Becoming a Skilled Communicator 

Professional communication is the ability to effectively communicate knowledge and information to others with respect, precision, coherence, and clarity. I developed my ability to communicate in writing through my Honors contracts and experiences, working towards the Honors College learning goal of developing strong communication skills. I wrote papers, created infographics, and curated presentations to turn dense bodies of psychology research into easily digestible artifacts, dispel popular psychology myths, and evaluate historical approaches and developments in treatment for certain psychological conditions.  

As I look back on these projects, I can see clear growth in my ability to concisely and coherently communicate complex ideas. More importantly, I see growth in another aspect of professional communication: listening and understanding. Many of my professors and mentors at IU Indianapolis have pointed out that a true professional communicator makes space for those they are communicating with to express their knowledge and ideas, expresses understanding, and works collaboratively with them. As a future counselor, this skill is critical to my success in the field.  

My roles as a mentor for the Groups SSS Program, a resident assistant for the Honors Living and Learning Community, and as a volunteer in the Indianapolis community all required me to listen, hear, and understand the people I was serving. To best serve those around me, I adapted my communication to first focus on creating connection, listening to verbal and nonverbal communication (e.g. body language, facial expressions, and integrating knowledge of the individual or group from previous conversations with them), and developing an understanding of my audience to then concisely and clearly meet the needs of the situation.   

Developing Cultural Humility 

As I worked to balance my communication through effective speaking and listening, I realized I was inadvertently developing my empathy and cultural humility. In line with the Honors College learning goals to develop civic-minded skills and participate in engaged learning experiences, I sought out further experiences, like studying abroad in the Dominican Republic, and maintained my mentoring on the IU Indianapolis campus and volunteering with Teachers’ Treasures and other community organizations. I worked with students who simultaneously taught me about their experiences, cultures, and unique identities.  

I immersed myself in communities in need to increase my awareness and understanding of systemic inequities in healthcare, mental health, education, and accessing necessities (food, shelter, etc.). I witnessed how these inequities can impact one’s life in a reciprocal and cyclical manner. For example, the students and educators supported by Teachers’ Treasures get access to free school and hygiene supplies. At times, donations and stock for certain hygiene supplies were limited, creating a gap in access for students. Teachers expressed concern as they knew that when their students’ basic needs were left unfulfilled, they could not expect their students to be ready to learn in class, creating a loss of learning and educational access. Remaining aware of the unique challenges that various cultural, racial, ethnic, and religious groups face is essential to best advocate and ethically work with these populations as a counselor.