Dyllan Core Competencies February 21st

Personal Awareness & Responsibilities

Strengths:

I take personal responsibility for my choices and actions.

When it comes to the idea of responsibility, many people find it challenging to step into the role of a
truly responsible individual. But for me, being responsible has been a core strength in my daily life for as
long as I can remember. From the time I was a child, I understood the importance of taking care of
things on my own. I knew how to walk myself to school, what time the dog needed to be walked, and
even the simple task of tying my own shoelaces, things that often require a parental figure for guidance.
As I grew into my teenage years, this sense of responsibility only deepened. I got a job, saved up, and
bought my own laptop, learning the value of hard work and independence. In the summer of 2023, I
faced a significant challenge of my self-sufficiency when I lived alone with my older sister for four
months. During this time, I naturally took the lead in managing our household, drawing on the skills and
mindset I had developed over the years. From handling chores to managing finances, I found myself
stepping up without hesitation. During this period, I understood the depth of my capability and the
strength of my individual upbringing. This experience further solidified my belief in the importance of
being responsible and self-reliant, traits that continue to guide me in navigating the challenges of
adulthood.

I can set goals, regulate my emotions, and persevere in difficult situations.

I have always been someone who knows how to make decisions for myself, without letting other
people's opinions get in the way. It is something that I have grown to take a lot of pride in. From a young
age, I have had this strong mindset that helps me navigate through tough situations and stay true to
myself. Whether it is choosing a job or deciding how to spend my time, I have learned to trust my
instincts and stick to what I believe in. My independence in my decision-making has been shaped by
years of learning about myself and what matters most to me. I have developed a set of values that guide
me, and I have learned to rely on myself when faced with important choices. Knowing that the decisions
I make are based on my own beliefs and aspirations gives me a sense of confidence and clarity. What is
more, this ability to stand by my choices has been a source of resilience during challenging times. My
independence of thought and action is a fundamental part of who I am.

Weaknesses

I can express my needs and seek help when needed.

When it comes to expressing myself, especially when it is about what I want or need, I often find it
tough to get my point across clearly. It is like I hit a dead-end, not finding the words to explain my
thoughts. This leaves me feeling frustrated, sometimes choosing to keep quiet instead. But I have
realized how crucial it is to communicate well, so I am motivated to improve. I am taking steps to
become a better communicator by learning to listen actively, expanding my vocabulary to find the right
words, and figuring out how to organize my thoughts in a way that makes sense to others. It is a bit of a
challenge, but I see it as an opportunity to grow. I'm looking forward to the day when I can express
myself confidently and connect with others more deeply through clearer communication.
Social Responsibility

Strengths:

I value diversity, defend human rights, advocate for others, and act ethically in all my interactions,
including online.

Throughout my life, I have often felt like I did not fit in, always on the outside looking in. This has given
me a deep empathy for those who feel left out and excluded. When I am around people, I naturally seek
out those who need a friend, a listening ear, or just someone to connect with. I have a habit of noticing
those who might benefit from a friendly face or a supportive friend. Whether it is a quiet person at a
gathering or someone going through a tough time, everyone deserves to have someone to talk to and
share with. Advocating for others has become a guiding principle for me. I am committed to giving these
individuals a voice, a chance to speak up for themselves if they ever feel the need. It is about creating a
space where everyone feels heard, valued, and included. Reflecting on my own experiences of feeling
like an outsider fuels my compassion and empathy. I understand the impact of a kind gesture or a
moment of understanding. I see it as my mission to build connections and ensure that no one ever feels
alone. Being an advocate for those who might feel marginalized or overlooked brings me a deep sense
of purpose. I hope to inspire others to stand tall, knowing that they are valued and supported.

I have positive peer and intergenerational relationships.

