Applies unbiased analysis and evaluation: Last year, we used the Naviance App in Google to research and identify career interests. In Naviance, go to the Self-Discovery section and analyze the results of your Career Cluster Finder in the Self-Discovery section. What is the most important, interesting, or surprising thing you learned about yourself from this activity?
My top result was "Architecture and Construction." My current career paths follow that cluster so that is important to me that others agree with my thinking. My second result was Finance which is interesting to me because I haven't really thought about going down that path. I've never bothered with investment planning as a career but this opens up a whole new door for me.
Evaluate sources of information for reliability and bias: When doing research, how do you decide if a source is credible (reliable and trustworthy) and objective (factual and unbiased)?
When researching, I come across many kinds of resources, some credible while others may not. When I read through an article to use as part of my work, I check the writer's credentials. I check for their expertise, time in the field, and how many papers they have written. All of that information tells me how credible they are.
However, when checking for biased opinions, I think about the topic first. Is it a topic that can have bias behind it? Most of the issues that I research are usually science-backed, meaning there's not much bias to them since they are facts in the world. However, I still check for any opinions in the paper. These opinions might be minute like who's prior research led to the revelation of this idea, but they all still conclude to the same facts that conjure our world.
Willing to adapt to new information and question things: How do you question and adapt to changes in your workplace, school, or in the community?
Changes occur often in public places that affect majorities. These changes might be minute, like a new seating plan or a change in cleaning plans. Other changes might be a lot more major such as enforcing new policies or changing the mascot. Whenever I face these changes, I try to understand the intent behind them. Was the change intended to enhance efficiency, productivity, and mood? Or was the change intended to revitalize the area from previous unforeseen circumstances? After I get an understanding of the intent, I try to fit in the new changes to my daily experience in the area.
One example of this was the Backpack and Locker Policy that was instated last year. At first, I questioned the sudden change, so I asked teachers and faculty who I was close with for their input and knowledge of the new policy. After hearing their perspectives, I used that knowledge to connect the dots and make an understanding of the intent that works for me, which was to reduce traffic in hallways and reinstate policies from pre-COVID. After getting an understanding of the new policy, I decided to use it as an opportunity to lighten the load in my bag and switch to a string bag. However, because the string bag was weak in material, I now opt to go with no bag, and carry my folder, Chromebook, and water bottle by hand.
Innovates: How can you go about making changes to a system that has been in place for a long time?
To change a system that’s been in place for a long time, I’d start by understanding how it works and why it’s been used for so long. I’d talk to the people who rely on it to get their input and figure out what could be improved. Then, I’d look into new tools or ideas that could make it better and introduce changes gradually to avoid causing any major disruptions. For example, when I worked on updating the Cheney Tech Floor Map or designing the Chemical Safe Cart, I took time to study the current setup, worked with others to test ideas, and made adjustments based on feedback. By taking things step by step, I’ve learned how to improve systems while keeping what works.
Makes rational decisions based on applications of evidence and observations: What is more important to you when making an important decision: facts and data, or feelings and opinions? Why?
When making an important decision, facts and data are more important to me because they provide a solid foundation for making informed and objective choices. I believe decisions based on evidence are more likely to lead to successful outcomes since they rely on proven information rather than assumptions or emotions. For example, when designing projects like the Chemical Safe Cart, I used measurements, research, and testing data to guide my decisions, ensuring the design was safe and functional. While feelings and opinions can add valuable perspectives, I think they should support—not replace—evidence-based reasoning.