Today I learned a lot about perceptions. We all make them, but do we really know what we are doing. Words like First Impressions and Stereotypes were used and my teacher decided to test our ability to percieve by asking the class to openly discuss what seeing a confederate flag meant. This activity did not go as bad as I initally thought it would, but the diversity in the class made for a lot of various opinions. Of course, there was a redneck who said it meant southern pride and an african american who said it symbolized racism. Although, my teacher did a good job of filling in the gray area by reminding us of the historical background of the flag.
No, I am not trying to say that the confederate flag causes for college drop-outs. However, what I am trying to say is that the every day perceptions we have toward ourselves and other people often make it difficult for some to face the world. For instance, when I am getting ready for class [or anything] I am constantly thinking about what the other people I encounter that day will say or think about my outfit, my aroma, my apperance, etc. If I am having a bad hair day, I do not want to leave the house. If my achne is bad, I do not want to leave the house. I am sure that everyone has something they are self concious about.
Which brings me to my story for the day. A young man was asked by the teacher on the first day of class to reach into his bag and pull out one item that could tell the class a little about who he was. Two other classmates participated in this activity prior to the young man, but still the young man was very shy and seemed speechless. Atleast I percieved him as shy. Well, I think my perception was correct because the man stumbled through the activity with very little to say. The item was his keys and the teacher tried to show him how a house key tells the class the young man has a house and then he could tell us who he lives with, a car key tells us he can drive and then he could tell us what kind of car he drives, etc. After what I assume was a nightmare for the young man, he sat through class shaking with his head always facing down toward his desk. The class has met four additional times since that first session and I have yet to see the young man return to class. I wonder, did he drop the class because he was afraid of what others first impressions were of him?
Reason #5 for College Drop-Outs: Fear of other's opinions of ourselves.
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Such a wonderfull perspective of how the world can throw things at us that others may not see. Your vision will serve you well if you can determine what to do with it. Action or no action is a choice that we all make every day. I believe you desire action, it will take you places others can not find! Thank you for this article.
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