The Fishbowl

Interactive assignments:

1. Opening Structure
Complex Adaptive Systems
2. Word Pool
Brooke:
Complex: a whole made up of complicated or interrelated parts, difficult, made up of two or more parts, compound, multiplex
Adaptive: serving or able to adapt; showing or contributing to adaptation, flexible, modifiable, changeable, alterable
Systems: a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network, structure, organization, order
Samantha:
Complex: involved, intricate, perplexing, abstruse, interlaced, puzzling
Adaptive: changing, fluid, fluctuating, modifying, dynamic
Systems: scheme, process, technique, approach, framework, plan, policy

Sandra:
Complex - complicated, confusing, compound, composite, intricate, difficult, hard
Adaptive - flexible, modify, alter, change, adjust, customize, improve, transform
Systems - structure, organization, order, network

3. Re-Structure
Brooke: Being flexible in the workplace will give you a better structure that will allow you to stay organized.

Samantha: To be dynamic in one’s own relationships, he/she must be able to accept the processes and perspectives of others that he/she may find puzzling.

Sandra: Learning to successfully adjust to college can be difficult, but organization and a good work ethic can do wonders.

4. Fe Felt Experience
Brooke: In the workplace I feel as if it is important to work well with others and take direction and give direction. It is important to stay organized and be able to change your thoughts and ideas to modify them based on others. From experience when working with others I am always flexible and never set in stone on my thoughts or ideas as we can learn from one another and change our plans. At my internship two summers ago I had to learn to take direction. I was new and was being trained on what to do in the store. The owner and another girl trained me and I learned a lot. There were times when I wanted to do something one way but it was not the same way that they were telling me to go about doing the task. I would take their direction and learn and adapt to their ways of doing things. It was not easy at times as I wanted to go about things differently but it was a great learning experience.

Samantha:
A few weeks back, my friend and I were having a discussion about the tip industry. I work as a hairstylist so working for tips is how I make my money. My friend on the other hand has never worked in the tip industry and now works in an office. We had just gone out and were driving home as I was explaining my opinion on the tip industry and how it can sometimes be degrading to work for what people think you are worth. Her opinion on this was that the tip industry is not degrading and you go into it knowing what you are going to deal with regarding the public. I expressed that she wouldn’t know how it feels to work for tips since she has never worked in the industry and she continued to argue her case. I found this puzzling that she would have such a strong perspective on something that she had never experienced herself and it was a case where I had to accept her process of thought and move on because I knew she wouldn’t be able to see where I was coming from.
Sandra:
In my last semester of community college, two of the courses I took were Quantitative Business Analysis II and Statistics. It was not recommended to take both courses at the same time, and both professors were known to not be easy. It was hard to adjust to the workload of these two courses. I met with both professors every week throughout the entire semester, and I studied
almost every day because both courses were scheduled in a way that a quiz, assignment, or exam in either class happened every week. Now that I’ve transferred and am in my last semester at URI, I can honestly say that last semester at CCRI was the hardest and most stressful semester of my entire undergraduate career. I truly learned how to manage my time and be diligent after that semester. By staying organized, working hard, and seeking help when needed, I was able to successfully pass both classes, and acquire the skills needed to adjust to my new college life at URI as I continued on to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

5. 1/2/3 : 1/2/3 : 1/2/3
Sandra about her work: Diligent
Sandra about Brooke’s work: Open
Sandra about Sam’s work: Candid
Brooke about Sandra’s work: Determined
Brooke about her work: Willing
Brooke about Sam’s work: Observant

Sam about her work: Accepting
Sam about Sandra’s work: Studious
Sam about Brooke’s work: Open-minded
6. A/B
CANDID / PERCEPTIVE
7. Word Pool
Candid- Truthful and straightforward; frank, blunt, open, honest, unbiased, fair, outspoken, sincere, truthful

Perceptive- Having or showing sensitive insight; insightful, observant, sensitive, responsive, knowing, discerning, discreet, intuitive, wise
8. Joint Structure
An open and honest opinion is often the most insightful feedback one can receive.

