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Material Type: Paper; Professor: Bump; Class: COMP AND READING IN WORLD LIT; Subject: English; University: University of Texas - Austin; Term: Unknown 1989;
Typology: Papers
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Ashley Powell Bump E603A A Self-Reflection After close analysis of my answers to the many random inquiries into my personal thoughts and habits, the computer finds me to possess the personality type of an intuitive, feeling, and judging extrovert (however none of these qualities are highly expressed). A cursory glance at this judgment of my “self” took me slightly aback, in particular the labeling of “extrovert.” In the past, I have always thought myself to have been an introvert thrown into typically extrovert suited situations, either by pressure from friends or mere circumstance. However, upon further study I found that my unique combination of qualities fit my life almost to a tee, forcing me to even draw upon specific and repeated occurrences where my “type” almost dictated my feelings or actions. I particularly agreed with the description of the “teacher type” as “not so much social as educational leaders” (Portrait). I have always found myself to be my most outgoing when there is a task to be taught or a friend struggling with an issue. In such circumstances I find myself able to lead large groups along a motivated path toward success and growth. However, in purely social situations I rarely, if ever, assume the position of leader or group facilitator. Frequently, I am far more inclined to be a lesser contributor to the social circle, although am insistent on being included, even on the outskirts. Because of this timid quality, I have always assumed myself to be an introvert. Despite this assumption, after reading the extrovert description in the Anthology, I began to review my opinion of my self and my behaviors.
I’ve always believed the stereotypical extrovert to be the life of the party, the constant socializer, which I have never considered myself really to be. Throughout my life I have associated with these extroverts, they have become my best friends, and consequently have drawn me into hundreds of large parties and social situations. In such situations, I have almost always taken the back-burner, always feeling a little uncomfortable forced into entertaining so many strangers. Nonetheless, the learning style of the extrovert and the questions associated with the label surprised me as I began to agree with a great many of them. I found I do enjoy working with groups and brainstorming, often because my attention is prone to wander. If working alone on a paper, homework, or project, I am easily distracted and often end up procrastinating. I may decide to take a break to eat, workout, read, or (gasp) check facebook. When in a group these distractions are muted and I can easily focus on what is to be done. This inclination toward group work also supports my “feeling” quality, of being “relationship oriented” (Anthology). The motivating “teacher” analysis parallels the Anthology’s analysis of me being a feeler who is “more supportive than critical” and often “aware of my audience.” I have often found myself afraid to give harsh criticism, even when asked, and focus more on the good qualities as to not hurt a person’s feelings. I attempt to preserve harmony at all costs, in both my academic career and relationships. Confrontations or blatant criticism of any kind has never been in my nature. However, this can sometimes lead to problems if I focus too much on being delicate about an issue and telling a person what they want to hear. My intuitiveness was what I seemed to most relate to, and I was not surprised that the results expressed this feature the strongest. I constantly find myself attempting to look beneath the surface of things, even if they are ordinary and commonplace. I am often occupied with analyzing the unconscious behaviors of people and groups, or the purpose of meaning to definite
Works Cited Bump, Jerome, ed. Composition and Reading in World Literature. Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. Dass, Ram, and Gorman Paul. How Can I Help? Stories and Reflections on Service. Ed. Alfred A. Knopf. New York, 1987. “The Portrait of the Teacher Idealist.” Prometheus Nemesis Book Company: 2006 .