My Support System

Next, I chose Kelly Jo Wright, known as Miss KJ to me, who is one of my coaches on the Forensics team. I chose Miss KJ because she is someone who continually pushes me outside of my comfort zone. While her guidance is given within the forensics setting, her knowledge is highly applicable to everyday life. For instance, she knows that I struggle with self-doubt and downplaying my strengths, so as a part of preparing for Nationals, she gave me tasks to do that would help me mentally prepare for the tournaments. Those tasks include engaging in positive self-talk, finding tools for success, and establishing a routine. Since starting these practices at the beginning of the semester, I have already had success in competition, and am feeling much more confident in myself and my abilities than I was last year at this same time.
Additionally, given that the relationship we have is coach/student, constructive criticism and feedback is something I receive from her on a weekly basis. Yes, it can be difficult to hear the multitude of things that need to improve with each speech or piece I give, but she gives me these comments so that I can improve and grow. Without an outside perspective, how can I know what best serves the audience and/or clientele? The exact same practices occur in social work with a supervisor/mentor, it’s simply a different environment. I also believe that Miss KJ has taught me the value of positive reinforcement and comments. She truly wants me to be the best version of myself, and I can’t do that until I understand that growth is a continuous process.
When it comes to social work specifically, Miss KJ sees what I learn in class to be an asset to the activity and the Forensics program here at UWEC. Since she is also a professor, she sees not only how forensics impacts my work for the social work program, but how the social work program shapes my understanding of forensics. In social work, we talk about empathy and are in the mindset of looking for what other factors could be impacting someone’s life, and I am able to apply those same skills in forensics. When team members come to me with their frustrations, I not only work to acknowledge their feelings, but I do my best to understand where they are coming from. In the instance that they’re upset with a fellow team member, I encourage them to think of the other person and themselves as well. I ask them questions such as, “How has your schedule been this week?” and “Are you struggling to balance school, forensics, and personal life?” While it’s not my intention to tell them what to think or how to feel, I find that when I practice the same intentions, I have more grace and understanding for those around me.
When looking forward to my future past graduation, I think balance in leadership is something that is needed for myself. While it’s great to get positive reinforcement, there are times where you need someone to put their foot down and tell it to you straight. Miss KJ is the type of person to be direct and help you get out of a negative mindset. It may not feel wonderful in the moment, but sometimes that snap back to reality is exactly what’s needed. She cares deeply for all of us as students on the team, and as a senior, she knows what my goals and aspirations are for the activity, so she pushes me to do the work necessary to reach those goals.
In general, Miss KJ is an amazing mentor and coach to have. She will always be rooting for me, and she acknowledges the challenges I’ve faced while noting the growth I’ve had over the past three years. She pushes me out of my comfort zone, which allows me to face new things head on and work on reducing the fear and anxiety that often come along with it. She possesses the characteristics that I find to be valuable in a mentor or supervisor.