During this seminar, I realized that I was being cautious when sharing my personal views. For this reason, I have deeply reflected on this experience.
Firstly, I realized that the reason why I am hesitant to express my views easily may be due to insufficient preparation, fear of immature viewpoints or incorrect expression. However, I do have my own opinions on the topics discussed at the seminar. For example, when it comes to “why do people travel”, I think deeply that the original intention for many people to embark on a journey is due to their inner curiosity. Just like Alice in Wonderland, the reason she embarked on that magical journey was because she developed a strong curiosity about a rabbit with strange behavior. Similarly, many navigators in history embarked on long voyages out of curiosity and exploration of the unknown world. For another example, when discussing “what difficulties people will encounter on their journey,” I started to think about various exams we often need to deal with. Although we are unwilling in our hearts, we still need to bravely face and overcome them in order to grow and progress. Therefore, the difficulties in the journey may be the tests that people must go through in order to achieve their goals. However, as these viewpoints were all improvised on-site, I had some reservations about whether they were comprehensive and accurate enough, so I did not dare to express them easily at the time. In the future, I will be more proactive in preparing for and participating in similar seminars, and more confident in sharing my thoughts and insights.
Of course, I chose silence in that seminar, which may have hidden my fear of expression. However, I am determined to change this and bravely share my own ideas, striving to improve myself in order to achieve better performance in such occasions.
It was this unease, that made me realize my disregard for the true value of the seminar. Participating in such activities is not just about showcasing oneself, but more about acquiring knowledge, broadening horizons, and promoting personal growth. I am well aware that everyone has their own unique value, and I also have my own unique thoughts and insights. Even though these viewpoints may not be perfect and may even be questioned, they are still an indispensable part of my growth path and an opportunity for me to learn from and progress together with others.
Therefore, I began to adjust my mindset. I tell myself not to be afraid of sharing, not to be afraid of being challenged. Only by bravely expressing one’s own ideas can one engage in in-depth communication and collision of ideas with others. Although this process may bring temporary discomfort and frustration, it can also serve as a catalyst for my growth, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and a clearer understanding of my shortcomings and areas for improvement.
–Vivian 8.1
A very clear reflection. It is good to get an insight into why you didn’t join in the discussion, and it is even better to read that you are preparing to make sure you do participate fully next time 🙂
I would add a point to your fourth paragraph:
Your contributions to the discussion would be an ” indispensable part of [the group’s] growth path and an opportunity for [classmates] to learn from [you] and progress together.”