OGL 482 / Module 1

Discussion – The Three Questions

Joellen Leichner

THE THREE QUESTIONS (Prompt #1)

What gives me joy?

In Father Himes video, he defines joy as "the sense of the rightness of the way in which

one is living one's life." (Himes & Center for Student Formation, 2016). When answering what

gives me joy, I generally separate these questions into two different categories: personal and

professional. Personally, what gives me joy is spending time with my family, traveling with my

spouse, and spending time on hobbies. Also, my college progress towards my degree gives me

joy. Professionally, however, what brings me joy is when a project comes together well, I'm able

to help someone with an issue they have, or when I can work autonomously to figure out a

challenge and over it.

Personally, when I am with family, I am the most relaxed because I can talk freely and

laugh a lot. It is downtime from the daily routine. When I see my children in their careers and

with their spouses, I feel that sense of "rightness" that Father Himes suggests. We may go to

lunch, meet somewhere for dinner, go shopping, or just sit around at one of our houses and talk

through things and discuss what is going on currently with them. Sometimes they want to ask an

opinion on a decision they are trying to make. Other times, they want to talk through it and

maybe find other solutions. But, as a problem solver at heart, those are the times that I am

energized and happy.

Additionally, when I work hard on a class and have put a lot of effort into it and receive

my final grade, this, too, fills me with joy. It is a sense of accomplishment and another step

towards realizing a goal that I set for myself, and it moves me and energizes me toward the next

1
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

class. I have learned to love the educational process I am in right now, so each new class and

what it has to offer is exciting, and I want to know more about the topics.

Professionally, what brings me joy and gives me a sense of "rightness" is slightly

different. When an organizational group works together and meets an enterprise-wide strategic

goal, I feel proud to be a part of the team. I am then motivated and hopeful about our progress

and where we are headed. When, through my knowledge and competence in my job, I can help

others with their questions or challenges, or together we can find a workable solution, that brings

me joy because I can help others. It boosts my confidence and makes me want to seek out what

more I can do to assist. And, although working in a group is often a great learning experience

through collaboration and the sharing of ideas, working autonomously on a project or challenge

and finding a better solution that is currently in use brings me joy. Being able to solve issues or

make a process more efficient for everyone is always a gratifying experience. The thrill of

thinking outside the box and being able to idea share different more innovative solutions is

exciting. It moves me forward and motivates me to work and solve other difficulties we may be

facing. So, once one issue is solved, another is often discovered in the process that now also

needs to be addressed. So, as Father Himes states, I guess professionally, I am "discontented and

dissatisfied" (Himes & Center for Student Formation, 2016), always looking for the next thing.

What am I good at?

I feel as though we are always learning in one way or another. One of my strengths is

making learning more fun. When I travel, it is fun, but I also learn a lot about the place I am in,

their food, ways of life, work and home life differences, differences in the landscape, what they

2
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

are known for, and their culture. When our kids were younger, we tried to make traveling

somewhere or even going to the zoo a learning experience. We taught them about the

destination, what they would see, or the animals, etc. We would ask them questions while there

and listened to what they were seeing and interpreting. I look into whatever place we are going

to and find out about it, what to see, where to eat, where to stay. It is something that brings me

joy and that I am good at. At home with family, I feel like I am somewhat of a unifier. I try hard

to make sure everyone is included and feels a part of the event. I make sure that I talk to each

person and catch up with them about their lives and what is going on. And I try to draw people

into the conversation and help them to feel more comfortable. I think that this is something I am

good at, that others would say is one of my strengths.

Professionally, I feel that the position I hold is well-suited to my abilities and strengths.

I work hard to be accurate and accountable for my work. It is important to me that others who

view my work feel that it is of high quality. Because of my knowledge in my department, I think

that I am competent at my job and at helping others find answers for which they are searching.

By using my extensive knowledge gained over many years or assist in finding the right person to

help them. Sometimes things are outside of my purview; when that happens, I must be able to

steer my colleagues to the correct person, so they don't waste time searching around. They don't

have the time to do that. I am extremely organized in my job and can recall information

correctly and quickly.

