Tinoco 1

Connie Tinoco Kim Strickland English 1010 15 June 2013 Reality Check As I stepped through the foot of the door, I did not know that I would grow great lengths after having an extreme reality check. It was my first day of Medical Assisting in high school and I was so confident in myself that I greatly failed to demonstrate rhetorical sensitivity and correct rhetoric when I introduce myself. The way I introduced myself (my expressions, tone, and choice of words) didnt convey with the message I actually wanted to make. Nevertheless, it happened and this action catalyzed a majority of my class to start bullying me for several months to the point where I needed to transfer. The room was nicely lit and everyone looked so relaxed. Class was supposed to start but the teacher looked like she was busy typing things so the students continued chatting for the lack of instruction. I was so ecstatic. I felt like I was on top of the world and that things would continue looking up. I realized I had many things going for me and this realization was blurted out as I introduced myself. As I vomited words, I could feel the environment changing-the lights didnt look so bright anymore. I could sense tension. I gave the wrong impression. As others introduced themselves I learned that half of my class was mothers going back to school and one-fourth of my classmates were college drop outs. I didnt think to consider how they would feel as I bragged about things I had done. I couldnt imagine myself in their position and this lacked my empathy.

Tinoco 2

Recently, I had to put a halt to my studies because I couldnt afford school. Its hard and being placed in that type of reality makes you feel pressured. Time feels short, tasks seem exponential, and work is tiring. It was impolite to instill further pressure. When I was working to afford college I tried to deny the truth of this reality. What helped me was to focus on my progress and no one elses. It was rude of me to impose my classs train of thought against this psychological tactic. Just thinking about how I acted also appalls me to this day. If you have read or seen Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, Im sure you can guess which character I acted most like. (It was Hermione.) Just like she acts in the trolley with Ron and Harry, I acted in class with my classmates. I put my head up high as I walked toward the class. I didnt smile; I wanted to be taken seriously, to prove that I was mature for my age. My tone was as-matter-of-fact to show intelligence. My action and expressions all lead to a first impression that was annoying and intimidating. I thought that was the right way to impress others and gain friends. As time went on I learned this type of conversing gave opposite results. Quite opposite, to the point that I became so uncomfortable by the way many of my classmates and teacher smirked whenever I did something wrong. When I asked for help many wouldnt help me. As the term passed I learned how to speak humbly and ask questions with the right body language in order to be welcomed and receive the desired help from others. I learned that in order to survive the work place proper and correct communication is vital. Still, even after I tried making amends, some people in class made things impossible for me. November was the turning point where I was tired of all the bullying and how the teacher

Tinoco 3

did not care to intervene. I finally pushed myself to fend for myself. I built a spine and gained the courage to speak about the mishaps that had happened to me. As I went inside the office I asked the secretary if they offered Medical Assisting classes at other times. To my delight, they did. I kept that in mind as I talked to the Assistant Dean. We talked for hours, because she was quite concerned as to how some students in the class treated me. She wondered how to help. I told her I just wanted to transfer, so I could continue my studies in peace. From that experience I started to learn the value of humility. Its a whisper that stops the individual from being rhetorical insensitive and a fool. Before my experience, I thought using rhetorical sensitivity and correct rhetoric was an excuse to put on a mask for each different individual. The thought, No way! Im going to be my true self always! seemed to pop up every now and then. After that experience I realized how important audience is as well as rhetoric and rhetorical sensitivity. I still stay social but Im now very careful with analyzing who my audience is so I dont make the same mistake of being rhetorically insensitive. Im also careful with how I express myself. I still stay pretty true to myself, but that doesnt mean I have to shout out everything about me, especially if others dont want to hear it.