9. Fe Felt Experience
Brooke:
Honestly is always the best policy. At times it can be difficult to give an honest opinion to someone but it normally the best way to go. When looking back, I can clearly remember a time when I had to give my honest opinion when they did not want to hear it. My insight was important in this situation. My friend was struggling and having some relationship problems with her boyfriend. She did not know if they should continue dating after 3 years because things were not as great as they were. I had to tell her my honest opinion was that I thought she could do better and she would be better off breaking up with her boyfriend of three years. This was something she did not want to hear but it was something she needed to hear. After my open and honest opinion she went on a break with him but they ended up getting back together. Today they are still together but she does not forget what I had told her and my insight has stuck in the back of her mind.


Samantha:
I am a hairstylist and have to give my opinion on the daily whether or not people like what I say. A couple years ago, I got a haircut by my co-worker and she gave me the worst haircut I’ve ever received. When she was done, I felt kind of bad saying that I didn’t like how she did it, so I waited it out to see if I could work with it the next couple days. The next time I went to work I was working with the woman that cut my hair and she asked how I was liking the haircut. I said that it was choppy and left it at that. I don’t know if she was upset or not, but she didn’t offer to fix it so I think she knew that I didn’t like it. I then asked some of my other co-workers what they could do to fix it and they said it looked fine. Knowing this wasn’t true, I had to go somewhere else to get my haircut because my other co-workers were not being honest with me.
Sandra:
In my senior year of high school, I was heavily debating between science or business when applying for colleges. I really enjoyed both subjects, and I had recently done an apprenticeship with a florist, which sparked an interest in plants and agriculture. I had been leaning towards pursuing a science major, and asked my best friend for her opinion. She was candid and told me she didn’t think I would enjoy that type of career at all, mentioning that I had never shown an interest in this before, and that I would probably need to continue on to graduate school too. In the end, she was right - this interest only ended up being temporary. After that, I realized that I can’t make big decisions on fleeting interests or obsessions. I’m glad that my best friend was honest with me to help me realize that.

10. 1/2/3 : 1/2/3 : 1/2/3
Sandra about her work: Fickle
Sandra about Brooke’s work: Loyal
Sandra about Sam’s work: Unhappy
Brooke about Sandra’s work: Frank
Brooke about her work: Direct
Brooke about Sam’s work: Let down

Sam about her work: Disappointed
Sam about Sandra’s work: Impulsive
Sam about Brooke’s work: Unregretful
11. Insight and Realization
Brooke:
After working on this assignment with my team I feel as if I have gained a lot of knowledge. I have learned new things. We once again have put together a dichotomy of words that I never would have thought would associate together. We created a sentence using these words together. If I were working alone I would not have done such a thing. It is important to use different vocabulary together. It is a learning process. By categorizing these words together we are associating new words and using them in different contexts.

Samantha:
I noticed that this word pool was very different from the last. Using direct experiences I’ve had, I chose to go a different route and write out my thoughts and how I was feeling about the sentences and words that were being presented to us (Complex, Adaptive, Systems). I also noticed how this word pool was much easier than the last because we knew the structure and since we collaborated on the last one so recently we were already in the groove of things. These word pools have gotten me to think deeply and write out how I am feeling about these expressions and sentences that we have created together.

Sandra:
It is fascinating to me that even as we deconstruct “Complex Adaptive Systems” into a word pool, we still end up reflecting on felt experiences related to how we’ve adapted to different people or situations. I never thought that I’d be revisiting the past experiences that I’ve talked about, but now I’m able to do so with learning intent. I believe that all of this is proof that we are learning the core essence of what Complex Adaptive Systems are. It is amazing how far and wide we can create meaning after deconstructing just three words. I have also realized that the teamwork between my group mates and I have strengthened, and thus it has become easier to collaborate on these exercises. We are learning and adapting, both individually and together.

1. Opening Structure
Integrated Networking Structure
2. Word Pool
Sandra:
Integrated – combine, unify, coordinate, blend, join, incorporate, organize, associate, merge
Networking – associate, meet, mingle, web, system, complex, connect, link
Structure – construction, form, shape, foundation, organize, design, system, framework

Brooke:
Integrated: with various parts or aspects linked or coordinated, unified, united, combining to become whole, join
Networking: interact with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts, connecting together
Structure: the arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex, a formation

Sam:
Integrated – joined, collected, cohesive, linked, consolidated, merged, blended, homogenized, meshed, mingled, interspersed.
Networking – synergism, collaboration, intercommunication, interaction, coaction, interchange, interactiveness.
Structure- mold, makeup, shape, composition, formation, organization, configuration, aggregation, web, convolution.