Additionally, I am comfortable talking with and advising all levels of staff in the

organization. I work well with the people I support and rarely need their guidance on a decision

3
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

or route to take when problems occur, which is helpful for them because I don't need a lot of

direction on how to approach or solve a problem. Therefore, I feel that this position is something

that I am good at. Additionally, past, and present leadership have made their intentions to

continue giving me tasks of increasing responsibility towards new opportunities for the future

within their departments.

What does the world need me to do?

Father Himes states that we need to "listen to others about what they need" (Himes &

Center for Student Formation, 2016). According to Father Himes, the world needs us all to have

both "wisdom and courage" (Himes & Center for Student Formation, 2016). For me personally,

wisdom is hard. I find that through my experiences, I want to tell my children what to do or not

to do as a way of sparing them my same experiences or allowing them to experience the

happiness I did. However, instead, I need to remember to listen, guide, and ask questions. To

allow them time to think and reason through difficult times independently and come to their

conclusions. I have gained more courage over time through the ability to listen without telling

them what to do and without judgment. Courage is hard but necessary. For me, wisdom and

courage show themselves in many ways.

Professionally, I can continue to have an attitude of service to others. Go above and

beyond to help leaders and colleagues and to assist in making their work and tasks more

manageable, not more cumbersome. I can work more efficiently, collaboratively and share ideas

openly. This helps us better work together as a dedicated team of individuals that can be

innovative through our diversity. And I can hold myself accountable for my work, adherence to

4
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

deadlines, and accuracy. I hope to be able to contribute also by mentoring others. I can listen to

colleagues to hear what they are really saying and help them troubleshoot and solve complex

issues when they arise. If I choose to look at what I can do better, I look less at what others can

do better. It is a more positive approach to my work and offers me opportunities because others

know that they can trust me and rely on me to help. I always think of the saying, "many hands

make for light work." If we all put our efforts together in a positive way, it will help all of us in

the long run. Father Himes states that "one needs to respond to the needs of the community in

which one finds oneself" (Himes & Center for Student Formation, 2016). There needs to be a

need for my vocation. I feel that I fill a need in both my professional and personal life.

Although we don't often associate giving of oneself and or showing love by giving oneself

professionally, I think that agape in both personal and professional.

Agape, defined in Father Himes video as "a very particular form of love, a love which is

self-gift, and a way of giving of oneself away to the other" (Himes & Center for Student

Formation, 2016), is most often supported personally. We show our family this kind of love and

support often. But professionally, for me, it is being of service to others with whom you work,

helping willingly, proactively, and gladly. It can also mean taking on additional tasks or learning

new skills to support the work that needs to get done. And although you don't necessarily "love"

your colleagues in the traditional sense of the word, you respect and care for them enough to do

what is required to meet the organizational goals as a team. Father Himes also states that it is the

"center of being a human being" (Himes & Center for Student Formation, 2016), with which I

would wholly agree.

5
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

One example of this is when working with a specific grant internally, we decided there

was a need to use an online tool to be more transparent and efficient. The only issue was that no

one knew who to call about it, how it worked, or if it could be applied to this funding

opportunity. So, I found out who to call, went through the minimal training with them, and

worked and did some troubleshooting to figure out how to make our project fit with this tool. It

was something that was required and needed, so I made an effort to make sure that it happened

on behalf of those I support. Taking on this task and learning a new skill answered the question

that Father Himes asked, "is it something that the people around us really need us to do?" (Himes

& Center for Student Formation, 2016). Yes, it was something that someone associated with me

needed me to do.

Both personally and professionally, what I have to offer others, I feel, is needed. And I

also think that I have the ability and skills to support their requirements effectively and

successfully. But as Father Himes states, being a human being is the most important. The world

needs me to be a good human by treating others with the fairness and respect that I expect from

them without judgment. I need to reach out to others, family, friends, and even those I don't

know when I can see that they need assistance. Draw others in so they feel a sense of belonging

and friendship. I need to be able to build others up and see others in a positive light. We all

have faults, but we don't need others to bring those to the surface. Instead, we need to help one

another overcome them.

