STAR Stories

Camilla Dinkins
STAR Stories
CLSS 2100
April 8, 2011
1. Give an example of what teamwork means to you.
Situation: In my freshman year of college, I was in a difficult human anatomy class.
Task: I was assigned to a group of 5 students to complete a project demonstrating all the major body systems and their important anatomical structures.
Action: With the other members of my team, I divided the body systems among us, and we each worked on drawing and labeling a body system. We met together frequently to give each other suggestions and to coordinate our efforts.
Result: We were able to complete our project with a very detailed model that earned each of us an A.
2. Give me an example of a major challenge that you faced, and how you went about addressing the problem, and how it turned out.
Situation: Two years ago, my husband left me with three young children and no financial support. I had been a stay at home mom for 7 years, and did not have any skills to provide for my family.
Task: I needed to take control of myself emotionally, and focus on meeting the immediate needs of my family, and making a plan for the future.
Action: I went to personal therapy to deal with my emotions. I enrolled in a personal and professional development class. I decided to return to school to learn a skill in order to provide for my children. I cared for my three children while attending school full time and meeting all my other obligations.
Result: I have now completed my Associate’s degree with honors and have decided to pursue a career in nursing. I am confident and in control of my life. My children are happy, healthy and have a stable and loving environment.
3. Describe a past goal and how you achieved it.
Situation: During my first semester of college, I made a goal to get a 4.0 GPA.
Task: I scheduled my time carefully. I needed to balance my schoolwork with my other responsibilities.
Action: I stuck to my homework schedule consistently. I eliminated non-essential elements that took up my time. I spent several hours working on homework each night after my kids were in bed.
Result: I achieved my 4.0 GPA for the semester, and realized I had learned valuable skills that I could continue to use throughout my life. I continued following these patterns and although my classes became more difficult, I have maintained a very high GPA throughout the past 4 semesters. My current GPA is 3.8.