Reflective Writing: DIEP Strategy (Assignment 1)
D - Describe objectively what happened
The first class in the morning was over and I was on my way to Starbucks to grab a cup of my usual morning fix. I remembered I was in desperate need of caffeine if I were to make it for my other classes for the day. As I was queuing up, I noticed the guy sitting outside was smiling at my direction. There was a doubt in me that he was smiling at me but his gaze was strongly fixated on me that I just somehow felt safe to smile back, and so I did. After I ordered my coffee, next thing I knew the guy was standing next to me asking for my name and my number. We became friends after that day.
I - Interpret the events
At the time when this phenomenon happened, I was caught in a state of surprise. I thought it was odd that out of nowhere someone would notice me and actually wanted to get to know me. It felt great and flattering. For me, it was the most significant day ever because I never expected a friendship could start with just a simple 'hello'. From that day one, I realised my days were much more brighter and happier because I have learnt a new way to make friends by just going up to someone and initiate a conversation. It was like I have just re-learnt the conventional way to make friends.
E - Evaluate what you've learnt
This experience was enlightening as I was reminded of the old way of connecting with people was much more fulfilling than relying on technology. Having experienced this event, I learnt to improve my interpersonal skills and interpersonal relationships with people around me. This skill I particularly deem highly essential as a Public Relations practitioner because in my career I will be required to interact with strangers. This is useful in a way of encouraging the initiative to start a conversation and make a connection. As well, it is very useful for networking.
P - Plan how this learning will be applied
Eventually every experience or event that comes about in my daily life will mold my character more and more to fit my chosen profession. This event is no less significant compare to any others. I see this as a learning experience to improve and sharpen my interpersonal skill so that I may be more certain of myself in terms of my confidence level to do a better job as a PR. As the next step, I now understand that I need to apply this learnt experience more in my daily activities.
