Since communication is the construction of meaning between different parties, every person has a stake in the conversations they make with other people. One major communication struggle that I deal with is my arrogance. I stick very closely to the transmission model of communication.  In my previous semester, I took Comm 105P, Self and Society with Professor Holopainen. When we began discussion of the Transmission Model, I realized just how limiting that frame of mind really is.

When I speak, I subconsciously try and persuade other people to see things my way. I feel that what I understand in my head is "correct" or "right." This is really evident when it comes down to questions of value. This is where I usually get into arguments with others since neither of us want to consider anything but what we consider our "truths". It is a huge fault of mine, but I have made progress in changing my attitude. I still have a ways to go, so I am hoping that this current semester fosters even more growth as I learn more about the Communication Studies field.

The main thing I aim to do is to change my mindset, which can only come from knowledge. Specifically, gaining a better understanding of how communication works. Understanding how communication functions is powerful, because by gaining an understanding, one can change behaviors in how they communicate with others. The main shift is to stop seeing communication as someTHING, and instead see it as what it really is. Communication is a process, in which meaning is proposed, evaluated, and contested. Although I have taken Communication classes before, there is still to learn and much to do.