The Value of a One-to-One

While I've loved learning so much about South Africa- its culture, history, etc.- last night I learned a few more things about myself.

Last night most of the group was hanging out at our house, enjoying each other’s company and getting to know each other even better. In our leadership minor, we have a concept that we refer to as a “one to one”. In a brief summary, a one to one is when two people sit down together, and truly get to know each other on a deeper level. It’s about finding out their “story”- not just their likes, hobbies, where they’ve been. It’s about finding out who they really are. Last night I had a really great one to one with Jesse. Jesse and I were in our fall leadership class together last semester, but we’d never really gotten to know each other until this trip. Somehow, between the group’s jokes, a few drinks and some music, I found myself in a deep conversation with Jesse. I don’t even remember what prompted it, but we ended up talking for probably over an hour. It’s amazing how much you can learn about someone if you just shut up and listen. What we talked about isn’t important, but I feel like I was really able to connect with someone on a level that isn’t common in most college social situations.

Talking with Jesse taught me how to be a better listener, a better friend, a better communicator. I realized just how much everyone has to offer, and how it’s possible to really connect with someone who you may not have realized you would. In essence, talking with Jesse taught me how to be a better leader.

I can’t wait to see what my other 15 classmates have to teach me.