To keep abreast of current events and topics of interest, the sources of information that I frequently use are television news, television newsmagazines, talk radio and local newspapers. From time to time, I read local events on the Internet. If I watch a particular show on television and want more information on it, I go to the webpage on the Internet for more precise information. I can then cross-reference and find related subjects by web surfing. I use encyclopedias at home to get information because libraries are not nearby. In addition, I use a CD-ROM or the Internet to make sure that I have accurate and recent information. The most important tool that I use for information is my computer, because of the many avenues available to me via

My memory can be atrocious. I can't put things away at home because I forget where I put them. I leave one room only to forget which room I'm going into next. Names and faces are difficult to recall, and yet I remember sets of numbers without a problem. I can recall the social security numbers of all my children, my partner and both my ex-husbands. I can remember the VIN number to my car without thinking twice about it. I visualize destinations in my head and when giving directions, I give the most direct route. Sometimes, when speaking Spanish and I can't find the word, I have to jump back in English to find a comparative word in Spanish. I compensate by writing things in my date book. Sometimes, I can't remember where I put that either!

While writing this portrait of myself, I have discovered that I frequently use and apply these skills regularly in making decisions that affect my life. I've learned where I excel and noted where I need to put constant effort. Experience makes us better learners and helps us limit our mistakes and identify our joys. Experience teaches us that there is no greater joy than the birth of a child, or a more annoying pain than when you stub your little toe on the corner of the bed. It taught me that fish don't always bite but those little worms do. It taught me to appreciate honesty and value integrity. Take my time, enjoy my children, and jump on the bed. Love unconditionally and without limits. Admit defeat and say sorry. Never lie to crazy people. Read Emerson. Write a letter to a friend. Don't kick your enemy when they are down, but never turn your back either. Learning is an ongoing process that makes me the person that I am. The most important thing that I've learned is that I haven't learned everything I want to. Yet.

Communication skills are an integral part of learning. The educational planning book for this course states that communication skills aren't "neat" and occurs "simultaneously as the transfer of information takes place". I strongly agree with this statement as it pertains to my learning abilities and experiences. When I listen to people, I listen to the words they choose as well as which words were not chosen. In order to limit the possibility of miscommunication, I try to clarify what has been said by "paraphrasing". My concentration tends to wan when the topic doesn't interest me. When my attention has been captured, I retain all that has been said verbatim, generally, word for word. Making a speech in front of a group of people allows me to express my views and opinions on a variety of subject

Some common words found in the essay are:
I'm Names, Writing Communication, Skills Observation, Data Throughout, Experience Conclusion, Evaluation Interpretation, Information Gathering, Interim Operations, LEARNING PORTRAIT, Emerson Write, communication skills, i've learned, listen people, quantitative reasoning, activity log, observation skills,
Approximate Word count = 1747
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)