3. Re-Structure
Sandra:
Friendships can form anywhere and anytime, so long as there is a connection that joins the two hearts together.


Brooke:
Linking up with other people can help one find connections, these connections can form relationships that can create opportunities.

Sam:
During my internship this summer I molded the path to my career in a way that allowed me to merge lessons and experiences I’ve gained throughout college which enabled me to be successful interacting with my co-workers and supervisors as well as my suppliers.

4. Fe Felt Experience
Sandra:
I met my best friend in middle school. In a spur of the moment decision, I decided to leave my table and ask someone on the other side of the room to be my partner for art class. The person I asked ended up having multiple other classes with me, and she ended up becoming my best friend. We finished middle school and high school together, and we started college together as well. We would have never become friends if I hadn’t made that first decision to branch out, and the outcome was greater than I could have ever imagined. We’ve just recently hit a full decade of friendship!
Brooke:
I feel that meeting new people, having new experiences can help you meet other people. These other people that I meet, I can create a relationship with and bond over something possibly. This relationship can open a door or a path for me for the future. I always love going to new places and meeting new people as I never know who I may meet they may be someone who can help guide me. I never know who someone may know. Connections I feel are key and important in business and in my life. Whenever I meet new people I always make sure to put my best foot forward. I go to a lot of political functions in NYC and whenever I go I always make sure to present myself in the best light possible. I make sure to have business cards with me and be ready to have a great conversation. I never know who I may meet or if they have a connection to help me in the future.
Sam:
I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work as a buyer this summer and network with suppliers that provide products and services that support the U.S. Navy. I had an amazing experience meeting my soon to be co-workers in my cube (Michelle, Dave, and Terry) and working in a group that respected me and taught me a lot of new skills like writing purchase orders and negotiating with vendors that I will need when I go back after graduation. I feel like the workplace imitates college in many ways because there are due dates, collaboration on projects, and teamwork to achieve goals for the future. It was a nice feeling to know that my college career shaped me with the supply chain courses I took that gave me a foundation of knowledge for my career that I will be starting in about 2 months. I enjoyed my time spent at college and the lessons I have learned these last 4 years.

5.. 1/2/3 : 1/2/3 : 1/2/3
Sandra about her work: Courage
Sandra about Brooke’s work: Responsible
Sandra about Sam’s work: Productive
Brooke about Sandra’s work: Nostalgic
Brooke about her work: Hopeful
Brooke about Sam’s work: Realistic

Sam about her work: Accomplished
Sam about Sandra’s work: Bond
Sam about Brooke’s work: Prepared
6. A/B
NOSTALGIC / RESPONSIBLE
7. Word Pool
Nostalgic - A sentimental or wistful yearning for the happiness felt in a former place, time, or situation. Regretful, sentimental, wistful, longing, yearning, remember, past, happiness
Responsible - Having the power to control or manage. Decisive, control, manage, power, mature, accountable, trust, adult, reliable
8. Joint Structure
Yearning to be in control creates a sense of power within one’s life.
9. Fe Felt Experience
Sandra:
I’ve worked at a restaurant for over 5 years, and I’ve had to train multiple employees that come and go. If I see a new employee doing something wrong, I often yearn to help them or teach them the correct way to do it. For example, it was very common for one of our new hires to confuse the different cleaning products we use. She would often confuse the dishwashing liquid with the table cleaner, which was not horrible, but needed to be fixed. Adding labels and separating the two bottles easily helped everyone tell the difference. These new hires represent the company as well as my management skills, as they are trained by me. I am always happy to have trained a good employee. Doing so gives me a sense of power and leadership in the workplace.
Brooke:
Trying to be in control of something gives power. I know when I try and take control of something in any instance I feel powerful. Whether it is while doing school work or when I am at work working. I feel in control and as if my decisions will impact others. I feel powerful which gives me motivation. When working with other employees at work I sometimes feel powerful, as I have been working at the company longer and know more than they do. I feel empowered and knowledgeable. I take my knowledge and teach others and hopefully will be able to impact their lives. Knowledge is power.
Sam:
For me, it is true that when I want to be the one guiding my path in life, I am trying to control the things I do and say to create the path I want for myself. Although some things are out of my control, I want to feel like I have the power to use my words and actions which are two things that I do have control over to shape who I am and what people perceive me to be. For example, in the past if my friends wanted to go to the movies, I would go along with it even though I would have rather gone to the football game. I learned that if I want to get my way, I need to speak up for myself. This has become a reality in recent experiences because I have been out with friends and expressed that I don’t want to go to the next place that they are suggesting. This has created happiness in my life because I’m being honest with them and myself. Even if they disagree, it’s ok because I got my opinion out for them to hear.

