Class 23

How Self-Awareness Became My Strongest Competency This Semester

Looking back at this class as a whole, I didn’t just walk away with academic knowledge—I walked away with something much more personal and impactful: self-awareness.

At the start of the semester, I didn’t realize how much of this class would be about looking inward. I expected lectures, maybe some group work, and typical coursework. But what I got was an unexpected opportunity to pause and really reflect on who I am—not just as a student, but as a person stepping into the professional world.

Through the early class activities, like the self-assessment exercises and the personal reflection blogs, I began to realize how much of my behavior, motivation, and decisions are shaped by the way I see myself. I learned about my values, strengths, weaknesses, and how I naturally respond to stress or leadership. These weren’t just buzzwords—they were mirrors. And the more I looked, the more I saw patterns that explained why I thrive in some environments and feel stuck in others.

One moment that stands out to me was the day we explored personality types and motivation styles. I remember thinking, Wow, that’s exactly why I react this way in group settings, or That’s why certain jobs feel more draining than others. That session alone changed the way I view work and success. It helped me understand that success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. And more importantly, it helped me realize that I’m not trying to “fix” myself—I’m trying to know myself better so I can make smarter, more aligned choices.

That kind of self-awareness is going to be everything for me in my career journey.

Whether I’m walking into an interview, pitching an idea, joining a team, or starting my own business, knowing who I am—what I bring to the table, what environments I thrive in, what habits I need to improve—gives me an edge. It allows me to speak with confidence, accept feedback with maturity, and adapt to situations without losing my sense of self.

This competency also ties into decision-making. In the past, I’d sometimes say yes to opportunities just because they looked good on paper, without asking if they actually aligned with who I was. Now, I can approach things more critically: Is this opportunity aligned with my long-term goals? Will it energize me or drain me? Am I doing this because I want to, or because I think I should?

The more I’ve leaned into self-awareness, the more grounded and focused I feel—not just in class, but in my goals beyond it.

I’m genuinely grateful that this class wasn’t just about learning from the outside in. It was about learning from the inside out. And if there’s one thing I’ll carry with me as I move forward in my career, it’s this: when you know who you are, every step you take becomes more intentional, more fulfilling, and more powerful.