Week 8/26: Ethics

What Is Ethics?

• People learn ethics from everything they see, hear, and experience. Ethics is learned from the people and other stimuli you encounter every day. This includes family, teachers, friends, television, radio, and so on.
• Unlike morality, ethics does not necessarily involve beliefs or an individual's feelings. Although the two words can be used interchangeably, morals are defined as more personally based principles whereas ethics refers to standards of right and wrong.
• People who examine their own moral conduct to ensure that it meets ethical standards will, consequently, be more ethical than those who compromise their moral conduct.
• I am often black and white in my beliefs. I believe there is right and there is wrong. There are not multiple codes of ethics, for it is not a varying set of standards.
• Songwriting, my chosen area of study for my mentorship, requires a large consideration for copyright laws. You have to copyright your songs so a listener doesn't steal the credit for your great song. I am confident that fellow music enthusiasts will provide a lot of inspiration for my songwriting through their creative creations. However, if I infuse any of their original work into my music, whether on purpose or by accident, I would be stealing and stealing is unethical. I’ll be wary of the melodies and lyrics I use in my music.

Week 8/19

Part One

My Mission Statement...

I will to be remembered for my work-ethic, focus, strength, and success. 

I will be relentless, never allowing myself to make excuses. 

I will not settle for average but surpass it.
I will be extraordinary. 

Part Two

From my mentorship, I would like to better gain an understanding of the day to day responsibilities a career in my chosen field consists of. I will show up every day eager to learn something new and then apply my acquired knowledge outside of my mentorship when the opportunity arises. This mentorship will help prepare me for my future by giving me the confidence necessary to function in a professional setting and offer me experience in my field of interest that will benefit me in deciding my path to success. 

Part Three

"Perfectly Polished"

Lesson 1: In an introduction, repeat the other person's name.

• We were instructed to meet five new people at the seminar and during the introduction repeat the other person's name. For example, if Sally introduced herself to me, I would reply, "It's very nice to meet you, Sally." Sometimes that felt awkward but it made the introduction feel more sincere. Everybody enjoys hearing their own name. When you use their name, they feel like you are paying attention to them. Plus, it helps you remember the name!

Lesson 2: Shake twice and drop. 

• Everyone has experienced that awkward handshake that never seems to end! Mrs. Lassiter told us that a handshake should consist of two shakes, and then you return your hand to your side. Now during an introduction, I'll know to loosen my grip and drop my hand so I don't get stuck shaking hands throughout an entire introduction.

Lesson 3: Print on RESUME PAPER!

• I didn't know that there was specific paper intended for resume. The attention to detail shown in printing your resume on resume paper could definitely increase your likeliness of landing a job. I admire attention to detail and will remember this for my future job search. 

Week 8/12 Reflection on Podcast/"Getting to Know Your Mentor"

 Reflect on the podcast and the "Getting to Know Your Mentor" handout and write a blog entry detailing points that are important in both pieces of information.  Remember, when you write a blog, you have an audience.  Keep that in mind as you write.  Do not simply summarize, engage your reader with information you have just gathered!

     I believe a good impression is important because people form opinions about you as soon as they set eyes on you. Like the podcast said, a first impression is made within the first 10 seconds! The best way to ensure you make a good impression is smiling, eye contact, A FIRM HANDSHAKE, and a confident introduction (I came up with that one on my own). These things show maturity, professionalism, and confidence. I believe that if you show confidence in yourself, your mentor (and most anyone else) will develop confidence in you as well! Equally critical to make a good impression is what you wear...sad as it is, our society places high value on outer appearence. That being said, it is crucial that you dress professionally and appropriately. I think that means I can't wear jeans to meet my mentor. :(
     However, it is also important to dress appropriately everyday on the job! No miniskirts, revealing tops, flip flops...How you project yourself everyday at your mentorship site is equally as important as the first day. The podcast and "Getting to Know Your Mentor" document both highlight the importance of enthusiasm. Being enthusiastic and having a positive attitude EVERYDAY will show the people in your work environment that you have come with a purpose and aren't wasting anyones time. The podcast says to jot down names and information about people you meet soon after the introduction. I think that is a brilliant way to remember and learn names! You can start paying attention to these people and their habits so you can "attach" yourself to those who are are focused and hardworking. 
     Okay, now REWIND back to the first impression topic! I personally feel a little anxious before introductions so the "Getting to Know Your Mentor" document was very beneficial to me. I don't think I would have thought to question my mentor about themselves, but questions such as "how did you choose your career?" or "how did you get where you are?" or "what do you think is the most important factor in success?" are great questions. Also, it is important to inquire as to appropriate dress and schedule. (P.s. You should always arrive on time or a few minutes early). 
     Alternatively, you need to be prepared to ANSWER questions. Both sources of information highlight the importance of being especially positive and excited on the first meeting when speaking of goals, college plans, and senior year. "Getting to Know Your Mentor" includes a list of things your mentor will expect from you. A few I believe that should be paid extra attention are turning off your cellphone, coming prepared, being eager to listen (learn), and being honest. 
     These mentorships place us in the "real world." I know that I must be ready to meet the demands of my mentorship promptly, efficiently, and maturely to get the most from my experience and reflect my school well.