Career Transitions- Student Endorsements 2016

 This is the third time that I have taught Career Transitions here at Empire. It is a rewarding class to teach because it changes students' views of themselves. Starting with the curriculum of the Pacific Institute and supplemented with inspiring personal stories student begin to see the ways that they have been sabotaging themselves in the past by negative self-talk and destructive patterns of thinking. Career Transitions helps students build confidence and create goals by using and practicing with tools such as affirmations and visualizations. Without a doubt it is the most powerful teaching experience that I have ever had. These little reviews just asked for a class evaluation. As you read, you will see that class also changed lives.  I have published the comments from my two previous classes on my Linked In page.

Students evaluate Career Transitions class taught by Ed Lynch

Take about 10 minutes to think about how this has affected you. What could be added or subtracted? Are there other resources that you may have found useful?  Should I have spent more time on some subjects and less time on others.  Should there be more time set aside for interacting with your classmates? On the back also write what would improve the experience.

March 14, 2016 to April 28, 2016

Anonymous: I am walking away from this class with a more positive attitude about myself. I have learned how to push myself to do what I need to do to achieve my goals. I thought that this class was very informative. I would have loved a bit more class discussion, but overall a great class with a great teacher.

Andrea H: This class has affected me in a way that now I have a clear vision of what I want to pursue over the next few months at Empire. Something that would enhance the class for me personally is more time on activities like the Life Boat exercise, because then you have an opportunity of getting to know people and interact with them.

Sonya O: I think this is a short amount of time for a course like this, so maybe not as many videos. I did like the encouragement and advice given.

Tanya G.: I really valued this class and my instructor. He has given me the ability to be able to filter the non-sense around me, and remain positive. I have used all of the skills that I was taught in here, since the first day of class. I am able to view and have empathy towards others, so I am not annoyed or aggravated as easily. Thank you so much for everything! I don’t have a good support system, and want to quit every day, but this class helps me remember why I started in the first place. Every day we struggle to find a ride here, and eventually do, even if we are late when we show up. We are truly sorry for not being on time. Thanks again!

Josh K: I really enjoyed this class. At the beginning I was (and still am) going through a very tough break up, and move out. It was absolute fate to be taking this class at the same time. The affirmations and the self-positivity really helped me through a big portion of it. I almost wish you could take it every module. You have a really big heart, and you are very positive. I really like you as an instructor. You made me feel happy and laugh. Thanks.

Richard G: In my opinion I didn’t take anything from this class. I was constantly arguing with you on facts including the fact that this class is teaching people this it is okay to lie to yourself. I feel this class should have been taught in Junior High at the latest.

(I found Richard’s comments interesting because there is an aspect to this class, where a student might think they are lying to themselves. Building self-esteem means ridding oneself of the habit of negative self-talk. The idea is that we cannot have an objective view of ourselves. Many scotomas blind us to our faults. I teach student to do affirmations – positive self-talk- even though they might not believe what they are saying. One of my principles is “Fake it till you make it.” I can see how he thought that he was lying to himself.)

Tannya P: This class gave me hope and confidence to pursue my dreams. The video that touched me was the Aimee Mullins video. It made me appreciate all of the things that others take for granted. Also the affirmations were great. I will go back and just read them when I am having a bad day. Thanks, Ed.

 Monique P: I liked the videos, but it was hard to sit in the dark at 8 pm. The affirmations are a good idea for people who haven’t been to school in a long time. It’s encouragement to help us pass our classes. We all have negative thoughts sometimes. It’s hard to push forward. Taking the time to bring in positive thoughts is great. I liked how we took a picture showing us what we will look like at graduation.  It’s great encouragement to push forward.

Samantha A: I really liked the body positions and what they mean about you. I use the thrust your arms to sky to get more testosterone. I use it a lot, especially before work. I have changed my thoughts and image of myself since this class. More scotomas- I really liked those. I use affirmations daily. More group work and debates.

Amalia G: I enjoyed your class. It helped me realize that I don’t give myself enough credit sometimes. I caught myself thinking positive during stressful times at work, which prior I would let the environment ruin my day. For adding or subtracting material- I actually enjoyed team projects. I would recommend more of them. It helped me to get to know my classmates, but also helped make the class less stressful. It helped open up a safe/ comfortable place to discuss things with each other. Overall I had a great time. Thank you, Ed.