How do I reflect on who I am?
There are many ways one can explore who you are. Some may choose journaling, some may choose mind mapping, some may choose talking to others. Here are some tips to dig deeper and get to know who you are through journaling.
WHY: Journaling can be an awesome tool for reflection. This allows you to write out what is in your head, heart, mind and spirit. InsideThenOut, owned by the JHU alum, Nya Jones, shares that journaling can be “Effortless tools for meaningful growth.” Literature shares that reflective journaling helps develop critical thinking12, a NACE core competency3.
HOW: Journaling can be done on your own, with others or even shared publicly. It can be guided or free flowing. It can be digital or on paper. It can be with words or imagery. You get to choose how you want to produce your own thoughts in the form of journaling.
TOOLS / EXAMPLES: Below are some resources that can be helpful to support you in reflecting on who you are.
Guided Journaling Resources:
- Prompts from the Life Design Educator, Clifton Shambry (1.5 min Video)
- Michelle Obama’s Becoming Journal
- InsideThenOut Journals (A JHU Alum’s business)
Examples of Published Reflections
- Student Reflection on the Career Closet
- Student Reflections: Student Biotech Trek Reflection 1 | Student Biotech Trek Reflection 2
- Alumni Reflections: Alum Biotech Trek Reflection1 | Alum Biotech Trek Reflection 2
- Clifton’s 5 lessons learned and reminders in leading
- Clifton’s Living Your Best Life Lessons Learned
CALL TO ACTION
Take time to reflect (write, think or draw) on one of the prompts in this video (1.5 min video).
Footnote/References
1Schuessler, J. B., Wilder, B., & Byrd, L. (2012). Reflective Journaling and Development of CULTURAL HUMILITY IN STUDENTS. Nursing Education Perspectives, 33(2), 96-9. https://proxy1.library.jhu.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/reflective-journaling-development-cultural/docview/1009642647/se-2
2NACE Core Competencies website. https://www.naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/career-readiness-defined/#panel3v
Written by Clifton E. Shambry Jr.
