Name: Sarah Quinlan

Class: W20 EDUC1321-02 Plan/Direct, Per.

Due Date: Jan 31, 2020

Part 1: Self -Reflection

1. Explain 4 different roles you have currently?

Mother: I am a mother of three boys. My responsibilities have been to provide for them to my

best ability. To offer them love, support, and encouragement. To aid in their personal care. To

foster their interests and special talents and be their personal cheerleader at those activities. To

attend school meetings to discuss their education, and doctor’s appointments to ensure their

health. To be a positive role model and teach them important values in life. To help create

independence in their everyday life, ensuring that they can contribute to the community and

become remarkable in their own right.

Ballet Teacher: I have been a passionate ballet teacher for many years. My career has given me

the opportunity to teach multiple age levels throughout Canada. I have been very fortunate to

share my love of the performing arts with so many children.

Student: I decided to embark on a new journey and return to school. My experience as a parent

with a child with special needs has nurtured my interest in helping others. I am eager to continue

learning and apply this knowledge in supporting individuals with disabilities. Despite the

business it has contributed to my lifestyle, I thoroughly enjoy the classes, the people, and the

hands-on experience at placement.

Friend: Relating with others is extremely important to me. Whether it be an afternoon coffee

chat to catch up, a weekend get-a-way to reconnect, an evening out with fun and laughter, or a
phone conversation to share our newest experiences; the people in my life are always close in my

thoughts and heart.

2. What do others count on you to do?

My children count on me for love and acceptance. They rely on me for advice and direction and

often value my opinion to help guide them in making decisions. They count on me to prepare

meals and bake goodies, to ensure they have clean laundry, to help with homework or studying,

to take them places in the community for fun family time, to play, to watch movies, to organize

appointments and activities of interest, to run errands for supplies they need at random, to book

vacations or plan trips to visit family.

My employer counts on me to direct the ballet program at the studio. To organize and attend

workshops with students. To prepare for ballet examinations and host them at our studio. She

relies on me to prepare lessons in advance, to provide structure and discipline in the class, to help

develop their level of skill and artistry and overall enjoyment of the performing arts. She asks

that I select appropriate music and costumes, and choreograph competitive ballet dances for the

elite team.

3. What things do you count on others to help you with?

I’ve always been a very independent person. My life style has been filled with an array of duties

and I took pride in fulfilling them with my very best efforts. It is a struggle for me to ask people

for help. I’ve had this pre-conceived idea that if I couldn’t manage it myself, I was less of a

person. I was scared that others might think I didn’t have a handle on things. I’m slowly starting

to change that perception. I’m hopeful that in time I can openly ask for help without self guilt.
I’m also fully aware that change doesn’t happen overnight, and its going to require practice

before it starts to feel comfortable. But I’ve made the first step in acknowledging that

vulnerability does not equal weakness.

4. If you had a day off, how would you want to spend it?

Anytime off is best spent with family and friends. Great company, good conversations, laughs,

fun, food, and wine. All while trying to incorporate some type of leisure physical activity or

exploring somewhere new. Doesn’t have to be extravagant, anything to create a new and lasting

memory.

5. If you were given an unlimited amount of money, what would you spend it on first?

First, I would purchase a house. Something small and quant with sufficient room for each of my

boys to have their own space and a big kitchen for all my cooking desires. I would want a fairly

large property out of the city with ample space for gardens, fruit trees, and play room for the dog

and outdoor fun.

6. If you could change something in your current situation and or about yourself, what

would it be?

I consider myself to be a very health conscious person. I exercise regularly, drink plenty of

water, and eat clean. Yet despite my efforts I suffer from migraines, have Crohn’s disease, and

my medication is an immune suppressant which makes me prone to getting ill. If I could change

something, it would be to have better health.

7. Give 3 examples of how others would describe you?

Fit: My ballet students and friends are usually commenting on my wholesome life choices. That

I have incredible will power to avoid indulging in unhealthy food. That I’m toned and flexible

and have maintained the same physique for as long as they can remember.

Sincere: I trust whole heartedly. I am honest with my thoughts and opinions and true to my

word. My actions always represent what I believe in and are carried through with respect and

dignity.

Hard Working: I am diligent in all aspects of my life. I ensure that my house is maintained and

my children cared for. That meals are prepared with wholesome ingredients and snacks readily

available. If something needs fixing or mending, I will learn how to get it done. I am attentive

to my studies and put in my best effort to maintain excellent grades. I strive for distinction at

work.

8. How do you contribute to the community?

I try to get involved with fundraising opportunities. Sometimes it is for our dance studio, Autism

Ontario, or my children’s school. I volunteer as an adjudicator for non-profit dance

competitions. I buy from local farms and markets.

9. List three talents.

I am a talented ballet dancer. My professional studies have enabled my passion to also become a

skill. I am talented in the kitchen. My personal enjoyment of cooking and baking has me

spending much of leisure time experimenting with new recipes and developing those abilities. I

am a talented gardener. I have a natural green thumb when it comes to my vegetable gardens.
Each year I plant a variety of crops that grow organically and flourish in abundance. It brings

me great pleasure to cook with them knowing that my efforts provide for my family and can be

shared amongst friends.

10. Explain 2 things you would like to be remembered for.

I would like to be remembered for my kindness. I hope that when my time is done here, people

will most associate me with being thoughtful and caring towards others.

I hope that people will also remember me by my generous nature to feed others. There is always

an open invitation at my table and it brings me immense joy and comfort to provide life’s simple

pleasures of home cooking.