The joy I find in my relationships spans across generations, from my friends to those much older than
myself. Each connection brings a unique difference to my life as I collect the knowledge and experiences
of diverse individuals. These interactions remind me of our shared experiences and the strength we find
in the community. Equally valuable are the conversations I have with older generations. Their wisdom
and life lessons offer me profound insights into resilience and the journey of life. Listening to their
stories of triumph and perseverance inspires me to face my own challenges with courage. Every
interaction, whether with peers or elders, adds layers of wisdom and depth to my understanding. These
connections shape me into a more compassionate, empathetic, and knowledgeable person. I am
grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through these meaningful relationships, knowing that
each encounter contributes to my journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Weaknesses:

I am aware of my community and environment and work independently and collaboratively for the
benefit of others.

Being an advocate for personal achievements and self-worth has always been an important part of my
beliefs and values. However, I have found it challenging at times to reconcile this mindset with the need
to work collaboratively for the benefit of others. There are moments when the pressure to make a
difference for others and their goals feels overwhelming. It can be exhausting to put the needs of others
before my own, especially when I have an intense sense of personal drive and ambition. This inner
conflict between advocating for individual success and working collectively for a greater cause has been
a source of internal struggle. I am trying to work on it for the sense of teamwork and creating a better
community, it will take a bit of time though.
Being an advocate for personal achievements and self-worth has always been an important part of my
beliefs and values. However, I have found it challenging at times to reconcile this mindset with the need
to work collaboratively for the benefit of others.

Critical Thinking

Strengths:

I can assess my progress.

Whenever I tackle a project or assignment, I always map out a plan in my head. I think about the words I
want to use, how long I want them to be, and estimate how much time it will take. This planning process
by constantly checking in with myself and evaluating my progress, I can make smarter decisions along
the way. If something is not working, I can adjust my approach. This flexibility helps me adapt to
challenges and find solutions more effectively. Having a plan also keeps me focused and motivated. This
practice of planning and monitoring my progress has become second nature to me. It not only enhances
the quality of my work but also gives me a sense of control and direction. I feel more confident knowing
that I have a clear strategy in place and can adjust as needed to stay on course. I can explore and create
new ways to represent my learning around a variety of problems, events, issues, and needs.

I am good at finding diverse ways to show what I have learned.

When I am faced with a puzzle to solve or a challenge to overcome, I naturally turn to my creative side. I
love exploring various methods and tools to explain things in a way that stays with me. Whether it is
using new study techniques, experimenting with new writing styles, or even just adjusting how I hold my
pencil, I am always eager to break away from the usual. This tendency towards creativity allows me to
approach problems from unexpected angles, often leading to innovative solutions. I have found that by
thinking outside the box, I not only find answers but also uncover new perspectives and ways of
understanding. It adds an element of excitement and curiosity to my learning process, keeping me
engaged and eager to explore new ways of approaching the world around me.

Weaknesses:
I can ask good quality questions, gather relevant information, and come up with well-developed
conclusions.

When I am doing research for a project, I usually like to gather a lot of different information, even stuff
that might seem random. I end up focusing on things that others might not think about. One thing I
struggle with is asking questions without really thinking them through first. Sometimes my questions can
be a bit all over the place. But I have found that this approach can lead to cool discoveries. I get to make
connections and find interesting stuff that others might miss. I am working on getting better at asking
more focused questions while still exploring widely. Overall, doing research is about learning and finding
new things for me. Even if I do not always do things the usual way, my approach helps me see things
differently and bring fresh ideas to my work.

Creative Thinking

Strengths:
I can use the environment around me, including others, and my unconscious mind to generate new
ideas.

In a school as diverse as mine, with 3000 unique mindsets and capabilities, getting to know my peers has
been incredibly beneficial. I have found that just by being around such a wide range of people, I
naturally start to understand how they think. This unconscious process of learning from their
perspectives has really expanded my own way of looking at things. Every conversation, every group
project, offers a glimpse into a different mindset. This continuous exposure to diverse ways of thinking
has become a part of my everyday routine. I actively seek out conversations with different people, eager
to soak up their experiences and insights. In doing so, I not only deepen my understanding of the world
but also gather valuable tools that I can apply to various situations.

