Personal Relationships

Growing up, networking and making connections was a way of life in my family. My parents work in Washington DC in public relations, and through them learned and saw the importance of communication and relationship-building. I always thought of myself as a good communicator, but it wasn't until I took Dr. Leah LeFebvre's Interpersonal Communication class that I truly understood the science behind effective communication.

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In the class, I learned that effective communication forms the bedrock of strong personal relationships. Learning about active listening, empathy, and nonverbal communication opened my eyes to how crucial these skills are in understanding and connecting with others. Studying communication models like the transactional model showed me the dynamic nature of conversations and how both verbal and nonverbal cues play a role in interaction.

 

A big lesson I took away from the class is emotional intelligence. Being able to understand and manage my own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others, proved vital in nurturing healthy relationships. I put these skills into practice during class exercises and real-life situations, like conflict resolution scenarios. For example, in a group project, I used active listening to ensure everyone felt valued, leading to a more collaborative outcome.

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Outside of class, these skills have been invaluable. Whether it's navigating personal conflicts, building stronger friendships, or improving my romantic relationships, the lessons from Dr. LeFebvre's class have enhanced my interpersonal interactions in all aspects of life.