10. 1/2/3 : 1/2/3 : 1/2/3

Sandra about her work: Busy
Sandra about Brooke’s work: Diligent
Sandra about Sam’s work: Independent

Brooke about Sandra’s work: Leader
Brooke about her work: Impactful
Brooke about Sam’s work: Self-sufficient
Sam about her work: Perceptive
Sam about Sandra’s work: Authoritative
Sam about Brooke’s work: Guider


11. Insight and Realization
Sandra:
You typically do not see “Nostalgic” and “Responsible” together. I tend to think of a nostalgic person to have their head up in the clouds, and to always be backwards-thinking, rather than forward-thinking like a typical responsible person. It was interesting to see how we could break these two words into so many different concepts and re-structure them into something completely new. We truly do have to be careful in the selection of the words we use, as there can be so many different meanings that come about from just one word. I have traveled through so many different thoughts and concepts just by following the steps of this exercise and reading my teammates’ chosen words.
Brooke:
This assignment was not like anything I had ever done before. It was interesting. It was new. It was different, taking words that I would never would have associated together and created a meaning for them together. Words are important and I never realized how important they were until trying to associate them with other words in this assignment. I enjoyed working with my teammates and seeing everyone’s own perspective on how they interpreted each word and how they interpreted associating the words together.
Sam:
I felt that this exercise made me think of ways to combine and use words in a different way then I am used to. It was also a nice exercise to read what my team members had to say and see the differences between them both compared to my own. After we used one word to describe each others work the words that were chosen were nostalgic and responsible which we then created into something new with new thoughts and ideas. I liked reading my team members responses to my work and also what we all came up with using the words we chose. I realized that the words you choose are important and sometimes have different meanings to different people.

1. Opening Structure
Dynamic Decision Making
2. Word Pool
Brooke:
Dynamic- (of a process or system) characterized by constant change, activity, or progress, (of a person) positive in attitude and full of energy and new ideas, energetic, spirited, active, lively, powerful, strong
Decision- a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration, resolution, conclusion, resolve
Making- the process of making or producing something, building
Samantha:
Dynamic: progessive, alternating, adaptive, influential, intense, effectual, bold
Decision: choice, understanding, interpretation, verdict, conclusion, settlement
Making: designing, formation, produce, molding, development, invention, manufacture

Sandra:
Dynamic - energetic, changing, lively, charismatic, productive, progressive, effective, compelling, powerful, bold, strong
Decision - agreement, choice, judgement, conclusion, outcome, resolution, result, selection, option, order, commitment
Making - create, build, form, construct, assemble, cause, author, produce, conception, design

3. Re-Structure
Brooke:
Sometimes coming to a powerful conclusion can be difficult.

Samantha:
Being progessive is understanding step-by-step what it takes to produce a project to the final stage.

Sandra:
Constructing a strong base argument is very effective when trying to compel others to agree with your resolutions.




4. Fe Felt Experience
Brooke:
Senior year of high school was a very hectic time, dealing with the idea of finishing up high school and starting a new adventure of college. While it was exciting and nerve racking at the same time there were many decisions that needed to be made. This decision was college. Where was I going to go? How far? Am I making the right choice? These were all questions going through my head that made this choice so difficult. After applying to about a dozen schools I had to finally make my choice, this choice would determine my future. This was a big decision to make, it was not something miniscule and unimportant. This choice was probably the biggest decision I had to make. I then came to a strong conclusion that URI was going to be my choice. It took lots of visits, pros and cons lists and discussions with my family for me to make this big decision.


