As John Ullmen (2017) Instructed In His Short Video ✓ Solved

As John Ullmen (2017) instructed in his short video

Think of someone in your life who's had a significant positive influence on you. Maybe it's a parent, a coach, a teacher, or a friend. Maybe they encouraged you to believe in yourself or empowered you to do things you didn't know you could. Who are these people to you? Pick one of them and answer the following four questions.

1. Who is this very special person in your life? Why do you choose them as one of your biggest positive influencers?

2. What did they specifically do that you found so meaningful?

3. What are the results of their actions on you and your life?

4. Going forward, what are some things you can do for yourself and for others to honor this person's contribution to you?

Reference Ullmen, J. (2017). Influencing others: Influence to inspire. [Video file]. Retrieved from Lynda.com. (4 minutes 55 seconds)

Paper For Above Instructions

In reflecting on the individuals who have significantly shaped my life, one person stands out above the rest: my high school history teacher, Mr. Thompson. He represents one of the most positive influences in my life, and I am grateful for the profound impact he has had on my personal and academic development.

Mr. Thompson is a passionate educator whose unique ability to bring history to life truly fascinated me. My choice to highlight him among my positive influencers stems from his unwavering belief in my potential and his unique teaching methods, which ignited my passion for learning. It was during a particularly challenging period in my academic journey that I found solace and inspiration in his class. He not only taught us the facts and figures of historical events but also encouraged us to think critically about the world around us.

One specific action that Mr. Thompson took which I found immensely meaningful was his personal investment in his students' success. I clearly remember a time when I struggled with a project on the American Civil War. Instead of giving me a simple grade or telling me to improve, Mr. Thompson took the time to meet with me after school. He expertly guided me through my thoughts, asked probing questions, and helped me explore different perspectives, which not only improved my project but also helped me develop my critical thinking skills. His kindness and patience made me realize that my voice and opinions mattered. He taught me to embrace my ideas and share them confidently.

The results of Mr. Thompson’s actions are evident in multiple facets of my life. Firstly, his mentorship helped cultivate my love for history and understanding of the significance of historical events, which influenced my decision to major in History in college. Beyond academics, he taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience. His encouragement pushed me to participate in history competitions, where I learned to work collaboratively with peers and hone my research skills. This involvement led to thrilling achievements, including a statewide competition win that increased my confidence immensely. Moreover, his influence extended beyond academic pursuits; it shaped me into a more empathetic individual who values diverse perspectives and narratives.

As I look towards the future, I am committed to honoring Mr. Thompson's contributions to my life by paying it forward. One way I intend to do this is by mentoring younger students who may feel lost or unmotivated in their educational journey, just as Mr. Thompson did for me. I want to provide guidance, encouragement, and support to help them recognize their potential and capabilities. Furthermore, I can incorporate aspects of his teaching style into my interactions with others by fostering an environment of curiosity and critical thinking. By asking open-ended questions and encouraging discussions, I hope to inspire those around me to engage with ideas more deeply and confidently, just as he did.

In summary, Mr. Thompson is not only a remarkable educator but also a cornerstone in my development. His ability to inspire and empower students continues to have a lasting effect, not just on my academic career, but on my personal growth and worldview. By actively engaging with others and nurturing the same spirit of encouragement and inspiration he showed me, I hope to cultivate a legacy similar to his.

References

  • Ullmen, J. (2017). Influencing others: Influence to inspire. [Video file]. Lynda.com.
  • Bridgeland, J. M., & DiIulio, J. J. (2006). The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
  • Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The Power of Feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 81-112.
  • Cormier, D., & Tripp, L. (2017). Fostering a Culture of Respect and Encouragement in the Classroom. Journal of Teacher Education, 68(1), 12-22.
  • Shirey, M. R., & McDaniel, M. (2016). Creating a Culture of Caring: The Role of Teacher Influence in Student Engagement. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 28(2), 337-344.
  • Snape, N. (2014). The Impact of Teacher Influence on Student Motivation in Middle School. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 2(4), 115-122.
  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Positive Psychology: A New Approach to Mental Health and Happiness. American Psychological Association.
  • Vallerand, R. J. (2012). On the Psychology of Passion: In Search of What Makes People’s Lives Most Worth Living. Canadian Psychology, 53(1), 1-10.

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