I enjoyed Father Himes's lecture because it focuses on our own gifts, what we have to

offer others, and how we can use them toward doing good. This parallels my spiritual life and

6
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

serving others. Helping others overcome obstacles makes us feel good. It gives us confidence

and hope. It is also often returned when we find ourselves with a challenge; others are more

willing to step in and help however they can. Robert Ingersoll said, "we rise by lifting others"

(Ingersoll, n.d.); this could not be truer today.

VALUES CHECKLIST (Prompt #2)

achievement having family quality of what I take part
in
advancement and helping other people
promotion
helping society x quality relationships
recognition (respect from
adventure x honesty others, status)
affection (love and
caring) x independence religion
arts influencing others reputation
challenging problems inner harmony responsibility and
accountability
change and variety x integrity x
close relationships intellectual status security
community involvement x self-respect
x competence job tranquility serenity
competition knowledge sophistication
cooperation leadership x stability
country location status
creativity loyalty supervising others
decisiveness market position time freedom
democracy meaningful work truth

7
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

ecological awareness merit wealth

x economic security money wisdom
effectiveness nature work under pressure
efficiency being around open and work with others
honest people
ethical practice working alone
x excellence order (tranquility,
stability, conformity)
excitement
expertise personal development
(living up to the fullest
fame use of my potential)
fast living physical challenge
fast-paced work pleasure
financial gain power and authority
freedom privacy

friendships public service

RED – First 5 removed.

growth purity BLUE – 6th removed.

MY TOP FIVE VALUES

1. Competence - I feel that competence is shown through being well trained for the

position you hold. You are able to handle any situation and pivot quickly when things don't go

as planned or expected. It is someone who is thoroughly knowledgeable about their area of

expertise. It is someone who understands and can see the whole picture. It is someone who is

detail-oriented and aware of pitfalls down the line. And someone who possess self-awareness

and kindness towards others.

8
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

2. Economic security - Is being financially stable. Someone who is able to rent/own

their own home. They can pay their bills and do not spend beyond their means. It means living

a conservative lifestyle. It's okay to splurge once in a while if you can afford to do so. But they

are not showy with what you have and are actually able to pay for an item you want. Also, they

are prepared for the curveballs when life happens—having the money put away for the

unexpected challenges so that you don't overextend yourself financially.

3. Integrity - Always doing the right thing – even when others don't see it. Even when

the right thing is difficult or isn't financially beneficial to you, it's honest and forthright with

people. You are doing things ethically in words and deeds. It means being able to say no to

someone or stand up for or to others when something is not right, even if you lose a so-called

"friend" for doing so. It's honesty and transparency, both personally and professionally.

4. Self-respect - Respecting myself enough to take care of myself so that I can care for

others. Confident. It is doing what is best for me while understanding that others may not

follow. And making tough decisions concerning friendships—making sure that I do what I feel

is right/best for myself. Making sound and ethical choices concerning others and not allowing

people to treat me poorly with disrespect or belittlement.

5. Stability – Having a home to live in with my family. A job that I enjoy and that

makes me feel proud. Enough financially to support my family long-term. I want to have and

sustain friendships that bring joy. Colleagues that I can lean on or work alongside towards

mutual goals and a church life and family.

9
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

How prominent are these values across your various life roles? How consistently and

effectively do you live/practice them?

I feel that many of them overlap, and I would say that they are exceptionally prominent in

my family life and my career. I think that they are characteristics that show others who you are

without them knowing much about you. They show respect for themselves and others through

their actions. In many ways, they define your personality, who you work for, and who you are

friends with both personally and professionally.

I would say that I practice these things on a daily basis in some form or another. I work

towards being competent at what I do to keep a job and progress within the organization. In

doing so, it offers me economic security through my benefits and pay. My work benefits and

pay also provide me the stability to own a home, a car, and work at a job that I like and feel good

about. Because I show self-respect, others respect me and treat me in a way that I feel good

about. And integrity is something that is with me always. It guides every single part of my life

and keeps me in check with my morals and values. It shows others who I am and what they can

expect from me.

What effect does practicing these values have on your attitudes and behaviors?

I think that practicing these behaviors guides my every decision and shapes my behaviors

both personally and professionally. They affect how others view and treat me and how I view

and treat others. It is the gauge I unconsciously and consciously use to evaluate others both

internally and externally. It is a way of deciding whether I choose to be a close friend or

colleague with them or put that relationship in the acquaintance box – if you will. Integrity is

10
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

something that is on top of my list. How you treat others, act towards others, and speak about

others say a lot about someone.

