Cathrine Baek

LDRS 1016 TR 2:00-3:15PM

April 10, 2014
Facilitation - Demonstrating Learning
Facilitation Discussion Eating Disorders
As a quick overlook before I discuss the content and reflection of my facilitation,
here is a brief introduction of how my facilitation took place. On March 27, 2014, I
facilitated a discussion about raising awareness for eating disorders and possible
resolutions for this evident problem in society. For the purpose of introducing the topic, I
shared this video with my family group:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSqtVDIwnHo. I chose to share this video because it
started off the facilitation in a very powerful way, utilizing the rhetorical devices: ethos,
logos, and pathos. Not only were they hit with shocking statistics about eating disorders,
but also with the graphics and stories from the video that really worked together to spark
a lot of emotion right from the start. The main goal was to discuss the major problem of
eating disorders that we all know exists, standing up in a society of ignorance, and to
come up with possible solutions to the problem. In hopes of both raising awareness and
trying to implement change, I put together this facilitation on a topic very close to my
heart.
The topic of eating disorders is very important to me because I have dealt with
one personally and have had to watch some of my closest friends struggle with them too.
It is disheartening to realize how ignorant the world can be, so openly judgmental and
careless of the people around them. I thought I was so alone, suffering in a world that was
just so ignorant. Just as I wanted to reach out to my friends who were struggling, I want
to reach out to those who dont have any one else to turn to. Throughout this facilitation,
my family group members were all ears, full of support and encouragement for my
chosen topic. They changed my views of the ignorance I thought society was wrapped up
in. My group members made me realize that people were willing to listen as soon as
someone took the initiative to speak out. I really made an effort to be unbiased and view
this topic from an outside perspective, as an individual that was not so personally
connected with this topic. I made sure to keep an open mind because I really wanted to
see how people viewed eating disorders and their personal opinions on them. However,
my group was just so open to discussion and eager to hear more about the topic. It was
very reassuring to know that I could be passionate about this topic without them
questioning me. My personal views toward people in general were definitely changed. I
realized that it was not mere ignorance that came from the public, other than a few
exceptions, but rather due to a lack of knowledge about eating disorders. The part of the
discussion regarding possible solutions was also very interesting because my group
members shared some ideas that were very different from my own. I looked at possible
solutions that were drastic, in that, it would involve the passing of legislature. I assumed
that a thought-provoking solution would be the banning of Photoshop use and other
photograph editing programs that alter the natural human figure. Or, on the other hand,
just require publishing companies to, at the very least, label their photographs saying that
it has been retouched. Because all these programs create an ideal body image in the
minds of any one who sees such photographs in magazines, billboards, and the like, I
thought it would be an effective solution. But at the same time, this solution was, from a
realistic standpoint, not going to happen in my power. My group members supported my
idea but suggested little ways we could implement change at a more plausible level. One
member suggested starting up a club at Virginia Tech where people could come together
and talk, sharing past and present experiences as well as future goals for their eating
disorders. Another member mentioned working for a hot line, to talk to those who tend to
shy away from openly speaking out about their issues. I never really thought about these
solutions because I was too enthusiastic about making a change that I became too
ambitious, not acknowledging the little things we can be doing. However, another
problem that was addressed about these solutions was that most of those suffering form
an eating disorder rarely realize that they are, or are too afraid to confront their mental
illness. If I had the chance to revisit this facilitation, I would definitely make sure to look
deeper into addressing this problem that serves as a hurdle to these potential solutions.
I truly believe that this facilitation was an awesome experience. By far, this was
the most stimulating and enjoyable learning experience I have had in a classroom. After
this facilitation unit, for the first time I actually looked into pursuing a leadership minor.
These discussions about topics that we care about or the people around me care about, are
things I have the most fun taking part in. Fun, in a sense that these are the
conversations I find the most interesting and appealing. In my opinion, I thought my
discussion went smoothly. All my members participated and were engaged into the
discussion from start to end. Though my facilitation took a complete different course than
I originally planned, there was always something we were talking about and new ideas
that were brought up. I hope that people walked away with more than I expected because
I tried not to expect too much. I was aware that my personal experiences really sparked
my passion toward this topic and that others may not be as zealous. However, all the
members were so open to this discussion and engaged, taking away all my nervous and
anxious energy and replacing it with a newfound enthusiasm. The members mentioned
that they were surprised by a lot of the information in the introduction video and that it
really opened their eyes. I think it went well because we were all not afraid to share
personal experiences or personal opinions about anything with each other. The fact that
we were all strong minded people who were not afraid to speak their mind played a big
part in the successes of all the individual facilitations. In all honesty, the facilitation
played out a lot better than I anticipated for it to run. In that respect, I cannot pick out
anything I wish could have gone better or anything I would have done differently. Other
than the introduction of the topic and some question asking, I would say that we all
participated and spoke evenly. The conversation was shared among all the members as
we bounced ideas back and forth with each other. The discussion flowed really well and
it allowed for every one to say everything they wanted to say.
In conclusion, I really did find this facilitation assignment to be a great learning
experience as well as a social experience with our peers. I could never have imagined the
conversations we were able to have with a complete group of strangers just a few months
ago. These kinds of experiences make me realize the unseen beauties in human nature.
Regardless of our level of popularity or social scene, at the end of the day, we are all
human beings that can enjoy a time of coming together and sharing ideas with one
another. Whether it be English 1106 or Introduction to Shakespeare, I think every single
professor should have his or her students participate in a facilitation assignment like this
one. I believe it would be an effective way to remind the students as a body to share,
converse, and connect with one another. Its a good reminder that its not about the tier
your sorority is in or the fellowship you are a part of, its about putting aside our
differences and realizing we can all get along, come together, and change the future.