Reflection Paper

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Running Head: WEEK 2 REFLECTIVE JOURNAL

Monias O. Allen

GU299/ General Education Capstone

Grantham University

Week 2 Reflective Journal

When I think about how the material connects with the course this week, I think of the discussion prompt. Per the instructions, we were asked to choose one rule that I felt was most important to me and describe why. Although I could have written a paragraph about each, I decided on “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” -- The Golden Rule and “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” -- J. F. Kennedy. The two rules serve as a personal reminder of how I live my life but also one of the reasons why I chose my social topic. In my family, many members are affected by mental illness. The more research I do about my organization I see how the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is prevalent in several communities around the world through community partnerships as well as volunteer opportunities.

Social Responsibility is something I think I need to work on, although I am a part of a few different community-based organization I feel I like I am lacking in participating in the community functions. I know I support financially but giving up my free time should not seem like a task but more as a reward for the blessing I have received throughout my life. Time management is a way I can provide a presence, yes, I work a full-time job, I am a parent and taking classes to complete my degree; it would not hurt to give up a few hours a month.

After I retire, I chose to work as an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor. As a counselor, one of my responsibilities is to ensure the fairness and equality of all employees within the organization. I cannot think of a way Professional, Ethical, and Social Responsibility does not allow me to achieve my career goals. I must first show professionalism regardless of how the person may approach the situation, I must understand they may be emotional and sensitive to the matter and they may need a listening ear. I may relate to some of the complaints; however, I must have an unbiased opinion, I have to make ethical decisions based on the information given in the best interest of both parties. Because we are in the technology age, everything is based on what you may or may not write on social media, so although I may agree with a particular topic, I must be careful of how I display my grievances good, bad or indifferent.

In my current profession, I have to display all three everyday. I have Soldiers, Civilians, and contractors all of which may be juniors, peers, and superiors to me. In dealing with them daily, everything I do is being watched whether I know it or not. Some of our creeds promote being a professional at all times. Many individuals choose to make unethical decisions, and it affects the entire force, sometimes taking the easy wrong over the hard right can be difficult. I try to practice being a responsible leader at all times but as I previously stated taking the easy wrong over the hard right can be difficult. I recently completed the Strategies for Decision Making course with Grantham University; the course challenged me by posing ethical decisions one, in particular, was an exercise where we had to choose an answer based on our beliefs. At the end of the course, I found some of my decisions I make are based on how I want others to feel, but I often forget about my well-being.

What are the requirements to be an online instructor, and how does this differ from teaching in a traditional environment?