Anita Gándara

10/10/2022

COMM-321

Prof. Walters-Kramer

Reflections and Goals Paper

Introduction

During my time at Monmouth College, I have taken numerous Communication Studies

(COMM) courses with overlapping teachings and principles. This essay reflects on my courses

and the skills I learned and developed through those classes. The three courses I reflect on are

COMM-230 “Introduction to Communication Studies, COMM-231  “Interpersonal

Communication, and COMM-333 “Organizational Communication.” Two of the most significant

overlapping skills I learned through these courses are the importance of reciprocal

communication and working with others.

Reciprocal Communication

One of the overarching skills I learned through my communication classes is the

importance of reciprocal communication. I learned this in "Introduction to Communication

Studies" (COMM-230) and "Interpersonal Communication" (COMM-269). During these two

courses, I learned about relational dialectics and how they are reciprocated in different types of

relationships. Relational dialectics is a communication theory studying relationships' tense and

complementary aspects. When studying relational dialectics, communication scholars can find

and identify tension spots in relationships and analyze what work the individuals need to do to

better the state of their relationship. Characteristics of dialectics serve different purposes in what

occurs between a pair. Some dialectics discuss disclosure and privacy in a relationship, which
concerns how much and to what degree a pair of individuals share private information.

Reciprocal disclosure is significant in developing relationships because it creates a level of

"fairness" between individuals. 

Reciprocal communication is vital in organizational communication when working with

teams and groups. There are two major types of organizational structure and hierarchy.

Traditional strategies have stronger systems of power and more distinct differences between

superiors and subordinates. Relational strategies of hierarchy focus more on fluid group work

and less strict levels of power. Reciprocal communication is essential in both styles of hierarchy

in an organization to promote healthy levels of communication with individuals across all

organizational roles. Without strong back-and-forth communication among employees,

organizations will struggle to be productive and efficient both within the organization and with

their audience.

Working with Others

Whether or not an individual goes into the communication/public relations field, the

ability to work with others is an important skill. Through my communication curriculum at

Monmouth College, I learned the importance of being able to work with others in a group. In

Interpersonal Communication, I learned about various styles of communication. Specifically, I

learned about gendered communication and how it applies to the more broad communication

culture. Gendered communication is beneficial to know because the political work field is

traditionally dominated by men. By learning different gendered communication styles, I can

navigate communication with people of different genders, especially in a dialogue-oriented field.

Working with others is an important skill I learned from Organizational Communication.

Teamwork and collaboration are one of the most crucial elements of effective communication
within an organization. Communicating efficiently with employees and superiors is important to

convey your message fully. This also applies to college students when working with their

classmates and peers. Fluid communication is important when working on group projects,

assignments, and just getting acquainted with your classmates.  

Senior Year Goals

1. Take the LSAT

One of my goals for senior year is to take the LSAT. This exam opens the door for me to

start applying to law school. Taking the LSAT is a big goal for my senior year because it is a

fundamental step to start thinking realistically about my career after Monmouth. This goal will

be challenging because I must study and prepare for it. The LSAT is not an easy exam; it will

take many hours of studying to prepare and feel prepared to take it. However, taking the LSAT is

attainable because with studying and support from my inner circle, it is something that I can

achieve with confidence. This goal reflects what I want to pursue because I found interest in law

school and potentially becoming a lawyer. It is a career path that requires me to apply my

strengths in writing and verbal communication. It is also a career path that lets me directly help

people and make a difference in the government. I am passionate about doing this because of my

academic strengths and my prospering people skills. This career combines a lot of my top

strongest skills and lets me apply them in a way that I can make a real difference in the world. 

2. Raise my GPA

Raising my GPA is another goal for my senior year. I already have a strong foundation of

grades thus far, but I want to continue and develop my GPA even more. I want to do this to

graduate with honors and add that strong GPA score to my law school applications. This goal is

challenging because my courseload is becoming much more challenging as my semesters go on.

It isn't easy to maintain high grades as the coursework becomes much more difficult. This goal is

also challenging because I have to juggle the classes. I  am also overloading credits, which adds

to the difficulty. However, this goal is attainable because I have thus far been an excelling

student, and I just need to maintain that work ethic. This goal plays to my strengths because I am

a diligent student with a dedicated work ethic. When I set my mind to do something, I must

follow through and complete it. I am the type of individual to fully commit to the things I sign up

for because I want to produce quality work consistently. I have the support to reach this goal

because I have my academic advisors in addition to my close friends that support me. I highly

value my advisors' support because they help guide me to do what is best for my academic career

path. 

3. Study Abroad

Another goal for senior year is to study abroad. I have a passion for traveling and am interested

in traveling with an academic purpose. This goal is challenging because if I travel abroad, I

would have to cover the expenses almost entirely on my own. Being financially independent in

this context is challenging because it is hard to work to save a significant amount of money as a

college student. However, this is attainable because I have been working and practicing

techniques for saving money and being financially responsible for newer things. This goal plays

to my strengths because I am interested in adventure mixed with academics. I enjoy creativity

and trying new things, and studying abroad is the perfect element to do both. I have support in

achieving this goal through my department professors and the global engagement office. 

4. Practice Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries is my most important goal for my senior year. I struggle with constantly

adding things to my workload. I have also always had a difficult time telling people no. When
we did the podcast presentations in class, I presented on the podcast about setting boundaries.

The podcast by Squiggly Careers helped me in so many different ways. I learned how to

recognize that I am at capacity for investing my time in other things. I also learned the

importance of saying no. Practicing setting boundaries is something that I am starting now but

want to continue through senior year. It is challenging because I am already over-involved on

campus, and it will be difficult to set limits for myself. However, this goal is attainable because I

will practice little steps of saying no and delegating tasks that are not my own back to their

owner. This goal plays on my strengths because I am diligent and hardworking. However, I need

to work more on directing that diligence and hard work back toward myself rather than others’

tasks. 

5. Networking

Networking is a goal for my senior year as I prepare to transition out of life at

Monmouth. The Monmouth College alum network is one of the strongest for being such a small

school. During my senior year, I want to connect with alums from the political science and

communication studies departments. This goal is challenging because sometimes it feels

awkward to reach out to strangers and ask them things. It can often feel uncomfortable to reach

out to people you do not know and attempt to have an in-depth conversation about their career

and work experience. However, this goal is attainable because it matches my strengths in verbal

communication and people skills. I can practice building the confidence to put myself out there

and talk to people. Once I do, I can quickly start and sustain conversations with others.

Networking is crucial for the path I want to take because law school and the world of politics and

communication can be tense careers to get into. Getting to know people within those fields is

great for making connections and getting involved in that field early on. 
Conclusion

Through my communication courses at Monmouth College, I have learned the

importance of reciprocal communication and effective teamwork. Reciprocating communication

is vital for a good flow between employees, clients, and others within the organization.

Collaboration and teamwork are also essential when working with different types of individuals

with varying communication styles. I have identified five primary goals for my senior year in

this reflection. I want to take the LSAT, raise my GPA, study abroad, practice setting boundaries,

and network within the Monmouth College community. Through consistent work ethic and

proper boundary-setting, I can achieve this goal with the support of my academic advisors and

close circle.