Hi. My name is Dawn. What do I consider myself an expert on?
I am an expert in listening without judgment, giving advice (when asked), and good at “playing the Devil’s Advocate,” meaning “to express an opposing or unpopular view for the sake of argument.” It helps to clarify one’s position on things that one thinks they stand for and examine if it needs adjusting or updating. I think being empathetic and nonjudgmental has drawn a lot of people to tell me their stories unprompted, and they leave feeling good, listened to, and maybe even getting a slight adjustment on their perspective, attitude, or focus. I also like to ask questions and take the time and thought to craft them before speaking because I truly want to know about something.
Honestly, I don’t see myself as an “expert” in anything, hence why I go to school!
There’s always room to learn and grow.
Picture below is mine: I like photography, observing and taking pictures, and get a moment in time and a story — forever!
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Dear Dawn, I feel like anytime people ask what I’m good at I also honestly always think “listening” and can’t really think of anything else concrete (to this day). I think it’s a really important characteristic! I totally relate to you an think it’s great that you are able to see many perspectives at the same time. When reading your post, I really wanted to hear an example of a time that your listening skills helped you to clarify your own position on something. Details really help your reader to understand your experience and where you are coming from and can also help you to establish or ground your own ideas. I look forward to hearing more from you! (BTW I also went to Hunter for my B.A. – let’s talk!)