Learnings from the Lowlands

I asked the group to speak to the strengths and weaknesses they have noted in the last 2+ weeks we have been traveling.  We are at the end of our time on the Habitat for Humanity job site in Biloxi, Mississippi, and I have observed innumerable strengths from this group–teamwork, communication, dedication, determination, a willingness to learn and do things that were previously foreign and/or unknown, cultural acceptance (even if that has meant grinning through construction site humor that doesn’t seem so funny), and the list could continue.

Below they share their own insights and self reflections:

Daphne:

I think my weakness is that I take things too harsh. Small things stay with me and keep from being able to do certain things because I become insecure about them, also that I get frustrated very easily. My strength is that I have a sense of humor to things, but at the appropriate times.

Katie:

I think I’ve realized one of my strengths is that I try my hardest to be as committed to the things I do or need to do. I haven’t always been this way but going through this trip I’ve realized that dedication and commitment are the only way to get through it and enjoy it. My weakness is, I don’t speak my mind enough. I keep quiet about my opinions or things I don’t like. The only people I’ll tell these things to are people I’m comfortable with. So if someone’s having me do something I don’t want to do, I won’t say a word. Or if someone was criticizing me I keep it in. I hope to change that when I return to Portland.

Tihara:

Through this trip I have noticed a different me. I think my attitude is my weakness and strength because it still needs time to get better, for lack of a better term; but at the same time I have changed it a lot as far as controlling it and letting the small things go. Some other strengths are helping others, that’s something I always practice, but here I have noticed that it isn’t all for yourself–it’s all for all. Some weaknesses are letting people get to me and my attitude. Also a strength is not bitching on the work site (besides the heat) and actually getting down to business.

Alex:

Some of the strengths I have realized about myself have been how much I have actually been committed to this whole journey. I could definitely bring this willingness to commit to things back to Portland & I feel like I would experience so much more. Some weaknesses I have realized about myself is that I sometimes lose my main purpose in things, for example, I came to volunteer & sometimes I just want to relax & I may start complaining. I do think my weakness will become a strength as I start to notice it more & more, I feel like I will eventually learn how to stay on track with my purpose, whatever that may be.

Lucy:

I have found a huge strength and that is helping others and not thinking so much on my self; it’s a great strength. A weakness that I found out is that I get really mad if some one is disrespectful to me–I crack and want to do so much disaster, but I am a bigger person so I brush it off. I know I will use my strength for good purposes when I return to home. I really hope that I don’t use my weakness again; it will be all bad like Katrina.

Austin:

Weaknesses are easy. I’m terrible at adjusting to new environments, meaning I have a hard time as we move from place to place. New “homes” often mean lost sleep and lost sleep only worsens my adaptation. I also have a difficult time dealing with people who insist on “riling me up”. I really don’t enjoy being played with. Strengths are more difficult. I think I’m pretty good at apologizing when it’s needed, or even when its not. I’m also decent at keeping people in high spirits…or maybe I just keep myself happy, wish I knew.

Amber:

Weaknesses that I’ve learned about myself are worrying too much about what mistakes I make and how other people will react to them. Also when I step out of my zone or comfort level at times I struggle to not be pushed back into my bubble due to my peers’ reactions. Strengths I’ve realized are that I am knowledgeable at correcting my mistakes and changing my attitude around for the better. Attitudes have been not so great lately, but we’re adult enough to pull it together. I do believe my weaknesses will turn into strengths while back in Portland, because this trip has taught me to think not of what others say but what makes me comfortable.

Morgan:

This trip has brought out many strengths and weaknesses in me, some of which I knew about and have for quite a while, and others of which I wasn’t so sure of. I feel that my main strength that being away from a familiar environment is the ability to take direction. If I’m told to do something, I can do it well and in a timely manner. I won’t gripe and even if I do get frustrated, I won’t speak to it. That alone leads me into my weakness. Sometimes those and strengths can overlap. It’s crazy how that happens, but my weakness is that, for the most part, I don’t speak. If something bothers me, I’ll swallow it in whole. I’ll keep smiling and do as I’m told or take what is said. If I don’t like something but everyone else does, I won’t say anything about it. As long as everyone else is happy, I’m for the most part happy, but there’s still something else there. Being a people pleas-er can only get you so far. When I get back to Portland I feel like my strengths will keep on being strong and my weaknesses will, hopefully, diminish and I’ll be able to keep my bottle capped at a healthy level. I need to know when to open my mouth and when to keep is tightly closed.

Mike:

I feel like I have grown and realized that I’m overall very strong. I have matured 10 fold over the last year and a half. I feel my best strengths are my ability to understand where someone’s coming from (when I want too!). As far as negatives go, sometimes I don’t know when to stop joking or seeing when someone’s in a bad mood. Or the ability to get close enough to figure out how to help. As everyone on this trip knows I’m dedicating myself to helping out people with less. Everyone needs a fair chance in life and I’m going to give it to them.

Sage:

Since this trip has started I have begun to realize just how messed up this country’s priorities are, we would rather go spend billions of dollars a year on a stupid war while the people of our own country are literally starving to death in their homes and on the streets. We always think that no matter what happens someone will come, someone will help, and that is true but it’s not the people who we think will come. I may be just a kid, but I can realize that things are not okay in this world, and not just sit in my house watching cable and eating hot pockets while the people of my city, the people across the country and the people across the world are worried that they might not eat today. I know that I will be a changed person when I get back to Portland different priorities different perceptions.

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