Explain a situation where you have made an ethical decision. Discuss how you weighed up the values involved in that decision, the decision you made, and how you reflect on the decision now. (eg, a cashier gave you too much change back…what do you do? Ethical decision is asking whether our action is right or wrong)
When reflecting on ethical decisions I've made, I've found that there's often no internal debate. Whether it's returning a lost wallet, correcting an incorrect charge at a restaurant, or addressing a cashier's error, my immediate response has consistently been one of honesty and integrity. While I may briefly consider the possibility of not speaking up, I quickly prioritize the potential impact on others. I understand that my actions can affect their job security and well-being, reinforcing my commitment to doing the right thing. Looking back, I always feel that returning the wallet or addressing the mistake was the right choice.
Describe how your culture and the people around you have influenced your values and identity.
Growing up in Brazilian culture, I've absorbed its warmth, friendliness, and kindness. These values have shaped my own personality, making me inclined to help others. Family has also been a cornerstone of my life due to the stability it provided during our international moves. The breakdown of my family unit deeply affected me, reinforcing the importance of family and expressing love for those I care about.
Identify your strengths and how they will support you during your learning journey.
My strengths, including curiosity, hard work ethic, resourcefulness, and a desire to assist others, will be valuable assets on my learning journey. Curiosity drives my exploration of new concepts, while resourcefulness allows me to find solutions to challenges.
Evaluate your limitations in terms of your learning and career development. How might these affect your learning journey?
Staying focused, especially when encountering resistance or difficulty, can be challenging for me. Remote learning poses additional accountability hurdles. Moreover, I recognize that self-belief is an area where I need improvement. Negative self-talk can undermine confidence, but I am actively working on addressing this limitation and building a more positive mindset.
Share an example of when you were trying to work productively with others, but there was resistance or tension. Discuss strategies you tried at the time, how effective they were, and your reflections on what other strategies you would try now and why.
In group settings, my inclination to avoid conflict and please others has sometimes led me to withhold my ideas or opinions, even when they could benefit the team. I've realized that collaboration thrives on diverse perspectives and ideas. I've grown in this regard, particularly through experiences in improvisational theatre. It has taught me the value of each team member's contribution and how our collective ideas build something greater together. Nowadays, I'm more willing to offer my insights to ensure a richer outcome, but it is still something I'm actively working on.
These reflections highlight the influence of culture and personal experiences on my values and identity, and the strengths and limitations that will shape my learning journey and interactions with others. Remote work and communication through platforms like Discord/Slack align better with my introverted nature. While I enjoy being social, I also value personal time to recharge. Virtual communication allows me to balance social interaction with solitude more effectively, contributing to my overall productivity and well-being.