Part 2: Other Person

1. Describe your relationship with Sarah Quinlan.

Sarah and I are siblings. I am an older sister by 4 years. We used to sit side by side at the dinner

table, sleep side by side in individual twin beds beside each other, hunker down at the dining

room table for homework, play adjacent to each other in the playroom. We spent a lot of time

together as children and teenagers and our relationship has always been filled with love and

respect and admiration.

As adults we spend our time together sharing our life experiences and digging into deep

conversations about life, love, loss, self-worth, aging, confidence, emotions, children, and so

much more. We do this with ease and sincerity and a deep appreciation of each other.
2. Describe his /her personality.

Sarah is an achiever who aims for mastery and excellence in her passions. From dancing to

cooking to gardening, Sarah appreciates the pursuit of living life fully. As a human being, she is

supremely kind and loving, approaching individuals with generous assumptions of their

character. She has an open heart and an open door, welcoming family and friends as often as

possible to connect over great food.

3. Name 3 of his/her talents.

Creativity within the arts including dance and music.

Personal efficiency and productivity to getting things done.

Deep listening skills and patience.

4. What do you enjoy about being with Sarah Quinlan?

Does everything count as an answer? Everything. And in particular, I enjoy walking in nature

and conversing about life’s experiences.

I have enjoyed being under her tutelage as a student in her adult dance classes. Being present

while she is in her element of passion is inspiring and contagious. She is encouraging and

expects your best at the same time.

Time spent with Sarah can be low key and intimate or high energy and bustling and everything

in between. And no matter, the time together is always soul filling.

5. Name 3 things you think are important to Sarah Quinlan. What does he/she value?

She values honesty and respect, family and connection, and excellence in the pursuit of your

passion.

6. Give 3 examples of how others would describe Sarah Quinlan.

A lover of life who leans into the joy that even the smallest of details brings.

Filled with gratitude and grace, expressing her thanks for those that are part of her tribe.

Hard working and dedicated to her family.

7. What do you think would make life easier for Sarah Quinlan?

I don’t believe there is an expectation that life should be easier, or that someone could give Sarah

anything that would make it easier. She has such an optimistic outlook on life and sees the

abundance of what is most important. Having family closer to Sarah would provide a deeper

level of comfort, as the distance can be difficult – this is what I would say would make life easier

for Sarah.

8. How does Sarah Quinlan contribute to your life?

She has always been a loving sister whom I’ve been able to count on for anything and

everything. We have spent many weekends together when we both lived away from home,

simply to ease each others home sickness. Sarah brings me a great sense of happiness and

humour – she is often unintentionally funny just by being authentic. I appreciate her combination

of assertiveness and empathy – that she can seek to understand my perspective while also
maintaining her own. She offers me an example of how to move through pain and suffering with

a positive outlook that no barrier can contain one’s willingness to live an exceptional life.

9. How does Sarah Quinlan contribute to the lives of others in the community?

Sarah maintains a sense of ‘family’ with those that are part of her tribe; whether these are

neighbours or friends at the gym, or co-workers. Sarah has always had the ability to make friends

easily and extend that friendship into meaningful relationships that feel more like family.

She has participated in several events supporting Autism for her son and her community.

She sets a positive example as a kind and generous human being, leaving people feeling lighter

than before spending time with her.

She recycles and composts, donates worn items to charity, and grows a garden to be

environmentally conscious.

10. Describe 3 admirable traits.

Kind, compassionate, hard-working.

Part 3:

1. How did you feel doing the independent part of this activity?

I found it challenging to do the independent part of the activity. I rarely reflect on my abilities.

More frequently I tend to focus on how I can improve myself, where am I lacking, and how can I

be a better person, mother, student, teacher, etc…

2. How/why did you select the individual you selected to participate in this activity?

I selected my sister Teresa because she is my sounding board. She is there for me through thick

and thin. I love and respect her, and value her lifestyle choices. I can approach her on any

subject. I feel safe with her, open and honest with my feelings and/or problems. There is no

judgement with her. She knows me deeply and completely and is accepting of all of me. She is

my “true blue”.

3. Were you surprised by anything the individual recorded or said? If so explain.

After reading the responses from my sister, I was honestly in tears. She had so many beautiful

things to say about me, and it was very touching to see myself through her eyes. I believe that

some of my personal life experiences have distorted my self image, and allowing her to be my

mirror has been extremely profound. This exercise has enabled personal growth, and I will

reflect on it often.

4. Did you and your selected supporter identify the same talents?

No. I identified my talents with the things I can do well, my physical skills. My sister identified

my talents with my mental and emotional skills.

5. What value is there in having others involved in this process?

There is infinite value in having others involved in this process. How we see our personal life is

only one perspective and with the input from others we are exposed to a bigger spectrum. That

can help us identify strengths we didn’t necessarily see. That can lead us to exploring new
avenues we wouldn’t have taken. It can give us the courage and positive reinforcement to take

risks that we were reluctant to try.

6. What do you think were 2 purposes of this assignment?

Self-reflection was one purpose of the exercise. How I see myself, what defines me, what are

my personal strengths. Another purpose of the exercise is to have feedback of how someone of

significance sees me. With both acquired information, I can determine my most valuable traits

and acknowledge my most important principles. From there I can develop appropriate goals that

suit my strengths and become involved with things of possible interests. Using my abilities as a

motor through life rather than focusing on my short comings.

7. Identify 2 things you learned about yourself or gained from this exercise.

I learnt that even the small things don’t go unnoticed. Despite the distance between my sister

and myself, she can still recognize the effort I put in to the slightest of details. I don’t have to be

grandiose in my gestures to be appreciated. Kindness is not measured by the depth of your

pockets or the loudness of your actions.

I have gained an appreciation of myself. I will strive to be as kind, caring, and compassionate to

myself as I am with others. I will see the positivity that I contribute to the lives around me and

focus on that.