The H 142 paper's coming along pretty well - I'll almost certainly finish before I take off for riding tonight - so I'll take a brief span of time to write here.

A week ago, I decided to take the Myers-Briggs evaluation through the Career Development Center (a really sweet deal, as it's free through them - I strongly recommend it) and examine my strengths and weaknesses before making any more momentous decisions about my future (like whether or not to go on to grad school). Fred suggested it sometime last spring, I think, when I was beginning to question what I should do in the future - he'd taken it in order to figure out what he should concentrate on in the future, and said that the results really helped him. Test results indicate I'm definitely an ISFJ, with some mixed areas. I discussed the findings with one of the counselors there, Angela Wood, and after looking at the profile, she agreed that I'd made the right decision in switching to history. Why? I prefer doing something obviously useful and practical for the future, and though I'm curious and interested in details, I'm just not inquisitive enough to pursue scientific research. Also, I'm more focused on feelings and helping things run smoothly than finding new and different ways to accomplish something that already has a traditional working method... ie, it's better that I work with people. I'll need to really make an effort to establish connections wherever I end up, and I'll work best when in a warm, friendly environment where my efforts are recognized. Looking back, it's awfully good to know that my decision was correct (as if my improved mood wasn't evidence enough), and I can now focus on playing to my strengths, as well as shoring up weaknesses.

Looking at this report clarifies things - some of the assessments I'd expected, but others I hadn't given much thought to, and it's good to be able to see both your strengths and weaknesses at once. It's interesting, and you'll probably learn something useful. If you're interested in exactly what information you'll get out of it, you can come by and take a look at my report - it only takes about 2-3 hours of your time tops (30 min to 1 hour discussing background with a counselor, 1 hour for the test, and 1 hour minimum for discussion of results with counselor. The counselors are friendly and willing to talk with you later about results if you come up with more questions - just make an appointment).

The career development center's on the third floor of the student center on holliston - go ahead and check it out. They won't bite, I promise. ;)

And an interesting quiz.

My sphere is Guardian (Person of great Love and Altruism), and my class is Defender (Peaceful, yet Potent). I am a Warden. To be a Warden is to be the ultimate Guardian. Whether a physical Guardian or an essential Guardian, is up to you. You may be both. To be a physical Guardian is to be a living, breathing testament to the love you carry for a person, or people, whose lives you will always defend if you possibly can. To be an essential Guardian is to be a living, breathing testament to the security that your wards seek, and will look to you for your always kind, always nurturing support. What kind of Warrior are you?

Ok, back to that h 142 essay now...