REMOVING DEFINING VALUES

Stability – I removed stability first because I felt that with competence, economic

security, integrity, and self-respect, I could re-build the financial security or that of having a

home or job. They are qualities that would sustain me through hard times.

Self-Respect - I removed Self-Respect second because I felt that I could gain self-respect

with competence, economic security, and integrity. And the other three values are more

important to me at this time in my life.

Economic Security – Economic security came out next because I felt that if integrity and

competence were still there, I could gain economic security. But without those two, it would

likely be impossible. Without competence, there is only mediocracy. And without integrity,

those with whom you know or come into contact think less of you and lack trust.

Competence - Next, I took out competence. These last two were very difficult for me to

remove. I feel that with competency, you have skills that move you forward in life and work.

With a varied skill set, you can earn back the other characteristics. Without it, you put yourself

and others at risk.

Integrity - Integrity was my top value. I removed integrity last. I feel pretty strongly

that you literally have nothing without integrity guiding your life, both personally and

professionally. It is what shapes your decisions, relationships, and your actions. Lack of

11
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

integrity shows poor character. It tells me that I cannot trust you or your actions towards me or

on my behalf.

LESSONS LEARNED

I learned that personal and professional integrity is highly important to me from

completing this activity for many reasons. First, it not only shows others who I am, but what I

expect from others. Second, it is the highest moral compass that I feel adequately guides us

through life and the decisions we will make, and our actions. Finally, it is looking at the big

picture and not just what is best for us, but what is best for the greater good.

What I learned about my hierarchy of values is that I am very quick to remove those that

correspond to my personal happiness and success (self-respect & stability). The things I expect

from myself are things that I value in others as both friends and colleagues. And, That I feel that

if I have competence and integrity, I can overcome other obstacles and work towards the other

values I find important.

IDENTITY EXERCISE (Prompt #3)

Table Template:
Areas of identity/Life How does this role How does this role Which of your
role define your self- influence your core values
concept or views? priorities and your aligns with this
I am a… actions? identity?

Professional or vocational -Provides me with -It influences my -Competence

role(s) - (job, career, etc.). self-esteem through priorities in that I
working with high schedule much of -Economic
level professionals. what I do around my Security
-Allows me to work time away from
autonomously. work. -Integrity

12
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

-Gives me pride in -I often work later

what I do. when there is a -Self-Respect
-Gives me pride in project to be done
where I do it. which can -Stability
-Provides a good sometimes interfere
salary. with my home life. I would say that
this role plays a
part in all of my
top 5 values.
Employee/employer/boss, -Because I am not in -I tend to stay more -Competence
etc. a leadership role, I in the background in
sometimes define some groups at -Economic
myself as a follower. work. Security
-I sometimes feel as -There is little
though my thoughts influence on my -Integrity
and ideas are less work itself or how I
valuable. do my job. -Self-Respect

-Stability

Family role(s) -Family is important -This influences my -Competence

to me and most priorities in that
everything else I do because I am usually -Stability
will always be the one family calls,
second to my family. I feel a lot of I would say that
-I am the youngest, pressure to put this role plays a
but much everything else aside part in all of my
responsibility is put to help others. top 5 values
on me for care of -It influences my showing
siblings and parents. actions in that I will competence as a
put family over parent when my
myself and my children succeed
priorities and needs. or do well. And
stability in that I
am able to along
with my spouse
provide for them.
Son/daughter, parent, -View this as my -Because I view this -Competence
caregiver, etc. primary role ahead as primary, I put my
of almost everything family first over my -Economic
I do. job or friends. Security

