#7- Take the strengthsfinder 2.0 test

I first heard about this test my Junior year of college when the Wesley interns were required to take it. My discipler at the time told me about it and I thought it was so cool! But you had to buy the book with the access code, and I never got around to it. But as I was creating this list, I decided that it was something that I would benefit from, and I love taking personality tests, as well as finding out my strengths- hence the title of the book. Also it was mentioned a few times during my summer classes, which encouraged me to do it sooner, rather than later.

The book was about $15 on Amazon, and it came with the access code for the website. I took the test, and my top five strengths were Discipline, Empathy, Developer, Includer, Learner. Some of the questions were really difficult to answer because I felt that I was strong in both categories because the categories were so different, and like most tests with a ton of questions, I felt that I contradicted myself from time to time. But after reading the descriptions of each one, I think they are pretty accurate. Here's the brief version of my strengths.


1. Discipline- People who are especially talented in the Discipline theme enjoy routine and structure. Their world is best described by the order they create.

2. Empathy- People who are especially talented in the Empathy theme can sense the feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others’ lives or others’ situations.

3. Developer- People who are especially talented in the Developer theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from these
improvements.

4. Includer- People who are especially talented in the Includer theme are accepting of others. They show awareness of those who feel left out, and make an effort to include them.

5. Learner- People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.

I think that these five strengths are vital for being a school counselor, which gives me some reassurance that I am in the right field. I think that this is something that is really good for all people to take, and if I was an employer, I would try and use it in my company for hiring purposes to make sure that we had a wide variety of people, or just make the employees take it, to have a better understanding of the people they are working with to create a more efficient environment.

I've feel like I've been making so much progress recently! Since I have a break from Grad School for a few weeks, I have decided to be as productive as possible. A few days were taken up with packing and moving, but once I got a little more settled

Completed
1. Join ASCA (American School Counselor Association)- I had to do this for my program, but it was something that I had been putting off. Now I have access to all the information on the ASCA website, as well as liability insurance, which is the most important thing.

88. Get a Massage- After moving for three days, my back was absolutely killing me. I was really wanting to get a massage, and then the next day, the Groupon was for a Swedish Massage at the Basic Wellness Center. $29 for a $79 one-hour massage. It was wonderful! The staff was very friendly and it was such a relaxing time. She used the hot stones on my back, which made me less ticklish. I would love to get another one once I have more money.

Progress
7. Take the strengthsfinder 2.0 test- I ordered the book on Amazon along with some other things that I needed (Textbooks, etc). I'll take the test as soon as it comes!

47. Try every cupcake listed on the menu from Silver Lining-  Pink Champagne. I really wanted to Peach Bellini, but they were out when I made it over there this past week. But it was still really good! It was pink champagne cake with champagne butter cream frosting and sugar crystals. It was the perfect amount of sweet without being overwhelming. 4/30

60. Donate 101 things to charity- Before moving out of my apartment, I took 50 items to the Great America's Thrift Store. I was going to go to Goodwill, but the donation center was closed. 50/101

76. Make a photo collage- I actually am going to make three! I just developed all my pictures, and hopefully will finish sometime this week.

80. Listen to every song on my computer- 1831/5044

81. Watch every episode of Friends- I finished Season Six, and am making my way through Season Seven. I've been watching them while cooking and crafting. I'm kind of embarrassed as to how much I have watched recently, especially this past weekend. But I'm on summer vacation, and I only have a week left to enjoy it! 164/238

86. Make 50 things from my Pinterest boards (crafts, food, clothes, jewelry, decorations, etc)- Here's my post for the 5 pinterest project I've done recently- 5/50

100. Save $5 for every task I complete- For joining ASCA and my massage 15/505