cajackson

As I submit my first Weblog as a Master's Candidate of the Center for Information and Communication Sciences(CICS), I consider the wealth of information that has been presented this semester, already. I know the world is composed of innovators and policy makers who ignite change and influence many, regardless of whether their influence is by choice or mandate. The practical use of this knowledge is what I've grown to recognize in greater depth, especially as it applies to my role as a player in this field. Knowing our potential barriers in advance, helps us discover what tools we will need to combat them. This works directly with public policy and for me, personal growth.

Being new to the center and aspiring to succeed, it is important to acknowledge my challenges for this growth process. Dr. Jay Gillette, Professor of Information and Communication Sciences, has introduced a relatable way of categorizing the challenges that a master will face. "A master will face three enemies on his or her road to mastery " Gillette said. "Fear, arrogance, and complacency." Breaking these three enemies down initially is key to striving to the next level in any arena.

Fear, is easily recognizable and quite common. I'll be honest in admitting that beginning as an off-cycle student and recent Bachelor of Arts, I had some concerns about succeeding in this center that felt like fear. Assessing these feelings properly is helping me tackle them effectively. This quote helps me narrow down my focus and to create a plan. "The road of a thousand miles starts with one step." Keeping in mind that you must start to handle a single task before you can complete a large one, helps me defeat this fear.

On this level, it seems almost natural to grapple with letting confidence or modesty reign as it applies to your demeanor. Another potentially damaging extension of this battle is the appearance of arrogance. The most suitable quote to wipe out arrogance is one by Greek philosopher, Socrates. "The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing." The more one learns, the more he or she can understand the magnitude of ignorance that he or she has. This notion coming from one of the most renown philosophers should eliminate the self-righteous position of those along this journey.

Complacency is the last enemy that Dr. Gillette mentioned. Getting too comfortable or being easily pleased creates laziness and can decrease motivation. My mother, Michelle Jackson, once told me, "Never be satisfied with being satisfied." This means don't let your hunger to succeed die once you have solely finished the minimal requirements. An innovator should immediately evolve his or her thoughts for the next, more challenging task. This explains my purpose for joining this program.

In context, Dr. Gillette also said, "Sometimes your greatest disadvantage can become your greatest advantage." In addressing our enemies (fear, arrogance, and complacency), we can produce positive results, opposing the initial negativity of the terms.

In this blog, I have quoted some influential people that I have encountered or read about, but now a question arises. What is it that I have said that can help someone or myself along their way? An even more important question for you is, what will you say or do that someone can recount in your absence that can trigger change and influence that you desire?