I can create new and unique ideas that may provide new perspectives that influence how people think
about topics

A significant strength of mine is my ability to influence and inspire others to reach their fullest potential.
When collaborating in brainstorming sessions, I often take the lead in generating ideas and presenting
facts. However, I am equally committed to creating a space where everyone can contribute. In these
settings, I see myself as a facilitator of ideas, encouraging others to share their thoughts and
perspectives. I aim to provide new angles and perspectives to inspire them to think creatively and
explore new possibilities. My goal is to empower others to expand upon their own ideas and knowledge.
I view my role in brainstorming sessions as an influencer for growth and innovation, creating an
environment of collaboration and mutual learning.

Weaknesses:

I can persevere, and understand that failure can be productive

One thing I struggle with a lot is feeling super disappointed in myself when I let someone down at school
or work. It really hits me hard, and I end up feeling down about it. I worry a lot that messing up will get
in the way of my success, and that thought sticks with me. I know it is not an effective way to think, but
it is tough to change. It takes me a while to get over it, even though I eventually do. When I let someone
down, it feels like a weight on my shoulders that I cannot shake off easily. I tend to replay the situation
in my mind, wondering what I could have done differently. It is a tough cycle to break, but I am working
on being kinder to myself and learning from my mistakes.

Communication

Strengths:

I can listen, learn to contribute meaningfully to discussion and debate, consider different perspectives,
and build consensus.

When I am in a group, I really focus on making sure everyone gets what we are talking about. I dig deep
into our ideas, helping us produce solid plans that we all agree on. Once we have decided on something,
I stick to it and make sure we follow through. I take the time to delve into the depths of our ideas,
analyzing them from various angles before presenting them to the table for consideration. I advocate
being a reliable team player, communicating clearly, and getting things done together for success.
I can work with other students to plan, inquire, and solve problems.

I am great at teaming up with my classmates to produce cool ideas. I am also good at handling pressure,
probably because I have moved around a lot and had to meet new people everywhere. This has made it
easy for me to have a good relationship with several types of people. Whether we are facing a tight
deadline or a tough project, I bring a flexible attitude and flair for working well with others. I make sure
everyone's voice is heard, and I am incredibly supportive about helping our team succeed.

Weaknesses:

I can reflect on the processes of learning and share what I have learned.

Going back to my communication problem, I have always had a problem with connecting my thoughts to
my words. I learn a lot in my brain, but it is extremely hard to express my thoughts into words that make
sense to other people. I would love to give my ideas to other people, but it can be difficult because of
this issue that I have developed. I am steadily working on the process of fixing my scramble of words.

Personal & Cultural Identity

Strengths:

I understand what is important to me

I know what is important to me, and I hold onto those things tight. Whether it is people I care about, my
cat or family, I make sure to keep them close. I also avoid anything toxic, bad vibes, bad relationships,
you name it. I have learned to create a happy space where love and good vibes dominate the
environment. I stick with friends who lift me up and leave the negativity behind. By focusing on what
matters most and ditching the rest, I build a life that feels real and fulfilling.

I know my strengths and what makes me unique.

There are plenty of unique things about me that make me, me. Whether it is my self-sufficiency or my
quirky personality traits, I have gotten a lot going on that makes me interesting to chat with. Having
these individual quirks and qualities is something I value; they make me stand out and keep things
interesting. It is reassuring to know that I have people close to me who understand and appreciate these
aspects of my personality. They make me feel valued and accepted for who I am. One thing I have
learned along the way is to never let other people's opinions define me. I know myself best, and I trust
in my own judgment and values. This self-assurance allows me to stay true to who I am, embracing my
uniqueness without seeking validation from others.

Weaknesses:

I understand how to use my strengths and abilities to my advantage, and I can explain how I use them to
contribute to my community.

When I address a crowd or engage with my community, I often use self-deprecation to uplift and
connect with others. I hope to produce a sense of friendship and empathy among the audience or
community members. However, beyond the humor, there is a deeper purpose. Through self-
deprecation, I seek to create an atmosphere where vulnerability and authenticity is especially
important. By demonstrating a willingness to laugh at myself, I encourage others to do the same,
growing an environment of mutual understanding and connection. My approach to self-deprecation in
public speaking or community engagements is rooted in the belief that shared laughter can uplift people
and make them feel safe.