13
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

-Gives me a lot of -My relationships -Integrity

pride to see how far outside of my family
my children have would always come -Self-Respect
come and where they second.
are going. -Go out of my way -Stability
-I make myself to support and attend
available to family family events even if I would say that
over other things in it means taking time this role plays a
my life. away from work. part in all of my
top 5 values that
competence in
raising two
children to
become good
humans.
Provide them
economic
security.
Show them by
example what
integrity looks
like through my
actions.
Model self -
respect in how I
treat others and
how they treat
me.
And along with
my spouse
Cultural/ethnic group(s) -My ethnicity does -A persons character n/a
not affect my views is more important to
on the world or me than identifying
about others. with an ethnic
-Although I respect group.
others and their -I am open to others
ethnicities and enjoy ethnic backgrounds
learning about but it does not
others. change my own
views.
Political affiliations -I would say that it -I choose my -Integrity
does not affect my political affiliation
based on my -Self-Respect

14
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

views or define my personal values,

role. morals, and ideals.
-Most of my views -I make sure to vote
were formed based to make my voice
on my family, heard.
environment, and -Support those
religious beliefs. affiliations that are
in step with my
views.
Hobbies and avocations -I enjoy learning and -My priorities will Self-Respect
continuing to learn for now be my
and grow in my family and my work.
hobbies is important My hobbies will
to me. have little influence
It gives me pride to on my actions at this
be knowledgeable time.
about my hobbies
and be able to
discuss them with
others.
Religious affiliation(s) -Viewed as a -It influences the -Competence
primary role in my way I am in every
life. way. -Economic
-Has helped shape -It guides decisions I Security
my views, values, make.
and morals. -It influences my -Integrity
interactions with
others routinely. -Self-Respect

-Stability

Socioeconomic group -Socioeconomic -I would say that -Economic

affiliations group probably Socioeconomic Security
affects some of my group does not affect
views, but not to a the decisions I make -Integrity
high degree. on a daily basis.
-For me, someone's - Socioeconomic -Self-Respect
Socioeconomic group has little to do
group is far less with who I associate -Stability
important than their with or who my
character. close friends are.

15
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

How do your various roles influence how you see yourself?

My various roles allow me to sustain both personal and professional lives and guide my

decisions. Depending on my role, how I act/react to others differs but is equally as important in

each role. It influences which position level I take. At home, my positional level is high, and I

lead. Because I see myself as hierarchically in a lower position than those I support at work, the

role I take is a lower level, and I often work parallelly or follow others. The role I take on in

each different area depends highly on the position I hold in each. In my family, I hold a higher

role than my children. At work, I hold a lower level than others in leadership. I feel that roles

are highly dependent on hierarchy.

How do your various roles influence how you see the world?

My work life initiates an openness for others due to the varied and diverse roles and

values of those with whom I work. My work-life influences how I see others because I am

exposed to my peer's experiences, abilities, customs, and views. As a result, I can see beyond

what I personally believe. Through their roles and values, I am aware of their different roles and

those things they value and influence their personal and professional lives.

How do you currently prioritize your roles? Which roles are most (and least) attended to?

Are you happy with this prioritization? What changes would you like to make?

I prioritize my roles based on their importance to me. My family will always come first.

Right now, I have placed a high priority on finishing school, so I would say that it comes ahead

of my work life and any other role. I seldom stay late because I want to get home to my family

and have homework or reading to do. Once I am done with class, I will likely place a much

16
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

higher value on my professional career as I search for a new opportunity for myself. That could

be networking, staying later to accomplish tasks that have been set aside for a while, or even

networking outside of the organization. But I anticipate that my work will move up.

I also feel as though my religious life will move forward again. This is another area that I

have put on hold while I finish my last few classes. It is something that is important to me, and I

feel strongly about, but was set aside because family is first, work is essential as an income, and

school is only temporary. I feel that my priorities and roles will change. My children will get

older, I will graduate, I will move into another position, and I will resume many of the religious

and hobby-related activities that I enjoy.

How do you see your roles changing in the future – and how will that affect your identity?

Roles in our lives are incredibly fluid. Dependencies changes, values change, and along

with it, our roles will change. For example, my children will get older, I will graduate, I will

move into another position, and I will resume many of the religious and hobby-related activities

that I once enjoyed when my role wasn't that of a student. And my role as a student will shortly

change to that of graduate.

Change is inevitable whether we like it or not, and whether it is viewed as a positive

change or not. For example, my change in role as a parent will change many times. It will go

from being the primary caregiver to supporting role and mother-in-law, and eventually to

grandmother. Likewise, my role as a worker will change from position to position, and my levels

of interest and activity in church or hobbies will vary based on the changes of my other roles.

