Ennegram reflections

I'm wrapping up 2 projects, the third will continue on through the summer.  As they're concluding I'm reflecting about Ennegram numbers.

I am a 2 with a 3 wing.  In my own words, I'm a helper who loves performing.  This summer I learned on a podcast that when 2s are supported we go to 4 and when we're under stress we go to 8. 

In June I've had 3 projects:  debuting my OER material in my online SPAN 1411 course, teaching Foundations of Financial Peace to high schoolers at our Upward Bound summer academy and helping at our campus registration/orientation.

For registration/orientation, I am at the Hispanos Unidos (Spanish Club) booth, telling parents and students about our club.  I also translated the parent portion of the orientation at the second orientation.

My online Spanish class has been completely redesigned for this 6 week short semester.  I tried lots of new things and really, really hoped it would work.

The Foundations of Financial Peace was 3 sections of high schoolers for 50 minutes watching Dave Ramsey explain personal finance.  I facilitated discussion, but it wasn't for college credit.  It was a general overview of concepts.

I can see my 2,4 and 8 in all of these.

2 (helper):  when students in my Spanish class email needing help, my 2 comes out.  I guide, help and encourage.  This is my favorite part of online teaching.

When the high schoolers really engaged in discussion my 2 is thrilled.  We're connecting and growing.

When I'm answering specific questions from parents or helping them feel reassured that their student will be OK in college, my 2 self smiles.

4 (creator):  I love the TV show Making It.  It's a reality show that challenges "makers" to create things.  I resonate deeply with this show.  Even though I don't craft, I love seeing them express their truth.  I've come to realize that my expression is through words.

In online Spanish, this is when I realized a concept wasn't explained or practiced in the depth it needed.  I went back, created more "learning" and "application" assignments so future students will have a better foundation with the concept.

I added videos giving more specific detail for unclear topics.

In personal finance, this was the creation of the lesson plan.  How many videos to watch per day?  Which discussion questions to use?

8 (driver):  this is my bossy self.  This is the part of me that most annoys my family.  I don't even like me when I really go to this place, but sometimes it's what's needed.

In translation I have to synthesize what I'm hearing and communicate it very quickly.  This is hugely stressful.  I'm so glad I had my bilingual dictionary so I could double-check terms I wasn't sure of.  This is very tiring.  I'm glad I have the linguistic skill to do this but I shouldn't do this full-time.

Controlling chaos.  When teenagers don't want to begin class my 8 can come out like a lion.  The older I get the more I'm able to suavisar (that's a Spanish word that pretty much means persuade) a group to do what needs to be done.   

The lion in me roars when I see meanness or see someone hurt another's feelings.  Watch out.  I had a sense of this a few times with the high schoolers and I righted the wrongs.  I didn't yell, but my "mean teacher" voice made a few appearances.

The online Spanish class only has a few more assignments for students to complete.  Overall I'm really pleased with its success.  I invested a lot of time (working in my 4) to produce something that is a great fit for my students.  Hooray!  Feedback overall has been very positive.

There are a few things to add and adjust for next semester but they're on the list and I'll address them.

What I really liked about June was that for the finance class I didn't have to grade lots of papers or be super focused on grades.  I got to relax and build relationships with these students.  I really enjoyed it.  It reminded me that in my heart of hearts I'm a 2.  I do this job so I can encourage and advise students as they go along their journey.  What an honor to be a part of that.