Discussion Question "The Last Time" with students

You Developed a new skill: 3 years ago, when I started working as a baker/ cake decorator. I've always had an interest and a career based in the food service/culinary arts industry. I had limited skills on baking, so I took a part time job as a bakery clerk one summer. From there, I learned how to make bread from scratch, along with decorating cakes, making fruit tarts, cookie cakes, and so many other confectionary treats.

Felt amazingly and authentically happy: I would say now. Since the pandemic started, I took a new on a managerial role with a new company. As I finish up my last semester, I am definitely appreciative of the space that I am currently in.

Felt proud: When my small business turned 3 years old this year. I have a catering business that has been really taking off. I thought with the pandemic, business would slow down. However, it has increased.

Felt completely focused: When the pandemic first started, my pace of life was a lot slower. I can honestly say I have lost a little of my focus due to new work responsibilities. The last time I felt completely focused was the beginning of 2018. I had just enrolled back in school, along with starting my business that year.

Felt true inner peace: In my younger years, when I envisioned myself at this age, I didn't account for mental health and factors like stability, financial freedom, and just overall satisfaction with self. Due to this realization, I would say I feel the most inner peace now as I approach my late 20's. As I reach new levels of independence and take on new career roles, my mental health is always a priority.

Felt truly successful: With so many concurrent projects going on, I have yet to feel successful. I graduate in May, so maybe once I finish my long term goal of completing my degree, maybe my feelings will change.

Did something I didn’t want to do but forced myself to do it was: I decided to get the Covid vaccination. I am an essential employee in a Nursing home. I have seen the impacts of covid for the last year, along with witnessing several patients and employees contract the virus. This all aided me in making the final decision to get the vaccine. I had no side effects at all, however I have witnessed other wise for some people. I due think that age is a major factor in the impact on the body.

2nd students response

“The Last time”

Developed a new skill:

I developed a new skill earlier this week using Excel. We use Excel at work, and I learned a lot on it to help. It helps me out with calculating tons of numbers and making spread sheets. I was never really good at using it, but I have been practicing and been getting better. This is just one of the few apps we use, and it is really helpful.

Felt amazingly and authentically happy:

The last time I felt amazingly happy was today. I was happy because I slept well and woke up in a good mood and I cleaned my room. I went to my nail appointment and then I cleaned the house, and I am doing homework now. I have good grades and work is going well. My day has been really good and that makes me happy.

Felt proud of me:

I felt proud of myself yesterday. I was proud because it was Friday, and I got all my work done that needed to be done at work. I worked on school and got a lot of assignment’s turned in. I was also proud because I was on time for work that whole week and It was my first week at my new job and it went really well. Also, I did not get stressed out over the little things.

Felt completely focused:

I feel completely focused right now. I am focused on getting my work done for school, so I am not behind. I like to sit down and focus for a couple hours a day and try to get as much done as I can. This helps me so I know what assignments I need to do, and I can keep track of my schoolwork.

Felt true inner peace:

I felt Inner peace a couple weekends ago when I was in the mountains at the Hot Springs. it was so peaceful and calm, and the water was amazing. The view was so pretty, and it was nice to just relax. I loved it because it was quiet, and I could just think and not be stressed.

Felt truly successful:

Last week I felt successful. I felt successful because I had everything, I needed to do done I was caught up on homework and I was organized at work. My room was clean and i felt happy and like I succeeded for the day. Some days get really overwhelming and I feel like I didn't do as much as I could have done. Those days I do get everything done I feel successful.

Did something I didn't want to do but forced myself to do it:

The last time I did something I didn't want to do but forced myself to do it was going to the gym. it was very hard for me to get motivated and want to do something. I am glad I went because I felt great afterwards. Sometimes you just have to force yourself to do something even though you don't want to.