17
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

Explore how your values and identities align; explain inconsistencies and gaps.

The areas where my values align with my identities are probably the most notable in my

work life realm. I value competence in myself and others, both personally and professionally.

As an employer and a parent, we have to learn to see the bigger picture of situations. We

certainly need to be flexible to change and be able to move in a different direction when an event

demands it.

Economic security is a value that is important to my family and me and is provided

through my work life. It aligns with my role as an employee. My organization offers through

salary and benefits the economic security that I need to keep my family stable. It allows me to

provide for my family and be prepared for when unexpected challenges occur.

Stability for my family is also a value that is important to me. Stability in my

professional life allows me a good position for equal pay. It helps me provide for my family and

keep them in a home with food on the table. It gives my children the feeling of safety and

security in their life. Stability is also found through friendships, both personally and

professionally.

Both personal and professional roles also provide my value of self-respect.

Professionally, how I treat others and how they, in turn, treat me gives me self-respect. I feel

pride in what I do and, when treated with dignity, feel self-respect. I know what I believe, and I

stand up for my beliefs while understanding that others may believe otherwise and still

respecting their opinions and values.

18
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

The one espoused value that I hold to higher esteem is integrity. In my personal life, I

have taught my children about integrity, the importance of integrity in every aspect of their lives

rom very early on. As a mother, it is something I feel is essential to instill in my children. I will

say this a million times, but without integrity, you have nothing. And I think that this includes

every single area of my life. It guides my decisions, and when I am struggling with something, it

will always be the final consideration, and it aligns with all of my roles in life.

In reviewing both my initial list of ten and my final list of five, I feel that my values and

roles align well. Independence might be the only area where there is a somewhat visible

inconsistency. Although I work mostly independently, all of my other personal and professional

roles have to do with working with, around, or for family and colleagues. There is little

independence within my roles, so it falls under the theory-in-use theory because it governs what I

do or my behavior.

DREAMS AND DESIRES (Prompt #4)

DREAMS AND DESIRES

List everything you really want: Places to go, jobs to have, things to do, possessions to own,
personality or character traits to develop, goals to achieve. Indicate the life role/area (or
areas) involved.

DATE ITEM LIFE

AREA/ROLE
Dec. 2021 Graduate from ASU. Competence
Jan. 2022 Start looking for new opportunities at work / Take a new Economic Security
position.
2022 Move closer to family here in town. Quality
Relationships

19
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

2022 Spend more quality time with family and friends. Quality
Relationships
2022 TRAVEL – Everywhere!!! (US, Europe, Caribbean, Independence
Canada)
2022 Get back going to church – at church. Stability
2022 Build new skills /continue learning at work looking to Competence
better jobs.
2022 Try new things. Find/learn new hobbies (Ex. Cooking Independence
class, etc.)
2022 Get in better physical shape. Stronger. Resp. /
Accountability
2022 Eat healthier / Eat more at home. Resp. /
Accountability
2022 Re-decorate my house. Personal
?? Retire and live abroad for several months at a time. Independence
2022 Spend a week on a beach relaxing. Personal
2022 Take my parents to Europe with us. Personal

RED = Top 5

Why do you want it? What does having it get you? What's really at the "heart" of each of

those desires?

Graduate from ASU – This goal satisfies a personal goal that I set for myself years ago.

It is something that I have whittled away at for years on and off. This goal will give me a sense

of achievement personally. It will also help me further my career professionally. I feel that

completing this task has made me a more insightful, thoughtful, competent, and open-minded

person. It has helped to fine-tune and polish my professional skills through writing and

reflection of materials. It has furthered my ability to be a critical and integrative thinker so that I

can apply the skills I'm currently learning in college to be more efficient and effective at work.

20
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

I've also learned better skills for effective group work. This is something that, although it is

good for me professionally, is satisfying personally because it is a goal met, so it helps my self-

respect a well.