Samantha:
Over this past weekend I was at my friends house and noticed that she had crocheted coasters and I thought they were cool. A few years back I started crocheting and didn’t spend much time on it; I made a couple hats and then gave it up. I started making a hat a couple years ago and I never finished it so I decided to go into the chest where I put it and finish it finally. I went to the youtube video that I used when I started the hat and watched the rest of it to complete it. It took at least 4 steps to complete the hat and took me about a week. I didn’t get it perfect but the hat turned out to be the best one I’ve ever made. I realized that if you want to see the end product, you need to go through the steps.



Sandra:
When I was in middle school, I was invited to go to Florida with a group of my friends to visit Disney and Universal Studios. I knew that my parents would possibly say no, as they wouldn’t be going with me to supervise, and it would not be cheap to provide money for the travel, hotel, food, and theme park costs. Before I went to my parents, I created a mental list of why I should be allowed to go, how I would help pay for the costs, and why my parents would not have to worry about my safety. If I was allowed to go, I would help out at our family business more often to help pay for the costs. I would text and call often to update them on my whereabouts. I had never gone to Florida and it would be a great experience. After hearing this, my parents agreed to let me go on the trip, and I was happy to have convinced them to say yes. It ended up being a very fun and memorable trip in my childhood.


5. 1/2/3 : 1/2/3 : 1/2/3
Sandra about her work: Excited
Sandra about Brooke’s work: Confused
Sandra about Sam’s work: Patient
Brooke about Sandra’s work: Determined
Brooke about her work: Apprehensive
Brooke about Sam’s work: Focused

Sam about her work: Dedicated
Sam about Sandra’s work: Persuasive
Sam about Brooke’s work: Proactive
6. A/B
Apprehensive/Excited
7. Word Pool
Apprehensive- anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen, anxious, alarmed, uneasy, concerned, afraid, doubtful, suspicious, uncertain
Excited- very enthusiastic and eager, exhilarated, exhilarated, elevated, animated, eager, enthusiastic, delighted, passionate, thrilled, animated
8. Joint Structure
It is normal to be uncertain about the future, but passion and hard work can go a long way.
9. Fe Felt Experience
Brooke:
Not knowing what is going to happen in the future is sometimes a little scary but at the same time it can be exciting. A lot can happen in the future that you can not predict which is the interesting part. I am now a senior in college, I do not know where life will take me. I might get a job and move into New York City soon after graduation or I might go back for more schooling. All I know is that hard work and dedication will lead me to whatever is meant to be. The uncertainty is exciting, I am eager to see where my path will lead me to. At times I wish things would be all written out, at times it would make life easier. I would know what to plan for and what to expect in life. But once graduation comes around I will figure out if I am going to start my career right away or start school again.

Samantha:
If you asked me where I thought I would be 4 years ago, I would not have said where I am today. I started college right after high school and it hasn’t been easy; I have been working full-time, taking 4-5 classes at a time, and by this December, I will be graduating and have a stable job where I can have a set schedule and I’ll be able to save up for the future. It is nice to know that all the hard work and dedication I have put in has paid off and everything just fell into place this past year. Although I was uncertain, I kept pushing forward and didn’t let anything stand in the way of my goals.

Sandra:
This is my last semester at URI, and in the months leading up to it, I’ve been anxious about my future. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do for work, and my parents have mentioned that they want to retire after I start working. I want to be able to quickly let them retire, but I had no direction. It wasn’t until I was talking to my manager at my summer job that I realized I really liked the idea of underwriting. We were in constant contact with underwriters at work, and I had never really thought of the possibility of being one too. With an actual goal that I was passionate about, I felt like I wanted to try harder. I’m going to contact my old manager again soon, along with others in my network to see if there are any opportunities outside of just applying for jobs. I’m excited to work towards this goal, and I’m still a bit uncertain that it may not work out, but I will have been glad to have followed my interests.


