behaviors of teachers that you found most hindered your learning. Give specific examples of actions and events.

 

I've had experience dealing with a Prof that had a huge ego. He was very bold and pushed the idea that he was top in his field and could do no wrong. I did not agree with some of his principles and it caused me to disengage from his class leaving it difficult to get a good mark or to learn from him.

 

5. Those times when you felt most valued and affirmed as a learner, and why this was so. Give specific examples of actions and events.  

 

Receiving my diploma was a great accomplishment and also recieving an Aboriginal Student Award was a very rewarding moment. It gave me the confidence that I needed to continue which my studies during a difficult time.  

 

6. Those times when you felt most demeaned and patronized as a learner, and why this was so. Give specific examples of actions and events. 

 

My personal relationships was a growing strain on my education and ability to learn. I found where I was lacking in academic concentration, I was trying to focus on fixing my family issues. It was tough to be in a partnership where there was no balance. Until recently with my last relationship breakdown, I started to heal me and making positive changes that was going to make a difference in my life and in the lives of my children. I have learned how not to count myself out and really make an effort to be aware of my personal limits and become limitless with my ability to grow.

 

 

A little about Me as a Student

Name: Roberta Hibbert (Denyes)
Program: Bachelor of Business, (Dble Major) Marketing and Management
Year: 3
Number of classes you are taking this term: 5

 
What is important to you?

The first on my priority list is not letting life pass me by. I have three children to raise on my own which does not allow room to be not at my best.

Tell me about something you enjoy?

I enjoy taking spontaneous short trips in the car with my kids to places that we have not been before. When my mind is full and it’s hard to focus, I love baking and decorating cakes. I enjoy reading books about personal development.

If you could do anything you wanted, what would you do?

I would love to be able to develop a leadership program to help facilitate a rehabilitation centre for military families that struggle with the aftermath of serving overseas.

Tell me about someone you see as a positive role model. What makes them a role model for you?

My older brother is very much my role model. He has changed his life by changing his thinking about where his life was headed. He has now become a business owner helping other people life the life they always wanted.

How do you feel about taking a course called “Student Success Course?” How do you feel about this being a mandatory class?

I feel it’s a necessary skill for all students. No one is at the same level in academics, life experiences or life situations. Having it as a mandatory class is not as important as it is that the materials in the course is useful. I believe administering a test for competence would allow the student to focus time completing more credited courses.

What does “student success” mean to you?

Success is always a perception of the student. What one person’s success may not be on the same level as someone else’s. I feel as an adult learner it is important to succeed to transitioning into the academic field to help with balancing all aspects of life’s responsibilities.

What would you like to see as part of this course? Are there any particular activities you like doing in class?

I think most students are very capable of succeeding in this course. It strengthen many skills that are found in day-to day activities such as organizing, time management, motivation, purpose, etc. I like that the course is somewhat student driven and allows the student to explore options and in-depth understanding of what it will take to reach academic success.  

At the end of this course, what would you like to leave with?

I would like to know that my time was valued and I have learned from my fellow student and my prof.

Love notes....

I have this new thing of writing motivational notes on the bathroom mirror with a washable marker to help me start my day off with a smile. Little messages like ..."You deserve to be happy" "Smile" "You are beautiful" "Be the change you want to see in others" "If he is dumb enough to walk, then be smart enough to let him" etc, etc....

At times, Sarah will write a message like..."I love you, mom" ...BUT...Today...I got a new message and it read....."The living room is a mess!"

I couldn't have gotten a better love note....um, I love you too Sarah

Batman to the rescue to help the firemen

Setting: frazzled mommy dressed like a she-devil getting kids ready for halloween party

"kids get out to the van, we're late!!! Go, Go, Go!
Sabin's ready, costume, shoes, jacket - check
Scott's ready, costume, shoes, jacket - check
Sarah's ready, costume, shoes, jacket - check
list of things I need to pick up - check
halloween cookbook for punch - check
my jacket, shoes, phone, face on - check, check, check
*she-devil running around in 7 in heels and mini skirt*
Door slams...k, I'm ready...oh no, KEYS! ...NOT CHECK! Turn....oh no, Door Locked! Waaahhh

OH MAN! A few minutes later, Firemen come to the rescue in big fire truck to save the she-devil damsel.
*quick, reapply of glossy lipstick*
"oh thank you, thank you mister handsome firemen" .....*o_O*...*groan*...I mean, "right this way to the window".
Damsel: "not a good way to meet firemen, is it?"
Firemen: *chuckle*.... "well not really, if we can't get in the window we may have to use the big tool on the door"
Damsel: *o_O*
Once window was open, another delimma of who to fit inside...alas, its BATMAN (aka Scotty) to the rescue!
Firemen: oh wow, its batman! do you think you can help us?
Batman (scotty): "yes, its me and I'm here, what can I help you with?" ...using big boy voice!
Firemen: *group hero rescuers huddle* ..."Well, we need your help getting that door open from the inside? Do you think you can do it, if we help you in?"
Batman: ...."k"

A few minutes of sheer suspense as Batman works diligently at figuring out how to unlock the door. His face peers into the window a few times in panic. *whispers*.."mom, I can't do it"...Damsel is cheering Batman on as the clock ticks with anticipation....Yah, door is unlocked and keys retrieved!
Fireman: *high fives*...good job Batman!
Damsel: "maybe I should have gotten those spare keys made?"
Firemen: ...uumm.."yah, that would be a good idea!"
Damsel: ..*groan*


Lesson learned....Finding my hero in the smallest package!
~R~ A Mom's life...in transition

My five-year old fashion guru

Setting: I am going through my wardrobe in purging mode, trying on clothes.

Mommy: Hey Scotty, does this jeans look ok?....*stands in front of mirror*
Scott: Well....* inquisitive look*..... do they feel tight?
Mommy: um, well maybe a little...*k..where is he going with this?*
Scott: Well, you do have some stuff coming out of the top...*gentle pats my muffin top luv handles with a ...we-got-to-do-something-about-this... look*...and, what is that?....*points then pats my belly button belly*....*lightbulb moment*...Mommy, maybe you should give them to someone younger!
Mommy: ..*O_o*.....WAAAHHHHH! ...*>_<*