Homework 9/7

“Who don’t hear must feel” something my grandmother would tell me if I wasn’t listening growing up. She warned me when I believed I knew better and refused to listen to advice. I was always an independent child who preferred to complete tasks on my own and who struggled before asking for help. Even if it were offered, I would still turn it down. I always hated group assignments and presentations; I always thought I could earn a higher grade on my own. I didn’t quite understand why it was such a big deal until I started middle school. In 7th grade, instead of an exam, my English teacher assigned a group project as a final assignment. Initially, I intended to take charge of the work and do it entirely on my own. But as the project progressed, I realized it was too much for me to handle on my own. I had thought about what my grandmother had told me realizing that if I didn’t listen to my classmate’s advice on the project, I would have to suffer the consequences of getting a bad grade. I had to put independence aside and learn to ask for help from my group members to get the project done effectively. Together we came up with ideas, divided the work, and supported each other throughout the project, and in the end, our group effort got us an amazing grade. I also made some of my closest friends I have today from working on that project. It was a valuable lesson that taught me the importance of reaching out for help when needed. Independence or self-reliance although can be positive qualities, also causes us to struggle. It can make us feel like we have to figure everything out on our own, which can be overwhelming.

Learning the value of asking for help and collaboration helped me in so many aspects of life. It taught me that I don’t have to do everything alone and that there is strength in working together. Whether it’s in school, at work, in relationships, or in friendships, being able to collaborate with others has opened up many new opportunities and perspectives. It’s also made me more adaptable and flexible, as I’ve learned to listen to different ideas and compromise when needed. As I’ve grown, I find it just as exciting to achieve goals as a team as it is to achieve them individually. So, embracing help and support from others has definitely made me a more well-rounded and successful person overall.