10. 1/2/3 : 1/2/3 : 1/2/3
Sandra about her work: Interested
Sandra about Brooke’s work: Confident
Sandra about Sam’s work: Determined
Brooke about Sandra’s work: Optimistic
Brooke about her work: Exciting
Brooke about Sam’s work: Rewarding

Sam about her work: Proud
Sam about Sandra’s work: Adaptable
Sam about Brooke’s work: Hopeful
11. Insight and Realization
Brooke:

After working on the third structure I am realizing that I am having an easier time doing them, practice makes perfect. At the beginning it was much more difficult for me to do, but now I understand it better and having an easier time associating words together. If it was not for my group I would have a harder time doing so. Working together has helped me learn and understand these words with their associations.

Samantha:
With each time I create a structure with my team members it becomes easier to create the sentences from using the 3 words in the beginning. This time I didn’t have to think too much about what to write; it was more my subconscious doing it for me. I believe it is easier to write about what you are thinking in that moment after looking at the words instead of overthinking it.. I noticed when I thought too much about what sentence to write, nothing I wrote made sense. Reading my team member’s felt experiences never gets old, I liked reading what they created out of the words “dynamic”, “decision”, and “making”.

Sandra:
As I was reading my groupmates’ felt experiences, I realized that we all have similar thoughts and experiences. It’s easy to forget that you have more in common with others than you think, when you aren’t always interacting or speaking your mind. By doing this exercise, it’s easier to connect with others. It’s also interesting to see their re-structuring process. We all started with the same words and ended with different sentences. I am reminding myself often that the thinking process is so unique and amazing for each individual. I am also becoming more accustomed to doing these exercises, and I truly feel like I am learning what Dynamic Decision Making is all about through its deconstruction.

1. Opening Structure
Unique Innovative Capabilities
2. Word Pool
Brooke:
Unique- being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else, individual, distinctive, special, different
Innovative- introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking, original, new, fresh
Capabilities- the power or ability to do something, ability, capcity, power


Samantha:
Unique- classic, exceptional, singular, quintessential, exclusive, unmatched, extraordinary, unrepeatable
Innovative- creative, vigorous, ambitious, bright, brilliant, imaginative
Capabilities- competency, proficiency, aptitude, capacity, feasibility, potentiality

Sandra:
Unique - distinct, individual, special, quirky, rare, exclusive, different, uncommon, single
Innovative - original, new, novel, fresh, modern, unconventional, contemporary, ingenious
Capabilities - ability, capacity, competency, efficiency, proficiency, power, skill, talent, potential

3. Re-Structure
Brooke:
Being different and standing out from others can give you power, to set yourself apart from others.

Samantha:
A classic way to get ready for the holidays is having the ability to be creative with the decorations.

Sandra:
Fresh, delicious food has the power to bring together all types of different individuals.

4. Fe Felt Experience
Brooke:
Being like others is not always a good thing. You want something to set you apart from others. I have a twin sister. We are very similar but different at the same time. Our differences make us stand apart from one another. Growing up we were always labeled as the twins. We did everything together from having the same friends, wearing the same outfits and playing the same sports. In high school, I decided to play tennis while she continued to be a cheerleader. This gave us our own identities as we were different people and needed something to seperate us. It is great to be similar to others but you want something to give you that edge of being different.

Samantha:
I do not decorate my apartment because it is very small and will look cluttered if I do. I really admire when my mom or dad decorate their house for the holidays because it creates this warm feeling that the holidays are coming and that means spending time with my family. I celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas and it’s a good time of the year to be creative while getting your house to look nice for guests. My parents used to get real Christmas trees, but now my mom gets a fake one which I don’t prefer, but I understand why she does because the real ones are pretty expensive. I miss going to pick out a tree with the family and having the house smell like pine. When I have my own house, I will definitely be getting real Christmas trees.

Sandra:
My parents own a restaurant, and I’ve seen so many different types of customers come in to eat. I am lucky to have seen people being brought together by food both at my own dinner table and at the restaurant. We all share a common love for good food. We’ve been open for over 30 years and we’ve become close to a lot of the regular customers and staff. I remember signing countless birthday cards, picking out gifts for special occasions, and even being invited to weddings and funerals. I’ve made so many connections to such a diverse group of people, from fishermen to construction workers to businessmen and even a millionaire. This has even helped me in my job search, as I’ve become friends with people who work in the banking industry. I would never have met so many different people and made so many special connections if they hadn’t come to our restaurant simply looking for somewhere to eat good food.

