Learning to Communicate Through Group Learning by Kennedy

Learning to Communicate Through Group Learning by Kennedy - September 2024 Scholarship Essay

When it comes to learning, there are many ways that can help you but it’s all about personal preference. I admire group learning activities and projects. Group learning has many different qualities but one of the main ones is working as a team and building positive interdependence. When working with a group of people inside and outside of school, it helps build your character and starts preparing you for your future. In group learning you also tend to gain accountability for your actions, communications skills, and you get to develop diversity through different perspectives.

Outside of school, volunteer at my city’s local animal shelter called Prairie Paws and I am also a member of the Zoo Crew at the Dallas Zoo. When working at these places, the need for communication and accountability is very high. I am learning that the lack of communication, spoken and written, is vital at these locations. If you're not talking to the people and workers around you, that’s where mistakes are being made. If you let an animal outside while you clean their enclosure or kennel, you must let everyone know or else risk someone else letting another animal out in that same enclosure and an outbreak occur between them. Mistakes that occur during feeding or medicating an animal are mistakes that could cost you or someone else their life. Once again, communication is the key. These are mistakes that simply can’t be made. That’s why starting young in group learning and activities is a great way to get prepared for your future. I feel I have the right head start volunteering at these two facilities on my way to becoming a small animal veterinarian.