Enhancing Personal and Professional Growth through Applied Behavioral Science

Personal Reflection on Program Courses, Theories and Concepts Name Institutional Affiliation Course name Instructor’s name Assignment due date Personal Reflection on Program Courses, Theories and Concepts When I first entered the Applied Behavioral Science (ABS) program, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement about what I would learn from the program. I had not been in school for a long time, and part of me worried that I would struggle to find my rhythm again. At the same time, going back to school had been a dream I held onto for years, especially as someone who works every day with children, families, and educators in my role as a Special Education Classroom Assistant (SECA) for Chicago Public Schools. I saw myself as a hard-working student and a strong, family-oriented woman, but academically, I doubted whether I still “had it.” Professionally, I knew I had the passion, but I wanted to strengthen my skills, deepen my understanding of human behavior, and elevate my voice as a leader within my school and community. I wondered how going back to my school would affect my personal and professional responsibilities during the course of the program. I intended to achieve the best from the ABS program while ensuring that I balance my time and energy with other responsibilities in my life. I hoped that upon completing the program, I would have experienced growth as a student, family member, and a professional. When I began the program, I viewed myself as someone who was helpful and supportive, but not necessarily someone who took up space or saw herself as a scholar. I felt committed to my students, my son, my family, and my community on the South Side of Chicago, but I didn’t yet see how my lived experiences, my intuition, and my professional background connected to actual behavioral science theory. I saw the ABS program as an opportunity for growth as a student but I was not sure how it would connect to my personal and professional experiences. My commitment to my students is one of the most important aspect of my career and I hoped that completing the program would improve my ability to meet their individual needs. My goal at the time was that I would become a better role model for my students after successfully completing the courses. Over time, this program helped me see my personal and professional life through a deeper, more analytical lens, one that honors both experience and evidence. Communication plays an important role in building trust in relationships by allowing people to express how they feel about those they care about. The ABS program has shown me that communication in marriage is a vital component that brings people together to form a strong bond. In The Art of Communication, Hanh (2013) explains the importance of our presence when we communicate with our partners. I felt that I have often been distracted by my professional and personal life that sometimes I have communicated the wrong messages to my partners. Brining my own responsibilities and stress from my work has made it harder for me to communicate effectively with my husband. Reflect