5. 1/2/3 : 1/2/3 : 1/2/3
Sandra about her work: Social
Sandra about Brooke’s work: Independent
Sandra about Sam’s work: Festive
Brooke about Sandra’s work: Network
Brooke about her work: Distinguish
Brooke about Sam’s work: Tradition

Sam about her work: Nostalgic
Sam about Sandra’s work: Community
Sam about Brooke’s work: Individual
6. A/B
(Independent/Network)
7. Word Pool
Independent: free from outside control; not depending on another's authority; self sufficient, autonomous, separate, self-reliant, sovereign, unaided, free, liberated
Network: a group or system of interconnected people or things, arrangement, structure, grid, organization; associate, meet, mingle, system, web, connect, link, system, contact, social, interact
8. Joint Structure
Acts of self sufficiency can connect you with others when you are least expecting.

9. Fe Felt Experience
Brooke:
Sometimes doing things on your own can be scary. I know coming into college I was nervous to meet people. I came into URI not knowing anyone at all. No one from my hometown had come to URI with me so I was figuring it out all on my own. It was scary at the beginning. I knew that I had to branch out on my own and figure it out, which I ended up doing. I joined many organizations on campus and started to create my own network of people in these clubs. At the beginning it was quite uncomfortable and something I was not used to but I did it. By branching out I was able to meet some of my best friends today!


Samantha:
I have been self sufficient basically my whole adolescent, teenage, and adult life. I started working when I was 15, started paying my own bills, put myself through college, and have always been really independent. I would say that most of the connections I’ve had with people are at work or school. I work at a hair salon and have made connections with real estate agents, professors, and more. The reason why I chose my major was based off of a conversation I had with a professor at my job. He explained to me what Supply Chain was and that was the day I made the decision to switch from general business to supply chain. I also made a connection with one of my previous co-workers that led me to move into my own apartment. Many connections I have made at work have changed my life in huge ways. This is one of my favorite parts about being a hairdresser.

Sandra:
It’s easy to let yourself believe that you can do everything on your own, and that you can get through anything without others’ help. I’ve always been in charge of my schooling decisions since I was a kid. My parents always let me decide what to do, and they never policed if I finished my work or not. It wasn’t until college that I learned how to ask for help. I was struggling near the end of my sophomore year and I decided to visit my professors’ office hours. That ended up being a great help and I developed a habit of visiting if I didn’t understand something in class. I developed a new mindset that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. I never expected that doing things on my own so much would actually push me towards asking for help, but it was for the better.

10. 1/2/3 : 1/2/3 : 1/2/3
Sandra about her work: New
Sandra about Brooke’s work: Social
Sandra about Sam’s work: Reliable
Brooke about Sandra’s work: Realization
Brooke about her work: Independent
Brooke about Sam’s work: Network

Sam about her work: Decisive
Sam about Sandra’s work: Dependent
Sam about Brooke’s work: Nervous
11. Insight and Realization
Brooke:
Working together as a team allowed me to learn about myself and one another. I associated words together that made me think of times in my life that I could relate them to. This allowed me to share with my group members. Sharing allows us to learn easier. Associating these words together I never would have done if it were not for this assignment. It has made me think outside the box in away that I normally would not be doing.

Samantha:
I have enjoyed doing these structures as a way of getting to know my group members. From our first meeting to now, I feel like I have a better understanding of who they are and not just other individuals I have to do the assignments with. They have been really understanding and cooperative with my schedule and we’ve all worked nicely producing the papers throughout the weeks.

Sandra:
Typically, the words “Independent” and “Network” are thought of to be opposites. It amazes me that we can still connect them together in a coherent sentence. It’s very fun to go back to the beginning of this exercise and watch the way our thoughts flow on the page. We each can create so many different sentences that evoke unique memories within us. As I work through these exercises, I am constantly surprised at the different felt experiences that are being evoked. I never would have thought that I’d be writing about such memories from my past. I like to think of these exercises as a snapshot of what goes on in our minds. When we read or hear a word or a sentence, we get little flashbacks, little glimpses of memories that we deem relevant. These exercises are like a readable version of that moment.