Becoming An Active Listener Essay

Throughout the first two years of college, I have been told that you cannot listen to respond, you must be an active listener. Active listening can be defined as the act of mindfully hearing and attempting to comprehend the meaning of words spoken by another in a conversation or speech. In simple terms, an active listener is one that listens to understand. As a Resident Assistant (RA), Office of Information Technology employee, and leader, my goal for my junior year is to become a more developed active listener. In both of my employments on campus, I have to listen to a variety of individuals with a multitude of issues. I chose active listening as my goal in my junior year not only for my current jobs but for my future, it will be an essential characteristic to have in life. Becoming an active listener will give me tools to better understand what people are saying. When I first became an RA in an all-freshman, coed residence hall on campus, I thought I would always have to solve problems and give advice. However, throughout my position this year I have realized that it is better to understand what someone is saying instead of always jumping to conclusions and trying to be a problem solver. Therefore, I hope that becoming an active listener will help me in my future, my residents, and my …show more content…
Inclusion, empowerment, and purpose are three ideas that will help to create better friendships, relationships, and a better community as a whole. Dayshawn Simmons, the RD in Haffey Hall and my supervisor, have shown the previous three leadership skills and is an active listener. Watching him deal with issues and help residents throughout the previous year has given me determination to complete my goal in my junior year. Through tutoring, my RA position, and mentoring new RA’s, I will continue to develop skills as a leader and active