Start looking for new opportunities at work – Once I earn my degree, I will be able to

look at other job opportunities that were unavailable to me prior to getting my degree. A

different position/job will better use my abilities and skills to help the organization meet its

goals. I feel that I can now be a better co-worker and colleague by applying skills learned in

college to facilitate more organized and efficient workgroups. I can also use my skills in my

daily work routine while working autonomously. A new job opportunity allows me to make

additional money for my family, allowing me more financial security and stability. It would also

allow me to continue my growth and learning by taking on additional responsibility, which is

very satisfying to me professionally.

Spend more quality time with family and friends – Over the course of my college

classes, I've spent less time with family and friends than I would like. I feel like I need to renew

some friendships that were put on the back burner, so to speak, but that are still quite important

to me. When I spend time with others, I need to make sure to be more present. Even though I

have seen some of them, I am thinking of other things and not really there or present. I also feel

that I need to evaluate some friendships, both personally and professionally, and decide if they

are still meaningful to me. I also need to make an effort to see friends and family that are farther

away. Many events and gatherings from friends back home fell to the wayside during college

because I didn't feel like I could work full time, go to college, and travel. One example of this

was traveling to Maui with my husband for business only to spend most of the time in the room

21
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

working on schoolwork. Nevertheless, friendships fill a needed part of my personal life, and

quality relationships connect us to others through happiness, sadness, joy, and loneliness.

Travel – Travel is something I immensely enjoy. I feel that you can learn so much about

the people, culture, landscapes, and traditions of the places you visit. Personally, it feeds my

sense of curiosity, and I find it relaxing and enjoyable. As they say, "a picture is worth a

thousand words." Travel is something that, from a very young age, has brought me a great deal

of joy. It fascinates me. It makes me question and wonder about things. I've learned a great deal

about people, behaviors, and customs. Travel is hugely educational, and it fills that box for me.

So many people learn by reading books. I prefer to learn by traveling and experiencing instead.

I used to love it when my kids would come home from school and talk about something they had

traveled and seen that they were talking about in school. They learned so much on our trips,

which made them more curious about the world.

Get in better shape physically – This has been an area that I struggle with personally.

And although I feel that all things are good in moderation, it has also been put on the back burner

for the last several years. To feel whole, the physical health goes along with spiritual and mental

health, which I find highly important. We need a healthy balance of each. Mind, body, and soul.

I know that I feel better when I exercise and take good care of myself, but I do not prioritize it.

Self-respect is essential, and I want to be a good role model for the kids and emulate a healthy

lifestyle for them to follow, so this is important to me personally for both reasons. Taking care

of ourselves helps us physically and mentally. As a result, we think and feel better, which gives

us the ability to take care of the daily challenges we face with a clear head and make appropriate

decisions.

22
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

What have you learned about what you really want? What kinds of "categories" emerge

from your list? Did you find any connections between what's most important to you and

the things that you most desire?

After reviewing my dreams and desires, I feel that most of the things I think are

important deal directly or indirectly with my family. I want to get a new job to better myself

and continue to learn and grow professionally. A better job would also help support and

provide stability for my family and me. Additionally, I would prefer the position to be flexible

enough that my family and other interests do not continue to be put on the back burner and not

realized. I want to get in shape for my own longevity but also to be a better role model for my

kids. I would like to travel more to stay more closely connected to friends and as a way of

relating to the world around me through learning, experiencing, and seeing new things. And I

want to graduate as a way to show my achievement. I feel that this shows that I am goal-

oriented and want to continue to improve myself while also improving the lives of others. It

displays competency.

Overall, much of what I do is based on my family and relationships first and

professional life second. My inner purpose is personally to provide economic security and

stability, which is done through my professional life, which allows my other values of integrity,

competence, and self-respect to be exercised.

23
 OGL 482 / Module 1
Discussion – The Three Questions
Joellen Leichner

References

Harrington, B., & Hall, D. T. (2007). Career Management & Work-Life Integration: Using Self-

Assessment to Navigate Contemporary Careers (1st ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Himes, F. M. & Center for Student Formation. (2016, April 20). The 3 Key Questions. YouTube.

Retrieved October 15, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-

4lKCENdnw&t=205s

Ingersoll, R. (n.d.). A quote by Robert G. Ingersoll. Goodreads. Retrieved October 15, 2021, from

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/8119455-we-rise-by-lifting-others

24