Know Thyself

Five Ways I Think I Have Unique Human Capital

1) I am a very innovative person. In every team or group I have been in, both personal and work-related, I am always the brainstormer, the one who comes up with the original idea or plan. I have trouble carrying out the idea, but I am able to generate it as well as thinking up several different paths in which to get the idea accomplished. I am also the problem-solver, always the one to evaluate any situations that may come up and suggest a sufficient and creative course of action to address the situation and move forward.

2) I live my life, pursuing the things that I do so that I can best empathize with people and help them lead better lives and find joy. The unique part in this is that I pursue a variety of things - not in-depth (since there isn't enough time in a life to do so) but enough to understand the activity and the people who take part in it. Not only do I learn all that I can about cultures that I encounter and make it my passion to study as many languages and customs as possible, but I also put myself through experiences in order to relate to others. For example, in high school, I took part in many wide range activities (NJROTC, Key Club, Marching Band, Student Government, Newspaper, NHS, Acts of Random Kindness, political clubs, Model United Nations, and Speech & Debate) and it has helped me connect to a diverse set of people at UF and start conversations with them from the get-go.

3) I have traveled the world (18 countries and counting, from every continent except for South America and Australia) so I have a lot of knowledge about a variety of cultures around the globe which is beneficial in this increasingly globalized world. This knowledge is applicable to many situations - whether it be helping my family follow customary traditions in a certain ethnic restaurant, communicating with a customer from a different culture regarding the concerns they have in a respectful way, or addressing policy debates regarding a social or political issue in a different country.

4) I have the ability to be a great friend that people can talk to and rely on. I know my weakness is that I am not a great verbal communicator, but I am able to show love and care to others by through gifts, physical touch, acts of service, and active listening. These elements help me build deep connections of trust with many people in my life - a majority of whom I would not have thought would be good friends of mine.

5) Even though I am horrible at communicating to others through speaking, the written word and the arts are most definitely my forte. I am able to express to others what I think, what I feel, and what I desire based on the words I write, the music I compose, and the composition of the photos I take. 

Interviews:

1) I am a resilient risk-taker and a big dreamer. I know how to look outside-of-the-box and pursue those things.

2) I don't follow the norm and make that known. I am able to inspire people in that way.

3) I have a lot of passions which helps me become a well-rounded person. This is shown in the things I talk about or show with others.

4) I have a strong sense of compassion. To others, I live a purpose-driven life.

5) I know how to look at things from others' point of view. I don't try to convince others about my perspective but take the time to sit quietly and listen.

Differences:

I think my interviewees are correct even though there are differences between how others see me and how I see myself. The main difference I see is that they see me as a brave dreamer and an influential leader even though I think of myself as more of a behind-the-scenes person who leads through service. The only correction I would make is that I can be good at the spoken word if I have enough confidence in the situation.